A retrofit power monitoring system adds real-time energy data to an existing electrical panel. It does this without replacing the complete switchboard.
The system uses current sensors, voltage measurement modules, and communication devices. Together, they collect circuit-level data and send it to a BMS, SCADA, EMS, or IoT platform.
This approach is useful when the existing equipment is still reliable. Instead of replacing trusted breakers and switchgear, the project adds a new monitoring layer.
What Is a Retrofit Power Monitoring System
A retrofit power monitoring system upgrades an existing panel with electrical measurement and communication functions.
Depending on the project, it can measure the following:
- Voltage and current
- Active and reactive power
- Energy consumption
- Power factor
- Frequency and demand
- Harmonics and THD
- Circuit temperature
- Alarm and breaker status
The system can monitor one incoming feeder or many outgoing circuits. Therefore, it can support both small projects and large multi-panel installations.
Most importantly, the monitoring hardware can work with the customer’s existing electrical equipment and software platform.
Why Retrofit an Existing Electrical Panel
Many electrical panels were installed before circuit-level energy data became important.
The equipment may still operate correctly. However, the facility team may not know which circuit uses the most energy or when peak demand occurs.
They may also struggle to answer practical questions:
- Which feeder is close to its capacity
- Is the load balanced across all phases
- Which equipment causes abnormal demand
- Where should an energy-saving project begin
- How can electrical data enter the existing BMS
- Can the system monitor more circuits later
Replacing the complete panel could provide this visibility. However, it may also require more space, cable reconnection, and a longer shutdown.
A retrofit power monitoring system offers another route. It keeps the existing distribution equipment and adds the required sensors, meters, and communication devices.
As a result, the project can focus on monitoring instead of rebuilding the full electrical system.
Common Challenges in Power Monitoring Retrofit Projects
Retrofitting an existing panel is different from designing a new one.
First, the available space may be limited. Adding one conventional meter for every circuit may not be practical.
Second, the facility may not allow a long shutdown. Production lines, data centers and telecom sites often need continuous power.
Third, the panel may contain different circuit types. Small MCB circuits and high-current MCCB feeders require different sensors.
Finally, the new hardware must communicate with the customer’s existing software. The project may need Modbus, MQTT, Ethernet, WiFi or 4G.
For these reasons, a successful retrofit needs a flexible system architecture.
How Enertrek Supports Retrofit Power Monitoring
The Enertrek multi-circuit power monitoring system is designed for existing and new low-voltage panels.
It uses a modular structure. Therefore, system integrators can select different measurement modules for different circuit types.
A typical Enertrek retrofit power monitoring system includes:
- A centralized voltage unit
- Current and energy monitoring modules
- Current sensors
- A communication gateway
This structure reduces repeated wiring. It also allows the system to expand as the project grows.
V10 Centralized Voltage Unit
The V10 provides centralized voltage and frequency measurement for the Enertrek system.
It supports single-phase and three-phase networks. It can also measure voltage THD and communicate through RS485 Modbus RTU.
One V10 can support multiple downstream Enertrek modules. Therefore, the project does not need to repeat the same voltage measurement for every circuit.
This helps reduce wiring inside a crowded electrical panel.
M Series for Branch Circuit Monitoring
The Enertrek M Series is designed for smaller outgoing circuits.
Depending on the model, M Series modules support:
- Single-phase and three-phase circuits
- One to four poles
- Current measurement up to 60A
- Class 0.5 energy measurement
- Integrated current sensing
- Circuit temperature monitoring
The compact modules fit beside existing MCBs. As a result, they are suitable for distribution panels with many branch circuits.
They allow the customer to keep the existing breakers while adding current, energy and temperature visibility.
E Series for High-Current Feeders
The Enertrek E Series is designed for larger incoming and outgoing feeders.
It includes several options for different current ranges:
- E10 for energy measurement with split-core CTs
- E21 for energy and power-quality monitoring
- E31 for high-current measurement with Rogowski coils
The E Series can monitor MCCB and other high-current circuits. It can also work in the same system as the smaller M Series modules.
Therefore, one Enertrek architecture can cover both branch circuits and main feeders.
Split-Core CTs and Rogowski Coils
Sensor selection is important in every retrofit power monitoring system.
Split-core CTs can be installed around an existing conductor. The installer does not need to disconnect the cable to pass it through a closed CT.
Rogowski coils are flexible. Therefore, they are useful for large conductors or panels with limited installation space.
However, the sensor rating must match the actual current range. The CT ratio in the monitoring device must also match the installed sensor.
An incorrect setting can produce inaccurate current and energy readings.
G30 Smart Gateway
The Enertrek G30 gateway connects the monitoring hardware to the customer’s software system.
It supports:
- Two RS485 interfaces
- Ethernet
- WiFi
- 4G
- Modbus
- MQTT
- SNMP
- IEC 104
- Local web configuration
- Offline data storage
For example, the G30 can collect Modbus data from meters and modules. It can then convert the data into MQTT JSON for an IoT platform.
The system can also connect to a local BMS, SCADA, or EMS. Therefore, a cloud platform is not required for every project.
For more information about industrial Modbus communication, visit the Modbus Organization.
