Choosing a power quality meter for energy management often hinges on a practical question: will this unit collect the measurements you need and communicate them to the systems you already rely on? The GE PQMII-T20-C-A is a used power quality meter that attempts to answer that question with a broad feature set and a listed price of USD 649.99.
Quick verdict: If your setup uses Modbus RTU over RS485 and you need analog outputs, this GE Multilin PQMII is a credible candidate. The listed capabilities cover voltage, current, frequency, power factor, kW, kvar, kVA, and total harmonic distortion, which covers a wide range of energy management tasks.
GE PQMII-T20-C-A Power Quality Meter
The PQMII-T20-C-A configuration includes three 4 to 20 mA analog outputs (the T20 option) and four programmable digital/logic inputs (the C option). That combination means the meter can do more than just display data: it can feed analog signals to a PLC, an RTU, or a chart recorder while also accepting external digital signals. The communication port is RS485 with Modbus RTU, a widely used protocol for industrial energy monitoring.
From a wiring standpoint, the unit accepts current transformer inputs rated for 1A or 5A secondary, and it can measure voltage directly up to 600 VAC (or via instrument transformers for higher voltages). The control power supply is 90-300 VDC or 70-265 VAC at 50/60 Hz, so it can be powered from a variety of panel supplies. The output relays are rated for 8 amps at 250 VAC resistive, which is appropriate for driving annunciators or control circuits, though you would not directly switch heavy loads. In short, the strength of this unit is its combination of analog and digital I/O; the main limitation is that it is a pre-owned item, so you need to be comfortable with a used instrument.
Who it suits: This meter is a good match for a facility that already has an RS485 Modbus RTU network and wants a single instrument that can feed power measurements into that system. It also suits projects where analog outputs are needed to interface with older or less network-aware equipment.
What stands out from the listed details: The pairing of the T20 analog outputs with four digital inputs is the most distinctive aspect of this particular configuration. Many power meters offer one or the other, but the T20 option ties the two together. The four programmable digital inputs add flexibility for status monitoring, and the 1A/5A CT compatibility makes it adaptable to different current transformer setups.
Meaningful trade-offs: The unit is used, and the listing describes it as pre-owned, thoroughly tested, and fully functional. As a pre-owned unit, it should be evaluated with the same caution you would apply to any used electrical instrument. The 40-character backlit LCD is functional but compact, so you will likely do most of your monitoring through the RS485 link rather than at the front panel. And, as with any used gear, you should be prepared to integrate it into your own energy management workflow without expecting new-in-box cosmetics.
Bottom line: For a shopper with an established Modbus RTU backbone and a need for analog outputs, the GE PQMII-T20-C-A at USD 649.99 is a practical pre-owned option. The specifications are broad for the listed price, and the pre-owned condition is a trade-off worth weighing in your decision.
