What is a Panel Meter?

A panel meter is an instrument that displays an input signal in either a digital or analogue form. Many panel meters also include alarm options as well as the ability to connect and transfer data to a computer. OMEGA's iSeries panel meters are available with an ethernet option which allows the panel meter reading to be accessed across a local area network (LAN) or even through the internet.

Standard Sizes

Since panel meters are generally mounted inside an instrument panel, the panel must be cut to accommodate the panel meter. In order to provide interchangeability between panel meters, most panel meters are designed to standard DIN sizes. The most common DIN sizes are shown below.

Temperature and Process Panel Meters

The most common types of panel meter is one that accepts a single input and provides a digital display of the signal. These meters typically accept inputs from temperature sensors such as thermocouples and RTDs as well as process signals such as 4-20 mA, 0-5 Vdc and 0-10 Vdc.

Totalisers

A totaliser is a type of panel meter that provides a summation over time of the input signal. Totalizers are commonly used with pulse inputs to provide a count of the number of pulses. This is typically used in flow measurement applications.

Large Display Panel Meters

Large display panel meters are commonly used when the display must be visible at a distance. OMEGA's ILD series features digits as large as 4 inches in height.

Multi-Input Indicators and Scanners

OMEGA offers several panel meters that can accept more than one input. Some meters can switch from one channel to the next by pressing a button on the front of the meter while others will automatically scan through a series of channels. OMEGA's CN612 can accept up to 12 temperature inputs.

Benchtop Meters

OMEGA offers panel meters built into a benchtop case. The benchtop case provides portability and is commonly used in laboratory applications.

Wallmount Meters

For those applications where a panel is not available, OMEGA also offers wall mount indicators. The benchtop case provides portability and is commonly used in laboratory applications.

Analogue Meters

At one time most meters were analogue style, however, with the advent of digital technology analogue meters have become rare. Analogue meters are dial type gauges, like the speedometer in most cars. However there are some applications which still dictate analogue meters.