When building an energy monitoring system, connectivity can have a major impact on how reliably energy data reaches the monitoring platform.

WiFi offers flexible installation, while Ethernet can be useful for fixed installations where stable wired communication is preferred. This is one reason an ethernet energy meter can be an interesting option for electrical panels, solar PV systems, smart buildings, and other long-term energy monitoring applications.

But connectivity is only part of the equation. A practical ethernet energy monitor should also be evaluated based on CT measurement range, single-phase or three-phase compatibility, bidirectional energy monitoring, measurement parameters, and access to real-time data.

We ve been exploring these requirements while developing the PC4713, a CT-based energy monitoring device that combines WiFi and Ethernet connectivity and supports single-phase, split-phase, and three-phase systems.