Industrial panel meters can be installed on a large range of machinery to ensure they're operating correctly. It's not unusual to find a meter on welders, conveyors, pumps, presses, bottling machines, ski lifts, tramways and construction equipment. Most panel meters measure the machine's voltage, but they can also measure temperature, current, process and strain. The most common panel meters accept one input from the machine, but specialized panel meters can accept multiple inputs for different readings.

Panel meters are typically placed on a machine's instrument panel. Meters are available in analog and digital options. In past years, every panel meter was analog, but digital panel meters are increasing in popularity. However, some machines can input only to an analog meter. When purchasing industrial panel meters, consider the following:

1. Prevent your expensive machinery from shorting out with a voltage panel meter.

2. Install analog panel meters if you prefer your gauges to measure inputs with a dial. Read your machine's specifications to learn if analog meters are required.

3. Order digital panel meters if you need to read the instrument's numbers in bright light or from a distance.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Monitor electrical current with a voltage panel meter

To ensure your equipment is working properly, install a voltage panel meter, also called a voltmeter. The instrument measures the voltage between two points in an electrical or electronic circuit. Voltage panel meters are available in both analog and digital options.

I recommend: Order a voltage panel meter from Cal-Tek Company. The company stands out among panel meter suppliers as an ISO/IEC 17025 certified primary standards laboratory that offers sales and service of electrical, electronic and mechanical test equipment. Flex-Core, which specializes in measurement, monitoring, recording and control of current, power and energy, offers three different models of voltage panel meters.

Find analog panel meters

Analog panel meters are becoming rarer in the workforce as digital panel meters gain popularity. Although they're not as simple to read as their digital counterparts, some professionals prefer watching the dial on an analog gauge, and some applications require analog panel meters.

I recommend: Browse several models of analog panel meters, including slim space-saver designs, at Yokogawa. The company can add modifications to its standard models to fit a variety of applications. Shokai Far East offers analog panel meters customized with your company's logo and color scheme on the faceplate.

Order digital panel meters

Digital panel meters can simplify your instrument panel with their clear, easy-to-read displays. Digital displays can be seen at greater distances than analog displays, and because there's no dial gauge to judge, there's less room for error when reading the numbers.

I recommend: If your instrument panel is often in direct light, order a digital panel reader from Murata Power Solutions. The meters' bright LED displays are clearly visible even in direct sunlight. Red Lion Controls offers digital panel meters that measure voltage, current, temperature, process and strain gage. The company offers a trade-in program for businesses using meters from other panel meter manufacturers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Expect your instrument panel to be cut to accommodate the panel meter. Be sure the size of the panel meter is appropriate for the panel and surrounding instruments.