Overview
The Power Monitoring Node is a modular, panel-adjacent electrical monitoring appliance designed for continuous, high-resolution visibility into electrical load, capacity, and power quality.
Each node supports up to 14 current transformers (CTs) and streams real-time measurements natively into our platform, where data can be monitored, analyzed, and managed remotely. Multiple nodes can be deployed for unlimited horizontal scaling across panels and sites.
The system is designed for non-invasive installation, horizontal scalability, and unattended operation in commercial, industrial, and data-center environments.
Specifications at a Glance
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| CT inputs per node | 14 |
| Maximum CT aperture | 70 mm |
| Maximum rated current | 600 A |
| Electrical configurations | Single-phase, split-phase, three-phase |
| Voltage inputs | Up to 3 AC voltage inputs (for three-phase) |
| Network interface | Wired Ethernet |
| Installation type | Panel-adjacent / wall mount |
| Operating model | Continuous, unattended |
Key Capabilities
14 CT Inputs
Per monitoring node
Up to 600A
Conductors up to 70mm
Split-Core CTs
Non-invasive current sensing
Full Power Metrics
Voltage, power & energy
Remote Config
Cloud-based management
Unlimited Scale
Add nodes as needed
Permanent Install
Designed for 24/7 operation
What the System Measures
Each Power Monitoring Node continuously captures and reports the following electrical parameters:
| Parameter | Unit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Current | A (Amps) | RMS current per monitored conductor |
| Voltage | V (Volts) | Line-to-neutral or line-to-line voltage |
| Real Power | W (Watts) | Active power consumption |
| Apparent Power | VA | Total power including reactive component |
| Power Factor | PF (0-1) | Ratio of real to apparent power |
| Energy | kWh | Cumulative energy consumption |
| Phase Alignment | Degrees | Phase-aligned current and voltage measurements within a single electrical domain |
Measurements are phase-aligned and time-synchronized at the node level, enabling accurate aggregation across circuits and panels within the same electrical service.
System Architecture
Modular Node Design
Each node consists of the following components:
Nodes operate independently and communicate directly with the platform. Additional nodes can be deployed without reconfiguring existing installations.
Scalability Model
This architecture supports deployments ranging from a single electrical panel to multi-building and multi-site environments.
Supported Current Transformers (CTs)
The system supports a range of split-core CTs designed to accommodate different conductor sizes and electrical capacities.
| Opening Diameter | Rated Primary Current | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| 10 mm | 60A max | Branch circuits, small equipment |
| 16 mm | 120A max | Sub-panels |
| 24 mm | 250A max | Panel feeders |
| 36 mm | 400A max | Large feeders |
| 70 mm | 600A max | Main service conductors / bus feeds |
Important
Current transformers are specified by maximum rated primary current. Actual operating current may be lower. Measurement resolution improves as the monitored load approaches the CT's nominal rating. CT selection should be based on expected peak load and physical conductor size.
CT Selection Guidance
CTs should be selected based on expected peak load, not nominal operating current. Oversizing is acceptable, but selecting a CT significantly larger than the expected load may reduce measurement resolution at very low currents. When in doubt, size the CT for the circuit breaker rating or expected maximum demand.
Electrical Compatibility
The BCM Power Monitoring Node supports single-phase,split-phase, and three-phase electrical systems for residential, commercial, industrial, and data center environments.
For single-phase and split-phase systems, a single voltage reference establishes voltage magnitude and phase alignment. For three-phase systems, all three voltage inputs (A, B, C) plus neutral are used for accurate multi-phase power calculations.
Three-phase monitoring uses up to three AC voltage inputs to capture A, B, and C phases plus neutral, enabling accurate power calculations across all three phases.
Installation Guide
Installation should be performed by qualified personnel familiar with applicable electrical codes and safe work practices.
Mounting the Node
Recommended Locations
- Adjacent to electrical panels
- On panel exteriors
- On walls or backboards near feeders
Guidelines
- • Install as close as practical to monitored conductors
- • Maintain clearance for cable routing and service access
- • Install in a dry, indoor environment
- • Secure enclosure to a rigid mounting surface
Installing Current Transformers
- 1De-energize the circuit when possible.
- 2Open the split-core CT.
- 3Place the CT around one conductor only.
- 4Orient the CT so it faces toward the load.
- 5Close the CT until the latch fully engages.
