Which Power Meter Should You Choose? PM8240 vs. GE PQM II for Energy Management

Quick Take

If you are choosing among power meters for energy management, the first tension is simple: pay more for a new unit, or save money on a used unit. The listed prices here range from $412.50 to $1,720. The two Schneider Electric PM8240 listings sit at opposite ends of that range, while the two GE PQM II units fall in the middle. Your decision should hinge on condition, display, communications, and the specific model features you need for your 3-phase system.

Listed Price Comparison

The price spread in this group is wide, with the two GE options sitting between the PM8240 extremes.

Decision Matrix

Product Notes

NEW METSEPM8240 Power Quality Meter, Power Logic PM8000, integrated Display

The only new unit in this group, this PowerLogic PM8000 series meter brings an integrated display to the PM8240 model. It is a compact multifunction power meter with revenue-grade accuracy and power quality analysis in a color graphical display. If you want a listed-new meter with the display built in, this is the straightforward pick. The trade-off is that it carries the highest listed price in this comparison, so you pay a clear gap over the used units. It is made by Schneider and listed as new. That makes it the reference point for what a new PM8240 costs relative to the used options.

General Electric PQM II Power Quality Meter for 3 Phase System - TESTED

The GE PQM II is listed as used and tested for a 3-phase system. Some buttons do not make a clicking sound, so you are accepting a control quirk in exchange for the midrange listed price. For a GE-brand power quality meter with a clear 3-phase focus, this is a practical option if you are comfortable buying used. The used condition is explicit. If button feel matters to you, the other GE PQMII option may be worth its higher listed price. This listing is a direct way to get a GE PQM II without paying new-meter pricing.

GE PQMII-T20-C-A POWER QUALITY METER 8A 250VAC

This used GE meter is the higher-priced GE option in the set. The model string points to a T20 transducer output option, a C control input option, and an A communications port, and the configuration includes RS485 Modbus RTU protocol. It also carries an 8 A @ 250 VAC output relay rating. If your energy management setup needs a used GE meter with analog transducer outputs and Modbus connectivity, this is the model to inspect. The trade-off is that it is used, and its listed price lands between the other used GE unit and the new Schneider meter.

Schneider Electric PM8240 Power Quality Meter PowerLogic METSEPM8240 Used

This is the least expensive meter in the comparison, and it is listed as used. It is identified as a PowerLogic PM8000 series meter, with type Power Meter / Power Monitoring Module, and it comes from Canada. If your main goal is to get a PM8240 power meter for energy management without paying new-unit pricing, this is the most direct route. The trade-off is that you are buying a used unit, so the prior service life is part of the package. Between the two PM8240 options here, this one makes sense when keeping the listed price low matters most.

Final Recommendation by Use Case

• If you want a new meter with a color graphical display, choose the NEW METSEPM8240 Power Quality Meter, Power Logic PM8000, integrated Display.
• If you want the lowest listed price and are comfortable with a used meter, choose the Schneider Electric PM8240 Power Quality Meter PowerLogic METSEPM8240 Used.
• If you need the T20/C/A option set on a used GE meter, choose the GE PQMII-T20-C-A POWER QUALITY METER 8A 250VAC.
• If you need a tested used GE meter for a 3-phase system and the button quirk is acceptable, choose the General Electric PQM II Power Quality Meter for 3 Phase System - TESTED.