Can Enertrek Be Installed Without a Shutdown
Split-core CTs and Rogowski coils can reduce the need to disconnect existing conductors. This helps limit installation work on critical circuits.
However, this does not mean that every retrofit can be completed while the panel remains fully energized.
Voltage connections and other panel work may still require isolation. The final method depends on the panel design, local regulations and site risk assessment.
Therefore, qualified electrical personnel must plan and complete the installation.
A more accurate statement is that Enertrek can reduce shutdown scope and installation work in many retrofit projects.
How to Plan a Retrofit Power Monitoring System
1. Define the Monitoring Objective
First, decide what the customer needs to learn from the data.
The objective may include:
- Energy allocation
- Peak demand analysis
- Load capacity planning
- Equipment comparison
- Energy-saving verification
- Abnormal load detection
- Remote site monitoring
The objective determines which circuits and parameters must be monitored.
2. Survey the Existing Panel
Next, collect the basic panel information:
- Single-line diagram
- Breaker quantity
- Circuit phase configuration
- Current range
- Conductor diameter
- Available panel space
- Existing communication network
- Required installation window
Panel photos are also useful. However, an onsite assessment may still be required before final installation.
3. Select the Correct Enertrek Modules
Use M Series modules for smaller branch circuits.
Use E Series modules for higher-current feeders or circuits that need external CTs or Rogowski coils.
Then select the correct sensor size and current rating for each circuit.
4. Confirm the Communication Interface
The system integrator should confirm where the data will go.
Possible destinations include:
- PLC
- BMS
- SCADA
- EMS
- DCIM
- Local web interface
- Customer IoT platform
The Modbus register map and required data points should be reviewed before installation.
5. Test One Panel First
Finally, complete a pilot installation before a large rollout.
The pilot should verify:
- Sensor direction
- CT ratio
- Phase mapping
- Measurement accuracy
- Modbus communication
- Data update rate
- Gateway connection
- Platform compatibility
- Offline storage
This step reduces integration risk before the system is deployed across more panels or sites.
Where Enertrek Creates Value
Data Centers
Enertrek can monitor incoming feeders, PDUs and branch circuits. The data supports capacity planning, load balancing and energy analysis.
Because the system is modular, additional circuits can be added as the data center expands.
Commercial Buildings
Existing panels can gain floor-level, tenant-level or equipment-level energy visibility.
The data can be connected to a BMS for centralized monitoring. However, regulated tenant billing may require additional local metering approvals.
Industrial Facilities
Factories can monitor production lines, machines and high-current feeders.
This creates a measurable energy baseline. The facility can then compare loads, operating periods and improvement results.
This use of energy data also supports the continual improvement approach described by ISO 50001.
Telecom and Remote Sites
The G30 gateway can transmit data through Ethernet, WiFi or 4G.
Offline storage also protects data during a network interruption. Once communication returns, the system can continue uploading the stored data.
Solar Storage and EV Projects
Existing panels can be upgraded to monitor grid, solar, battery and EV charging circuits.
The same gateway can then connect the electrical data to the customer’s local or remote platform.
Why System Integrators Work with Matismart
Enertrek is designed as a hardware layer for integration projects.
Matismart provides:
- Hardware designed for integration
- Design in engineering support
- Flexible communication options
- In-house research and manufacturing
- Product selection and testing support
- Customization for project requirements
Matismart can help review the panel architecture, circuit list and communication requirements before product selection.
This Design in process reduces the risk of selecting hardware that cannot fit the panel or connect to the final software platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Enertrek Work with Existing Circuit Breakers
Yes. Enertrek adds monitoring modules and sensors around the existing protection equipment. The customer does not need to replace every breaker with a smart breaker.
Does Enertrek require cloud software?
No. The system can connect to a local BMS, SCADA, PLC, or web interface. Cloud connectivity is optional.
Can Enertrek Monitor Both Small and Large Circuits
Yes. M Series modules monitor smaller branch circuits. E Series modules support higher-current feeders with external sensors.
Can Enertrek Connect to a BMS or SCADA System
Yes. Enertrek supports Modbus communication. The G30 gateway also provides MQTT, SNMP and IEC 104 options.
The required protocol and register map should be confirmed during the design in stage.
Can Enertrek Monitor Power Quality
Selected Enertrek modules provide harmonics and THD data for general operational monitoring.
However, these functions should not be described as IEC 61000 4 30 Class A or Class S measurements unless the specific device has that certification.
What Information Is Needed for Product Selection
Prepare the following information:
- Single-line diagram
- Panel photos
- Number of circuits
- Current range
- Phase configuration
- Required measurement parameters
- Communication protocol
- Target software platform
Matismart can use this information to recommend a suitable Enertrek configuration.
Upgrade the Panel Without Rebuilding It
A retrofit power monitoring system gives existing electrical panels a practical path toward digital monitoring.
Enertrek keeps the existing breakers and switchgear in place. It adds modular measurement, circuit-level visibility, and flexible communication.
As a result, system integrators can connect older electrical infrastructure to modern BMS, SCADA, EMS, and IoT platforms without making the project unnecessarily complex.
Share your single-line diagram, panel photos, circuit quantity, current range, and communication requirements with Matismart. Our team can help evaluate a suitable Enertrek architecture for your project.
