PXe-PA6000 Power Meter
PXe-PA6000
The PXe-PA6000 Power Meter provides practical electrical measurement for workshops, test benches, laboratories and service applications where engineers need to check power consumption and basic load behaviour quickly.
The compact bench-top instrument measures active power, apparent power, power factor, energy consumption, AC and DC voltage, AC and DC current, frequency and resistance. True RMS measurement supports practical testing of real electrical loads rather than limiting the meter to simple sinusoidal conditions.
Direct current measurement is available up to 10A, while optional clamp and current-transformer arrangements extend the usable current range for higher-power equipment. An RS232 interface and supplied analysis software allow measurements to be transferred to a computer for recording and review.
The PA6000 is intended for routine power measurement, product checks, fault finding and workshop testing. For detailed harmonic analysis, multi-channel efficiency measurements or full Static Frequency Converter commissioning, the PXe-PA9xx Series Power Analysers are the more appropriate instruments.
Technical Highlights for Bench-Top Power Measurement
Workshop, Bench-Top & Service Measurement
Compact portable format for practical power measurements during product testing, fault finding, servicing and laboratory work.
Power, Energy & Electrical Measurement
Measures active power, apparent power, power factor, energy consumption, AC/DC voltage, AC/DC current, frequency and resistance from one instrument.
True RMS with Flexible Current Measurement
Provides true RMS AC voltage and current measurement, with direct current input plus optional clamp and CT arrangements for higher-current applications.
Display, Hold & Alarm Functions
Large LCD shows key electrical values simultaneously, with data hold, peak hold and programmable high/low alarm functions for power and apparent power.
RS232 Data Analysis & Recording
Measured values can be transferred to a computer through RS232, with supplied software supporting display, graphical review and longer-term recording.
Product Information
Measurement Configuration
The PA6000 can be used with several current-measurement arrangements depending on the equipment under test.
The correct configuration depends primarily on the expected current and whether the circuit can be opened for direct measurement.
Direct Current Measurement
For lower-current equipment, current can be measured directly through the PA6000.
The published direct current range is:
Maximum 10A AC or DC
This arrangement provides a straightforward method for measuring the electrical performance of appliances, electronic equipment and other lower-current loads.
Where the expected current exceeds the direct-input rating, a clamp or current-transformer arrangement should be used instead.
Clamp Current Measurement
A suitable current clamp allows current to be measured without routing the load current directly through the meter.
This is useful where:
- The current exceeds the PA6000 direct-input limit
- The circuit cannot conveniently be interrupted
- Larger equipment is being tested
- Temporary service measurements are required
The PA6000 supports clamp measurement up to 2000A, depending on the clamp selected.
PXe-PA-ADP Current Adapter
The optional PXe-PA-ADP current adapter provides a convenient higher-current measurement option for the PA6000.
Published characteristics include:
- 200A / 1000A AC and DC current ranges
- Clamp measurement without interrupting the current path
- DC zero adjustment
- Accuracy of approximately ±1.5% / ±2%, depending on range
- Dimensions approximately 190 × 64 × 33.5mm
This option is useful for workshop and service applications where current regularly exceeds the PA6000 direct-input capability.
Current Transformer Input
The PA6000 can also be used with a suitable current transformer or external converter.
This allows the meter to be incorporated into applications where the measured current is significantly higher than the instrument’s direct-input range.
When an external CT or converter is used, its ratio, accuracy and frequency performance form part of the overall measurement system and should be considered when interpreting the displayed power and current values.
Measurement Functions
| Measurement | PA6000 Capability |
|---|---|
| Active Power | Direct measurement of real AC power |
| Apparent Power | VA measurement for connected AC loads |
| Power Factor | Displays load power factor from 0.00 to 1.00 |
| Energy | Accumulated Wh / kWh measurement |
| Voltage | AC and DC voltage measurement up to 600V |
| Current | AC and DC current by direct input, clamp or CT arrangement |
| Frequency | 10.0 to 999Hz |
| Resistance | Resistance measurement for basic electrical checks |
Low-Power Measurement
The PA6000 provides useful resolution for smaller electrical loads.
For lower-power product testing, the meter provides power measurement suitable for equipment such as:
- LED lighting
- Small appliances
- Electronic products
- Chargers and adapters
- Control equipment
- Small power supplies
This makes the PA6000 particularly useful where the objective is to compare practical power consumption rather than perform detailed waveform or harmonic analysis.
Display and Hold Functions
The 93 × 52mm multifunction LCD allows several electrical values to be viewed during testing.
Depending on the operating mode, the display can provide information such as:
- Power
- Apparent power
- Power factor
- Voltage
- Current
- Frequency
- Energy consumption
Data Hold allows a displayed reading to be retained, while Peak Hold is useful for capturing short-duration maximum values during practical testing.
Power and VA Alarms
High and low alarm thresholds can be set for active power and apparent power.
This provides a simple pass/fail indication where a product is expected to operate within defined power-consumption limits.
Typical uses include:
- Production quality checks
- Appliance testing
- Service diagnostics
- Detecting abnormal power consumption
- Identifying changes in equipment behaviour
Computer Interface and Software
The PA6000 includes an RS232 interface for connection to a computer.
