Overview

The APM521 is a high-performance network power meter integrating full electrical measurement, high-precision energy metering, power quality analysis, event logging, and network communication.
Designed for comprehensive monitoring of critical power distribution systems, its modular structure supports flexible expansion with DI/DO, AO, second RS485, Ethernet, and other modules, making it an ideal data acquisition front-end for smart distribution, energy management, and industrial automation.

Highlight

Multi-Model Options

  • Base unit with full measurement
  • KC: 4DI + 2DO module
  • KM: 4DI + 2DO + 2AO module
  • CE: Ethernet communication module
  • Log: MicroSD card recording module
  • R: DIN rail mounting adapter

Wide Power Supply

  • AC/DC 85-265V wide range
  • ≤4W low power consumption
  • Suitable for various industrial environments

High Accuracy

  • Voltage/current: Class 0.2
  • Active energy: Class 0.2S
  • 2-63rd harmonics analysis
  • ±1% harmonic accuracy

Standard Outputs

  • RS485 Modbus-RTU
  • 2 pulse outputs (active/reactive)
  • Configurable alarm thresholds
  • Event logging capability

Function

MeasurementPower QualityEnergy & DemandI/O & AlarmsCommunication & Integration
Voltage: Phase, Line, ResidualHarmonics: 2nd-63rd, THD, Odd/EvenFour-quadrant Active/Reactive/ApparentDigital Inputs: Up to 4 (NO/NC config)Standard: 1x RS485, Modbus-RTU
Current: Phase, NeutralUnbalance: Voltage, CurrentMulti-tariff Energy: 4 tariffs, 14 periodsDigital Outputs: Up to 2 (alarm/remote)Optional: 2nd RS485 or Ethernet (Modbus-TCP, FTP)
Power: Active/Reactive/Apparent (per phase + total)Sequence: Pos/Neg/ZeroDemand Recording: Current/Power (with timestamp)Analog Outputs: Up to 2 (4-20mA, etc.)Protocols: Modbus-RTU, DL/T 645-2007, Modbus-TCP
Power Factor: per phase + totalWaveform: Real-time displayExtreme Value Statistics: Max/Min with timestampsAlarms: 2 groups, 128+ alarm typesData Logging: Optional MicroSD card
FrequencyOther: Peak coeff., K-factorFrozen Energy: 24h/31d/12m/scheduledEvent Logging: 128 alarms + 128 DI/DO

Specification

ParameterSpecification
Input VoltageRated: AC 57.7/100V, 220/380V, 400/690V (L-N/L-L)
Overload: 1.2× rated (continuous), 2× rated for 1s
Burden: <1VA per phase
Input CurrentRated: 1A or 5A (via external CTs)
Overload: 1.2× rated (continuous), 10× rated for 1s
Burden: <0.2VA per phase
Measurement AccuracyVoltage/Current: Class 0.2
Active Power/Energy: Class 0.2S (IEC 62053-22)
Reactive Energy: Class 2 (IEC 62053-23)
Frequency: ±0.2%
Harmonic Measurement2nd–63rd, accuracy: ±1% (for THD > 1%)
Response Time≤200ms for V, I, P; ≤1s for energy
Auxiliary PowerAC/DC 85–265V
Power consumption: ≤4W, 10VA
Digital I/O (Optional)KC Module: 4DI + 2DO
KM Module: 4DI + 2DO + 2AO
Analog Output (Optional)KM Module: 2 channels, 4-20mA (0-20mA configurable)
Load capacity: ≤300Ω
CommunicationStandard: 1x RS485 (Modbus-RTU)
Optional: 2nd RS485 (Modbus-RTU) or Ethernet (Modbus-TCP, FTP)
Data Logging (Optional)Log Module: MicroSD card slot for local data logging (configurable interval)
Pulse Output2 channels: Active & reactive energy pulses (configurable)
Operating EnvironmentTemperature: -40℃~+70℃
Humidity: ≤95% non-condensing
Altitude: ≤2000m (≤5000m with limitations)
Safety & EMCDielectric strength: AC 4kV for 1min (comm. to inputs)
EMC: Class IV (Electrostatic discharge, Fast transient burst, Surge)
MountingPanel mount (96×96mm cutout) or 35mm DIN rail (with R option)
Dimensions (W×H×D)Panel mount: 96×96×50mm (without modules)
DIN rail: 96×96×96mm (without modules)
Modules: 86×86×30.5mm
Ingress ProtectionIP54 (front panel), IP30 (body)
Standards ComplianceIEC 61010-1, IEC 61010-2-30, UL 61010-1, CAN/CSA C22.2, GB/T 17215.321-2021, etc.

