Power metering module

A metering module for use in a power circuit monitoring system including a circuit monitor having a processor for processing data related to power signals, said metering module comprising:

• at least one sensor for sensing a predetermined property of a power signal and for producing a corresponding sensor signal;
• and
• a modular metering circuit for producing data corresponding to said sensor signal for input into said circuit monitor;
• a fixed connector that directly connects to a corresponding connector of said circuit monitor,
• wherein said metering module is separately housed, detachable and replaceable relative to said circuit monitor to permit one or more of testing, calibration and repair of said metering module independently of said circuit monitor, wherein said metering module is responsive to control signals and receives power from said circuit monitor via said fixed connector.

A power monitoring method comprising:

• processing data related to power signals at a circuit monitor;
• and
• in a metering module comprising:
• , sensing a predetermined property of a power signal and for producing a corresponding sensor signal;
• and
• in said metering module, producing data corresponding to said sensor signal for input into said circuit monitor;
• and
• separately housing, detaching and replacing said metering module relative to said circuit monitor to permit one or more of testing, calibration and repair of said metering module independently of said circuit monitor;
• and
• connecting said metering module to said circuit monitor such that said metering module directly opposes said circuit monitor, wherein said control module provides control signals and power for said metering module.

A method of metering for use in a power circuit monitoring system including a circuit monitor having a processor for processing data related to power signals, said metering method comprising:

• sensing, in a metering module, a predetermined property of a power signal and for producing a corresponding sensor signal;
• and
• in said metering module, producing data corresponding to said sensor signal for input into said circuit monitor;
• and
• separately housing, detaching and replacing said metering module relative to said circuit monitor to permit one or more of testing, calibration and repair of said metering module independently of said circuit monitor, wherein said metering module further comprises a connector, said circuit monitor further including a complementary connector positioned to engage said connector when said metering module is connected to said circuit monitor via said connectors;
• and
• receiving in said metering module one or both of control signals and power signals from said circuit monitor via said connectors.