Australian commercial buildings are under growing pressure to improve energy performance while working within tight switchboard layouts. That’s where a compact multi-circuit energy meter shines.
SATEC metering saves over 75% installation space compared to traditional approaches. This is due to our special designs allowing for multiple meters from a single compact smart device. Consolidation of circuits saves space!
For panel board retrofits, this approach removes the need for larger devices and multiple meters to be installed. This reduces electrical cabling significantly. One of the SATEC solutions provides up to eighteen (18) 3-Phase meters in a single device. Or, this device can be used for up to fifty-four (54) single phase meters. These solutions reduce space requirements and simplify the path to reliable data.
Why compact multi-circuit metering is ideal for retrofits
With existing switchboards, space is a premium for retrofitting. Expanding or adding new metering circuits can provide challenges due to mounting space limitations. Multi-circuit meters improve efficiency of installation. With multi-circuit devices, this provides solutions where real estate space is at a premium, whilst also providing a reduction in electrical wiring and communications.
SATEC’s technology allows for safe installations. Traditional retrofit metering required CT shorting links adding complexity and safety challenges. Our technology does not require shorting links reducing the installation time, complexity and improving safety.
Commissioning moves faster too, because communications and power are consolidated and channel mapping is handled in one place rather than across multiple devices. Up to fifty-four (54) metering devices are consolidated to a single Ethernet TCP/IP port or RS-485 High-Level-Inteface (HLI). For building owners, the practical result is less downtime and a clearer roadmap to granular energy visibility.
Retrofitting for Embedded Networks
Retrofitting in Embedded Networks often is met with significant challenges. In Australia, NMI M6-1 sets the benchmark for revenue metering for trade measurement. SATEC’s space saving designs allows for easy and low cost retrofit installations, compared to traditional designs.
Selecting an NMI approved SATEC model is a must for embedded networks. A retrofit metering installation with fit for purpose guarantees performance and provides confidence that the billing system can be operational as soon as possible.
SATEC has invested heavily in the development of the branch feeder monitor, resulting in the only NMI Approved multi-channel metering system on the market and your perfect choice for retrofitting for Embedded Networks.
A practical roadmap for panel board and switchboard retrofits
Successful retrofits begin with a clear map of the loads you want to measure: tenancies, common services such as HVAC and lifts, and any specialist equipment.
From there, choose CTs that match expected currents and accuracy targets, and verify orientation and burden settings across every channel. Before mounting, double-check clearances and protection coordination to stay within AS 3000.
Communications planning is equally important; many projects provision Ethernet or RS-485, and add optional 4G where a resilient backhaul or remote sites demand it. Finally, label everything—circuits, CT orientations and channel assignments—and validate the installation with ratio checks and sample load tests so revenue-grade performance is demonstrated, not assumed.
Where compact multi-circuit meters deliver the most value
Multi-tenant buildings are the classic use case because sub-metering enables accurate tenant billing and supports better engagement on energy efficiency. Offices and retail centres gain clear visibility into HVAC, lighting, lifts and car parks, while healthcare and education settings can allocate costs to departments and benchmark against peers.
Industrial and logistics sites use the same approach to track process lines, docks and cold storage. In every case, interval data becomes the foundation for demand management, anomaly detection and lifecycle planning—because you can’t manage what you can’t see.
The SATEC difference
SATEC combines NMI-approved metering options with rich power-quality insight, so you capture more than kWh. Voltage, current, THD and event data help diagnose issues before they affect tenants or equipment.
Our meters connect over Ethernet or RS-485, with 4G options for difficult sites, and stream data directly into Expertpower, SATEC’s energy and power-quality platform, for dashboards, alarms, automated reports and clean exports to other systems. Designed with retrofits in mind, the compact form factors and multi-channel architecture reduce labour and avoid costly switchboard expansions.
If you’re planning a panel board retrofit or scaling sub-metering across a portfolio, our team can help you specify the right compact multi-circuit meter, CTs and communications—and ensure your installation aligns with Australian standards. Then we’ll turn the data into action with Expertpower so you can manage consumption, reduce peaks and keep stakeholders informed.
