Which type of meter movement is most commonly used for AC meters?

The most commonly used meter movement for AC meters is the moving-vane meter movement. This type of meter operates based on the interaction between an electromagnetic field and a moving coil or vane, which responds effectively to alternating current.

In AC systems, the changing direction of the current creates a fluctuating magnetic field. The moving-vane movement leverages this principle by having a soft iron vane that can pivot in response to the magnetic field created by the alternating current. This design allows for accurate measurement of both the magnitude and direction of the current, making it very suitable for AC applications.

Different types of meter movements have their specific use cases. For instance, electrostatic meters operate using electrostatic forces, but they are generally not favored for standard AC current measurements because of their sensitivity to voltage and the limitation in measuring high-frequency AC. Photovoltaic meter movements convert light into electrical energy and are primarily employed in applications with solar energy rather than standard AC measurement. Resistive meter movements, while applicable in some contexts, do not measure AC effectively since they are designed more for direct current (DC) applications, where the resistance can be measured consistently.

Therefore, the moving-vane meter movement is preferred for its ability to provide an accurate and responsive measurement in alternating