- 6Route CT leads neatly back to the node enclosure.
Important Notes
- • Never install a CT around multiple conductors.
- • CTs must always be connected to the node once installed.
Voltage Input Connection
AC voltage inputs are required to measure voltage, phase alignment, and power calculations. The system supports up to three voltage inputs for three-phase monitoring (A, B, C phases plus neutral).
Guidelines
- • For three-phase: connect all three voltage legs (A, B, C) and neutral
- • For single/split-phase: a single voltage reference is sufficient
- • Source voltage from the same side of any transformer or UPS as the CTs
- • Fuse reference wiring per local electrical code
- • Keep wiring runs as short as practical
The voltage inputs draw minimal current and are used strictly for measurement.
Powering the Node
- • Each node is powered by a dedicated low-voltage supply
- • Power input is electrically isolated from monitored conductors
- • Nodes are designed for continuous operation
Best Practice: Power should remain energized at all times for continuous monitoring.
Network Connectivity
Network bandwidth requirements are modest and suitable for standard enterprise LAN environments.
Commissioning & Verification
After installation, complete the following verification steps:
- 1Power on the node
- 2Verify network connectivity
- 3Confirm node status indicators
- 4Apply known loads to selected circuits
- 5Verify current, voltage, and power readings
- 6Confirm circuit labeling and mapping
No manual calibration is required.
Data Ingestion & Remote Management
All measurements are ingested natively into our platform and are accessible via:
Measurements are transmitted directly from the node to the platform without the use of third-party gateways or protocol translators.
Data Access
- Real-time dashboards
- Historical reporting
- APIs for integration
Remote Capabilities
- Node health monitoring
- Channel configuration
- Thresholds and alerting
- Firmware updates
- Diagnostics and troubleshooting
Once commissioned, no on-site interaction is required.
Maintenance
Routine Requirements
Replacing a CT
- 1De-energize the circuit if possible
- 2Remove the existing CT
- 3Install the replacement CT
- 4Verify readings in the platform
Reliability & Design Philosophy
The system is designed for continuous 24/7 operation with no routine maintenance requirements.
The system is intentionally designed to behave as a dedicated monitoring appliance, not a general-purpose computer.
Typical Applications
Branch Circuit Monitoring
Data center and facility-wide
Capacity Planning
Electrical infrastructure planning
Load Monitoring
Circuit-level load visibility and utilization tracking
Energy Cost Allocation
Tenant and department billing
Infrastructure Telemetry
Reporting and analytics
Frequently Asked Questions
QHow many circuits can one node monitor?
Each node supports up to 14 CTs. Additional nodes can be deployed in a distributed architecture to scale monitoring capacity as needed with no system-wide limits.
QIs there a limit to the number of nodes?
No. Nodes scale horizontally with no fixed system limit.
QDoes the BCM support three-phase electrical systems?
Yes. The BCM supports single-phase, split-phase, and three-phase electrical systems. Three-phase monitoring uses up to three AC voltage inputs to capture A, B, and C phases plus neutral for accurate power calculations.
QDoes installation require powering down equipment?
CT installation is non-invasive and can be performed on energized conductors where permitted by local code. Voltage reference and node power wiring may require coordination depending on site practices.
QHow accurate are measurements?
Accuracy depends on CT selection, installation quality, and load utilization relative to CT rating. The system is designed for operational and capacity monitoring, not revenue-grade billing.
QWhat happens if load is much lower than CT rating?
Measurements remain valid. As with all CT-based systems, resolution improves as load approaches the CT's nominal rating. CTs should be sized based on expected peak load.
QHow does three-phase voltage monitoring work?
The node supports up to three AC voltage inputs for three-phase systems, capturing A, B, and C phases plus neutral. For single-phase or split-phase systems, a single voltage reference is sufficient.
QIs the system cloud-dependent?
Nodes ingest data natively into the platform. Deployment models may vary depending on customer requirements.
QHow is the system secured?
Nodes operate on customer-controlled networks. No inbound connectivity required. Remote access and updates are managed centrally.
QWhat happens if network connectivity is lost?
Nodes continue operating locally and resume data transmission when connectivity is restored.
QIs calibration required?
No periodic calibration is required under normal operating conditions.
QWho installs the system?
Installation should be performed by qualified electricians or facilities personnel familiar with electrical safety practices.