Packet Power Branch Circuit Monitors Cut Installation Time in Half [VIDEO]

Easily add branch circuit monitoring to any RPP, PDU or power distribution panel to gather the information needed to allocate energy costs, avoid outages, balance loads, extend the life of existing equipment and plan future capacity. Packet Power’s flexible Branch Circuit Monitoring system is designed to minimize installation time and costs.

With our Monitoring Made to Measure approach, your branch circuit monitor is built to your specifications and arrives fully configured -- no field configuration required. This video walks you through the installation process.

Branch Circuit Monitor Installation Video

Before Installation

It’s important that the installation is done by a qualified professional. They should wear the proper protective equipment whenever handling a CT on a live conductor.

Disconnect power to the panel if possible. If it is not possible to disconnect power, always treat CT leads as though they carry line voltage.

Mount the Branch Circuit Monitor

Mount the monitor as close as possible to the panel being monitored. The monitor can be mounted on the panel itself, on a wall, or under a raised floor.

Connect the Voltage

Run the CT interconnect cables and voltage leads from the monitor into the panel. Then connect the voltage leads. It is best to use a three-pole breaker because it provides overcurrent protection and offers a convenient means of disconnecting power from the branch circuit monitor. Be sure to connect the voltage leads to the correct phase based on your voltage service type.

After that, connect the ground wire to earth. This is critical. If you fail to properly ground the monitoring device it could result in a dangerous or fatal electrocution.

Attach the CT Interconnect Boards and Cables

Mount the CT Interconnect Board inside the panel. Clean the inside of the panel and use the tape provided to mount the CT interconnect boards. Make sure to orient the board so that the black connector header faces away from the panel.

Attach the connector at the end of the CT interconnect cable to the corresponding CT interconnect board header. The interconnect cables and boards are labeled to help you connect the right ones. If you connect them wrong you will get incorrect readings.

Install the CTs

Route each CT harness inside the panel and secure them as desired.

Use the latch on the side of the CT to open it. Position the CT on the conductor so that the CT lead faces toward the load and away from the source. Connect each CT to the conductor. Close the CT and ensure the latch has clicked into place.

Each CT lead from the wire harness will have a label. Connect the CT tail to the corresponding CT wire harness lead using the quick connectors. Connecting a CT to the wrong wire will lead to incorrect readings. If you are monitoring infeed circuits, follow the same process for installing the infeed CTs.

Begin Transmitting Data

After all components are installed, you can switch power on to the device. Once power is supplied, the branch circuit monitor will automatically begin to transmit data. It is always a good idea to verify readings against other sources to ensure the installation was performed correctly.

Packet Power’s monitors transmit data wirelessly using a secure purpose-built wireless protocol, proven to work in facilities worldwide.

It is unlikely you will run into problems while installing Packet Power’s branch circuit monitors. If you do, we are happy to help. Email support@packetpower.com.

If you are looking to monitor equipment at the circuit level that is an option with Packet Power devices as well.