To make the ordering process faster and smoother with a few simple tips and by using our ordering template.
When scoping energy monitoring for a large commercial site, there is likely to be a number of individual switchboards and different monitoring requirements for each project, so please read the following guide and then use our template. You will find the template at the end of the article.
- Choose the right product based on maximum circuit ratings.
- Choose the correct CT size for each circuit.
- One A6M can be used to monitor multiple circuits.
- Different CTs ratings can be used with the same A6M device.
- Each A6M device has an independent antenna and communications
- Different Rogowski Coil sizes are available
- Allow space between Auditors
- Powering groups of Auditors
- Use CT disconnection shorting blocks where possible
- Order Template
Quick overview of all Auditor hardware
How all our devices communicate: All Wattwatchers auditor devices primarily communicate to our cloud service using an internal 4G modem with a Wattwatchers managed sim card. Every device comes with a stubby antenna that mounts to the front of the device. There is no configuration required to get the device to communicate, just turn it on and it will automatically connect!
How all our devices power up: All Wattwatchers auditor devices can be powered up either using single phase, two phase or three phase at 80-260VAC per phase
1. Choose the product you need
Wattwatchers A6M
For monitoring 6x loads up to 600A
How it powers up
Using terminal green plug on the top.
It can be powered by either single phase, two phase or three phase at 80-260VAC per phase
What can it monitor
This device is used to monitor loads from 60A to 600A using CTs and cables up to 36mm in diameter. (If you need to measure higher then 600A or larger cables, see the A3RM below)
How many CT (Current transformers) can it fit
Up to 6x CTs can be installed with mixed Amperage ratings
Hardware size
Takes up two poles on a din rail inside a switchboard
How it communicates
Via 4G to our cloud.
Wattwatchers A3RM
For monitoring 3x loads up to 3000A using Rogowski Coils only
How it powers up
Using terminal green plug on the top.
It can be powered by either single phase, two phase or three phase at 80-260VAC per phase
What can it monitor
Loads up to 3000A
Only 3x Rogowski coils can be installed
How it communicates
Via 4G to our cloud.
Hardware size
Takes up two poles on a din rail inside a switchboard
More info
The A3RM is supplied with 3x 3000A Rogowski Coils that have a 95mm opening.
Wattwatchers can special-order larger 3000A Rogowski Coils with 200mm and 290mm openings if required.
You will want to choose this device when you have a situation where CTs will not fit, such as busbars and multiple incoming cables or the circuit you are trying to monitor is higher then 600A per phase.
Wattwatchers A6M+ONE
A6M with modbus inputs and 1x PMC meter with billing certified channels (NMI Pattern approved)
This is a bundle, you get the A6M with modbus connections and a PMC meter
This bundle is our recommended choice for when you need a billing solution, to create LGCs or to satisfy NABERS/ Green Star requirements.
A6M with modbus connections- This is the same hardware as the A6M above but just with the added modbus inputs so you can connect our PMC meter into. The A6M acts as the communication device for the PMC meter but you can also use it as a standard A6M with its own CTs along with the PMC.
PMC meter - The PMC meter is an accumulative meter that has an on device LCD display that also sends its power readings to the A6M. The PMC also stores the accumulation readings in the device, which means that if comms goes down on the A6M, the PMC will continue to accumulate.
If you are going to order an A6M+ONE You will need to choose the right PMC meter as there are 3 types.
2. Choose the correct CT size for each circuit
For example, if you want to monitor a circuit that has a 180A breaker, you will choose the closest next size up, which is our 200A CTs.
For detailed information about CT ratings and supported cable sizes, see our articles at https://service.wattwatchers.com.au/choosing-the-right-auditor-and-sensors-cts-or-rogowski-coils
https://service.wattwatchers.com.au/hardware/ct-rogowski-coils
3. One A6M can be used to monitor multiple circuits
Wattwatchers A6M devices support up to 6 CTs, which can monitor two three phase circuits if needed. So if there are two three phase circuits at a switchboard, one A6M can be used to monitor both circuits.
Please note: Don't split monitoring channels across tenancies - access is controlled at device-level. So if you have multiple tenancies, use one device for each.
4. Different CTs ratings can be used with the same A6M device
The Wattwatchers A6M supports up to 6 CTs that can each be of different sizes.
It is unusual to have 6 different sizes, but for three phase switchboard applications, a configuration such as 3x 200A and 3x 600A CTs is supported.
5. Each A6M device has an independent antenna and communications
Wattwatchers devices do not communicate with each other and send their data directly to the Wattwatchers cloud platform.
Every A6M device has an antenna on the front of the device which can be replaced with an external antenna (that is, one with a cable that runs from the device to the antenna, mounted outside the switchboard).
If a large number of devices are to be installed in an electrical switch room with weak signal strength, the same number of external antennas and cables may be required.
Alternatively, consider a signal repeater.
6. Different Rogowski Coil sizes are available
The A3RM is supplied with 3x 3000A Rogowski Coils that have a 95mm opening.
Wattwatchers can special-order larger Rogowski Coils with 200mm and 290mm openings if required. Larger Rogowski Coils still support up to 3000A.
Please contact sales@wattwatchers.com.au, as longer lead times may apply.
7. Allow space between Auditors
If a number of Auditors are to be installed side by side, it is recommended to space them out with DIN rail spacers between each device.
This ensures that there is adequate airflow around the device for operation in hot environments.
8. Powering groups of Auditors
Ideally one breaker should be used to power each Auditor device to allow for power cycling during installation and troubleshooting.
However, this may not be practical in a large switchboard with many devices installed in one switchboard.
In this situation, it is recommended to break up the Auditors into smaller groups of 2–3 Auditors per breaker so that switching the breaker does not disconnect all devices in the switchboard.
9. Use CT disconnection shorting blocks where possible
Where possible, using CT disconnection shorting blocks is recommended to allow future maintenance or replacement of the Auditor without the need to de-energise the circuits being monitored.
CT disconnection shorting blocks must short the CT terminals together before the cables are disconnected from the Auditor device.
10. Order Template
Once you have worked out the type and quantity of each device and CTs, the following ordering template is recommended to allow us to quickly provide you with a detailed quote.
You can download this template and use it to fill out what you require.
After completion, email the template to support@wattwatchers.com.au and include any notes. A Wattwatchers technician will review it, address any issues, and forward it to the sales team to confirm the order with you.
Remember that A3RM devices don’t need CTs because the set of 3x 3000A Rogowski Coils is included!
When filling out the CT quantity in the ordering template, each quantity represents one CT. The final CT quantities will be calculated based on sets of 3 CTs due to packaging requirements. So for example, if you order 4x 60A CTs, you will be supplied with 6 CTs in total (as two sets of 3)