Model Selection

Model CodeDescription
APM521Base unit with standard features (full measurement, 1x RS485, pulse output)
APM521/KCBase unit + KC module: 4DI + 2DO
APM521/KMBase unit + KM module: 4DI + 2DO + 2AO (4-20mA)
APM521/CEBase unit + Ethernet module (Modbus-TCP, FTP)
APM521/LogBase unit + Log module (MicroSD card logging)
APM521/RBase unit with 35mm DIN rail mounting adapter (requires no other modules)
Note: Multiple options can be combined. Example: APM521/KM/CE = Base unit + KM module + Ethernet module.

Compatible Accessories

AccessoryDescription
Current TransformersExternal CTs with secondary rating of 1A or 5A (e.g., AKH-0.66 series)
RS485 RepeaterFor extending RS485 communication distance beyond 1000m
MicroSD CardFor data logging module, recommended capacity 2GB-32GB, formatted to FAT32

FAQ

What is the difference between APM521/KC and APM521/KM?

The APM521/KC includes 4 Digital Inputs and 2 Digital Outputs (relay outputs). The APM521/KM includes the same 4DI+2DO but adds 2 Analog Outputs (4-20mA) for retransmitting measured parameters like current, voltage, or power to external analog systems.

Can I add an Ethernet module later?

The Ethernet module is a factory-installed option. It is recommended to order the /CE version directly. Retrofitting in the field is generally not supported due to internal hardware configuration.

How do I set the CT/PT ratio?

Navigate to the “Input Setting” menu on the front panel. Select “U Rating1” for primary voltage (PT ratio) and “I Rating1” for primary current (CT ratio). The display will automatically show scaled primary values based on these settings. You can also configure these via Modbus registers (addresses 0x1015 for voltage, 0x1017 for current).

How many alarm conditions can be configured?

The meter has two independent alarm groups (Alarm1 and Alarm2). Each group can monitor over 80 different alarm types (see Alarm Table 1 in the manual). You can assign specific conditions (e.g., overcurrent, undervoltage, harmonic threshold) to each group and configure independent thresholds, delays, and recovery values.

What communication protocols are supported?

The standard RS485 port supports Modbus-RTU. The optional Ethernet module supports Modbus-TCP and FTP (for SD card file access).

Can I log data without a communication system?

Yes, by ordering the APM521/Log version with the MicroSD card module. The meter can log electrical parameters at configurable intervals (default 1 minute) directly to the SD card, which can later be retrieved via FTP (with Ethernet module) or by physically removing the card.

What is the password for entering the setup menu?

The default password is 0001. This can be changed in the “System Settings” menu. If you forget the password, please contact our technical support for assistance.

Summary

The APM521 multifunctional network meter offers a comprehensive solution for power monitoring and management. Its high-precision measurement (0.2S), in-depth power quality analysis (up to 63rd harmonics), and modular expandability make it suitable for a wide range of applications, from industrial plants to commercial buildings and data centers. By consolidating multiple functions into a single device, it reduces installation complexity, saves panel space, and provides a unified data source for energy management systems. With flexible communication options including Modbus-RTU and Modbus-TCP, the APM521 integrates seamlessly into modern digital power distribution networks.

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Customer Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

PD Monitoring

We’ve used Acrel products on several projects, and they’ve been reliable from day one. Installation was straightforward, and the support team was always quick to answer our questions.

Saudi Arabia

Mohamed Elshazly

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Tendering Director

Power Monitoring Solution

We were looking for a cost-effective metering solution, and Acrel was a great fit. The products work well, communication is stable, and delivery was on schedule.

United Arab Emirates

Asad Janjua

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Electrical Engineer

Temperature Monitoring

The wireless temperature monitoring system has been running smoothly since commissioning. It helps us identify potential issues early and reduces the need for routine inspections.

Saudi Arabia

Abbas Matar

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Project Manager

Long-Term Partnership

We’ve been working with Acrel for several years now. The products are dependable, reasonably priced, and the overall experience has always been positive.

Philippines

Arnold Bagabaldo

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CEO

Technical Support

What we appreciated most was the technical support. The Acrel team helped us choose the right products and stayed involved until the project was completed.

Canada

David Dudley

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System Integration Manager

SCADA Integration

The products integrated easily with our existing SCADA platform. Everything worked as expected, and commissioning was completed without any major issues.

Russia

Alexey Petrov

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Sales manager