+61 2 4774-2959
[email protected]
  • About SATEC
  • Billing & Revenue Metering Catalogue
SATEC (Australia) Pty LtdSATEC (Australia) Pty LtdSATEC (Australia) Pty LtdSATEC (Australia) Pty Ltd
  • About SATEC
  • HARDWARE
    • Phasor Measurement Unit
    • Power Quality Analysers
    • NMI Approved Energy Meters
    • Multi-Channel Energy Meters
    • Current Transformers
    • Expansion Modules
    • All Metering Products
  • SOFTWARE
    • Power Analysis Software (PAS)
    • eXpertpower SaaS – EMS, Billing, Power Quality
    • Meter Data Management (MDM)
  • SOLUTIONS
    • Power of Choice Metering
    • NMI Approved Retrofit Energy Metering
    • Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS)
    • Disturbance Direction Detection
    • Phasor Measurement Unit
    • Automatic Demand Response
    • Large-Scale Generation Certificates (LGCs)
  • NEWS
  • DOWNLOADS
    • Manuals & Datasheets
    • Billing & Revenue Metering Catalogue
    • Power Analysis Software (PAS)
    • Current Product Catalogue
  • CONTACT
NextPrevious
Data Centre

Class A vs. Class S Power Quality Meters: Advanced Monitoring for Critical Infrastructure

By SATEC (Australia) Pty Ltd | Featured, Industry News | Comments are Closed | 24 February, 2025 | 1

Power quality monitoring is a fundamental requirement for ensuring the stability, efficiency and reliability of modern electrical networks, especially in critical infrastructure applications such as:

  • Data Centres
  • Renewable energy systems (offshore wind farms, solar PV, pumped hydro)
  • Water utilities (high-power pumping stations, desalination plants
  • Mining operations (large HV/MV/LV VSD-driven motors for crushers, conveyors and hoists)
  • Military and defence applications (naval vessels, radar systems, power propulsion)
  • Heavy industrial facilities (steel mills, glass production, semiconductor fabrication)

These industries demand high-precision metering, particularly for monitoring voltage disturbances, harmonics, transient events and power factor deviations. 

To standardise power quality measurement, the IEC 61000-4-30 standard defines the accuracy requirements for power quality meters, classifying them as either Class A (high-precision, legally traceable) or Class S (statistical monitoring).

IEC 61000-4-30: Edition 2 & Class A vs. Class S Differences

The IEC 61000-4-30 Edition 2 standard specifies measurement techniques for voltage sags, swells, harmonics, flicker and transients. It introduces enhanced sampling rates, time synchronisation and transient detection requirements, particularly for Class A meters, which must capture and timestamp power quality events accurately.

Key Differences Between Class A and Class S Meters

Key Differences Between Class A and Class S Meters

**SATEC Power Quality Meters surpass IEC requirements by offering harmonic measurement up to the 63rd order, ensuring precise detection of waveform distortions in high-energy environments.

Why Harmonics Matter: Industry-Specific Applications

High-order harmonics have severe impacts on power distribution efficiency, equipment lifespan and grid stability, making high-resolution measurement essential.

Application-Specific Harmonic Challenges

Offshore Wind & Solar PV

– Power electronics (e.g., inverters, rectifiers, STATCOMs) generate high-frequency harmonics affecting grid integration.
– IEC 61400-21 mandates harmonic analysis for wind turbine compliance.

Pumped Hydro & Water Utilities

– Large pump stations using MV/LV VSD-driven motors generate 5th, 7th, 11th and higher-order harmonics, leading to transformer overheating.
– IEC 61000-3-6 compliance requires stringent harmonic control.

Mining & Heavy Industry (HV/MV/LV Drive Systems)

– Large VSD-driven crushers, hoists and conveyors cause resonance issues, capacitor bank failures and voltage fluctuations.
– Harmonics above the 40th order can severely impact motor performance and power factor correction strategies.

Naval & Defence Applications

– Military ships, submarines and aircraft carriers require high-purity power to avoid interference with advanced radar, communications and propulsion systems.
– MIL-STD-1399 governs power quality standards for onboard systems.

CBEMA Curve & Event Capture: The Impact of Sampling Rate

The CBEMA (Computer Business Equipment Manufacturers Association) curve is a widely recognised industry guideline that classifies power disturbances based on duration and voltage deviation.

Comparison of Event Capture Capabilities Across Sampling Rates

Meters with 1024+ samples per cycle (Class A) ensure detection of fast transient events, while lower-sampling meters (Class S with 256-512 samples per cycle) often miss critical sub-cycle disturbances.

Why This Matters:

  • In wind farms, solar PV, and pumped hydro, fast voltage fluctuations occur during sudden grid disconnections.
  • In industrial VSD-driven motors, short-duration transients cause equipment failure and trip protections.
  • In military and naval vessels, power electronics-induced microsecond transients can interfere with radar and communication systems.

Choosing the Right Meter for Your Application

Selecting the right power quality meter depends on measurement accuracy, transient capture capability and harmonic analysis range.

  • Class A meters are essential for renewable energy compliance, military-grade power quality, high-resolution transient detection and legal metrology applications.
  • Class S meters are suitable for general long-term power quality surveys but lack the precision required for high-energy industrial systems, wind/solar grid integration and critical infrastructure.

Why Choose SATEC?

