Multi-circuit metering

A multi-circuit measurement unit is a centralised electrical monitoring system that measures several outgoing circuits simultaneously from a single processing unit. The DIRIS B and DIRIS Digiware ranges provide this function through a modular architecture combining current and voltage acquisition modules with a display or a communication gateway. This equipment complies with the IEC 61557-12 standard and incorporates the Modbus TCP, BACnet IP and Modbus RS485 protocols.

Modular architecture of DIRIS multi-circuit measurement units

Voltage-sharing principle across all modules

Our installation experience confirms that the main advantage of the multi-circuit architecture lies in sharing the voltage measurement. A single voltage connection point supplies all the acquisition modules of the same panel, significantly reducing wiring compared with individual single-circuit units. This approach simplifies panel schematics and reduces on-site installation time.

Current and voltage acquisition modules associated with the display or gateway

Acquisition modules mount on a polyamide DIN rail and communicate with a front-panel display or a Digiware gateway depending on the configuration chosen. Each module measures the electrical parameters of one outgoing circuit, while the central unit aggregates and displays all the data. In the field, we observe that this functional separation makes maintenance and unit-by-unit replacement easier without interrupting overall monitoring.

Communication protocols and system integration

Compatibility with Modbus TCP, BACnet IP and Modbus RS485

The DIRIS B and Digiware units natively integrate three industrial communication protocols. BACnet IP meets the requirements of building managers for integration into tertiary supervision systems. Modbus TCP and Modbus RS485 provide compatibility with PLCs and existing energy management software. Feedback from installers confirms that this triple-protocol offering avoids adding external converters.

Compliance with the IEC 61557-12 standard for electrical measurement equipment

The IEC 61557-12 standard defines performance requirements for equipment used to measure and monitor low-voltage electrical installations. Compliance of these multi-circuit units guarantees the accuracy of current, voltage, power and energy measurements under varying operating conditions. Our standard practice favours this normative reference when drafting specifications for design offices.

Typical applications and installation feedback

Monitoring outgoing circuits in sub-distribution boards and data centres

Data centres are a prime application for multi-circuit measurement units. The density of circuits to be monitored per rack or technical room fully justifies the shared-measurement approach. In the field, we find that the Digiware architecture allows measurement points to be deployed progressively as new servers are installed, without questioning the existing base infrastructure.

Energy management in multi-tenant tertiary buildings

In office buildings or multi-tenant shopping centres, splitting electrical consumption by tenant or functional zone requires a high level of measurement granularity. The current/voltage acquisition modules of the DIRIS ranges address this need by providing individualised traceability of outgoing circuits from a single central point. Installation feedback shows that this configuration makes delegated billing and energy-performance-contract tracking easier.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a multi-circuit measurement unit and individual single-circuit units?

A multi-circuit unit shares the voltage measurement across all modules in the same panel, whereas single-circuit units each need their own voltage connection. This sharing reduces wiring, simplifies the panel's architecture and makes centralised maintenance easier.

Can measured outgoing circuits be added to an existing DIRIS Digiware installation?

The modular Digiware architecture allows acquisition modules to be added progressively without modifying the base infrastructure. It is enough to insert a new module on the DIN rail and associate it, via software, with the existing gateway or display.

Which communication protocols are available on the DIRIS B and Digiware units?

The units support three protocols: Modbus TCP for industrial Ethernet networks, BACnet IP for integration into building management systems, and Modbus RS485 for traditional serial links with PLCs.

Does the IEC 61557-12 standard apply to all the measurements taken?

The IEC 61557-12 standard sets accuracy and behaviour requirements for current, voltage, frequency, active and reactive power measurements, as well as for energy calculation. It guarantees the reliability of the data used for supervision and billing.