The supplied analysis software can display multiple measurement values and provide graphical recording over time, allowing electrical behaviour to be reviewed after the test.
This is useful where a single displayed value does not tell the full story, for example when observing:
- Warm-up behaviour
- Changes in load consumption
- Equipment cycling
- Longer-duration energy use
- Intermittent operating conditions
The PA6000 remains a practical power meter rather than a high-speed waveform recorder or precision harmonic analyser.
Selecting a PXe-PA6000 Measurement Arrangement
The standard PA6000 is suitable for a broad range of bench and workshop measurements, but the required current-measurement method should be considered before ordering.
PX will normally need to know:
| Requirement | Information to Provide |
|---|---|
| Application | Workshop testing, product validation, service measurement, energy testing or other intended use. |
| Maximum Voltage | Highest AC or DC voltage expected during measurement. |
| Maximum Current | Expected normal and maximum current of the equipment under test. |
| Current Measurement Method | Direct input, current clamp or CT arrangement. |
| Power Range | Approximate minimum and maximum power expected during testing. |
| Data Recording | Whether computer recording and analysis will be required. |
| Portability | Bench use, service use or temporary measurements around installed equipment. |
Standard PA6000
The base instrument provides:
- Power measurement
- Apparent power measurement
- Power factor
- Energy measurement
- AC/DC voltage
- AC/DC current
- Frequency
- Resistance
- True RMS measurement
- Data Hold
- Peak Hold
- High/low power alarms
- RS232 interface
- Computer analysis software
- Battery or mains-adapter operation
Optional Current Clamp
A suitable clamp can be added where non-invasive current measurement is required.
Clamp selection should be based on:
- Maximum current
- AC or DC measurement
- Conductor size
- Required accuracy
- Frequency range
The PA6000 supports current measurements up to 2000A depending on the clamp used.
PXe-PA-ADP Current Adapter
The PXe-PA-ADP is a practical accessory where AC or DC current needs to be measured up to 1000A without opening the circuit.
It is particularly useful for:
- Electrical service work
- Installed equipment
- Larger AC loads
- DC systems
- Inverters
- Power conversion equipment
- Motor and machinery checks
- CT Measurement
A CT or current-converter arrangement can be used where a fixed or higher-current installation requires indirect measurement.
The correct CT ratio and measurement arrangement should be confirmed before use.
Power Supply
The PA6000 can be powered by:
- Six AA batteries
- External mains adaptor
Battery operation makes the instrument convenient for temporary measurements and service work where a nearby auxiliary supply is unavailable.
PXe-PA6000 Technical Specification
| Function | Range / Resolution | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Real Power, Direct | 1W to 6kW; 1W resolution | ±1.5% + 1 digit |
| Real Power with External Adapter / CT | 1W to 999.9kW; 1W resolution | ±1.5% + 1 digit |
| Apparent Power | 0.01VA to 9.999kVA; 0.01VA resolution | ±1.5% + 1 digit |
| Power Factor | 0.00 to 1.00; 0.01 resolution | ±1.5% + 2 digits |
| Energy Counter | 0.001Wh to 9.999kWh; 0.001Wh resolution | ±1% + 1 digit |
| AC / DC Voltage | 0.1V to 600V | ±1% + 1 digit |
| AC / DC Current, Direct | Maximum 10A; 10mA resolution | ±1% + 1 digit |
| Current with Induction Head | Up to 1000A; 1A resolution | Subject to selected sensor |
| AC Current with Clamp | Up to 2000A depending on clamp | Subject to selected clamp |
| Frequency | 10.0 to 999Hz; 0.1Hz resolution | ±1% + 1 digit |
| Resistance | 1Ω to 19.99Ω | ±1% + 1 digit |
General Specification
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Measurement Type | True RMS |
| Display | 93 × 52mm multifunction LCD |
| Computer Interface | RS232 |
| Power Supply | 6 × AA batteries or mains adaptor |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 50°C |
| Operating Humidity | Maximum 80% RH |
| Safety Category | CAT II 600V |
| Dimensions | 280 × 210 × 90mm |
| Weight | Approx. 1.6kg |
The PXe-PA6000 is used for measuring power consumption and basic electrical performance on test benches, in workshops and during service checks. It can measure watts, VA, power factor, energy consumption, voltage, current, resistance and frequency.
A power meter is generally used for practical measurement of common electrical values such as power, voltage, current and energy consumption. A power analyser is normally used for more detailed testing, such as harmonic analysis, multi-channel efficiency measurement and formal validation work.
Yes. The PA6000 measures power factor as well as active power, apparent power and energy consumption, making it useful for checking how connected loads behave electrically.
Yes. The PA6000 includes an RS-232 interface and supplied software for transferring and analysing measurement data on a computer. The current page also shows software capability for displaying and storing measured values over time.
Yes, when used with a suitable clamp or current transformer arrangement. The page describes clamp and CT input options, including current converter support and an optional current adaptor.
It may be useful for basic checks on smaller systems or connected loads, but it should not be positioned as the main instrument for full SFC commissioning. For detailed SFC testing, harmonics, efficiency and multi-channel analysis, the PA9xx Series power analysers are more appropriate.