  • Harmonic analysis up to the 63rd order
  • 1024 samples per cycle for transient detection
  • IEC 61000-4-30 Edition 2 Class A & Class S compliance
  • IEC 61850 integration for SCADA & substation automation
  • Synchrophasor (PMU) support for renewables & grid stability

For industries requiring precision power quality monitoring, SATEC’s Class A and Class S meters ensure compliance, minimise downtime and provide accurate event capture for mission-critical applications.

Contact SATEC today for expert consultation on power quality solutions.

Class A, Class S, power quality

NextPrevious

INDUSTRY NEWS & VIEWS

Get fortnightly updates delivered straight to your inbox.

NEWS

  • The Evolution of Smart Metering Standards: What’s Next for Compliance and Innovation?
  • High Precision Metering for NABERS & J9 Compliance
  • Class A vs. Class S Power Quality Meters: Advanced Monitoring for Critical Infrastructure
  • Energy Monitoring for Offshore Wind Projects: Lessons for Australia’s Future
  • Australia’s Renewable Energy Target (RET) – What Role Does Metering Play?

POPULAR POSTS

  • Industry requires smart metering standards to continually evolve.

    The Evolution of Smart Metering Standards: What’s Next for Compliance and Innovation?

    By SATEC (Australia) Pty Ltd | Comments are Closed

    Smart metering has revolutionised the way energy is measured, managed and consumed. With its ability to provide real-time data on energy usage, smart metering plays a vital role in modernising energy grids and improving the efficiency of energy markets. However, as this technology continues to evolve, so too must the standards that govern it.

  • Sustainable building with vertical gardens

    High Precision Metering for NABERS & J9 Compliance

    By SATEC (Australia) Pty Ltd | Comments are Closed

    Achieving superior energy efficiency in buildings is not just about measurement—it’s about measurement accuracy. In Australia, compliance with NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) and J9 standards under the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 demands reliable energy data.

  • Data Centre

    Class A vs. Class S Power Quality Meters: Advanced Monitoring for Critical Infrastructure

    By SATEC (Australia) Pty Ltd | Comments are Closed

    Power quality monitoring is a fundamental requirement for ensuring the stability, efficiency and reliability of modern electrical networks, especially in critical infrastructure applications.

  • Offshore wind turbines

    Energy Monitoring for Offshore Wind Projects: Lessons for Australia’s Future

    By SATEC (Australia) Pty Ltd | Comments are Closed

    Offshore wind projects are set to play a crucial role in Australia’s renewable energy transition. While the sector is still in its early stages, insights from established international projects offer valuable guidance.

  • Solar and wind farm for renewable energy

    Australia’s Renewable Energy Target (RET) – What Role Does Metering Play?

    By SATEC (Australia) Pty Ltd | Comments are Closed

    Australia’s Renewable Energy Target (RET) is a key policy driving the transition to a cleaner, greener energy system. By incentivising renewable energy generation, the RET has played a pivotal role in reducing emissions and increasing the share of renewables in Australia’s energy mix.

SATEC Australia logo

SATEC – Solutions And Technology for Energy Control

SATEC’s presence in Australia brings together 40 plus years of experience and knowledge for Energy Management Solutions.

The culmination of local expertise and SATEC’s Global leadership in metering, power quality analysers and software provides a source of knowledge to satisfy customer’s ever changing demands for today’s Energy and Power Quality Applications.

Quick Find

  • Contact
  • Metering Products
  • Energy Management Software
  • News – Events – Updates
  • Downloads
  • Billing & Revenue Metering Catalogue
  • Current Product Catalogue
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Recent Posts

  • Industry requires smart metering standards to continually evolve.

    The Evolution of Smart Metering Standards: What’s Next for Compliance and Innovation?

    Smart metering has revolutionised the way energy is measured, managed and consumed. With its ability to provide real-time data on energy usage, smart metering plays a vital role in modernising energy grids and improving the efficiency of energy markets. However, as this technology continues to evolve, so too must the standards that govern it.

    11 March, 2025
  • Sustainable building with vertical gardens

    High Precision Metering for NABERS & J9 Compliance

    Achieving superior energy efficiency in buildings is not just about measurement—it’s about measurement accuracy. In Australia, compliance with NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) and J9 standards under the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 demands reliable energy data.

    27 February, 2025
© 2025 SATEC (Australia) Pty Ltd. | ABN 21-142640417 | SATEC® All Rights Reserved
  • About SATEC
  • HARDWARE
    • Phasor Measurement Unit
    • Power Quality Analysers
    • NMI Approved Energy Meters
    • Multi-Channel Energy Meters
    • Current Transformers
    • Expansion Modules
    • All Metering Products
  • SOFTWARE
    • Power Analysis Software (PAS)
    • eXpertpower SaaS – EMS, Billing, Power Quality
    • Meter Data Management (MDM)
  • SOLUTIONS
    • Power of Choice Metering
    • NMI Approved Retrofit Energy Metering
    • Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS)
    • Disturbance Direction Detection
    • Phasor Measurement Unit
    • Automatic Demand Response
    • Large-Scale Generation Certificates (LGCs)
  • NEWS
  • DOWNLOADS
    • Manuals & Datasheets
    • Billing & Revenue Metering Catalogue
    • Power Analysis Software (PAS)
    • Current Product Catalogue
  • CONTACT
SATEC (Australia) Pty Ltd