kW
Active-power indicator
An active-power indicator displays real power derived from its specified measurement inputs.
SLD / Schematic
IEEE / ANSI · W
ANSI/IEEE active power indicator symbol
IEEE-library wattmeter form for indicating active power from combined current and voltage inputs.
In plain English
What does ANSI/IEEE active power indicator mean?
The active power indicator, usually labelled W or kW, needs both current and voltage inputs. On a single-line diagram it is drawn off the CT and VT secondaries of a feeder or generator, and on a schematic its current coils sit in series with the CT circuit while its voltage elements are connected across the VT secondary.
A simple example
Whether the instrument measures one phase, three-phase three-wire or three-phase four-wire power is not visible from the circle. Element count, direction convention for import and export, and the CT and VT ratios used for scaling all need to be read from the meter data and connection diagram.
What the drawings help you do
Trace both the CT and VT connections to the meter. Check the number of measuring elements against the system wiring. An active power indicator shows instantaneous watts; a recording wattmeter keeps a time record and a kWh meter integrates energy.
This particular reference
IEEE-library wattmeter form for indicating active power from combined current and voltage inputs. An active power indicator shows instantaneous watts; a recording wattmeter keeps a time record and a kWh meter integrates energy.
- Coil
- A wound conductor that can produce a magnetic field when energised.
- Phase
- One of the related AC waveforms in a power system.
- Terminal
- An identified point where a conductor connects.
Read the source: Autodesk IEEE Symbol Preview — Instrumentation and Sensors · IEEE/ANSI 315-1975: graphic symbols for electrical and electronics diagrams
IEEE / ANSI · Autodesk IEEE-oriented Instrumentation and Sensors form: Active Power Indicator
Autodesk publishes this block under its IEEE Symbol Preview. The counterpart is the matching functional concept in the library; no equivalence of every detailed standard graphic is asserted.
Shown as an independently authored educational illustration. Use the cited publication and drawing legend to verify the required drafting form.
SLD / Schematic · W
What it represents
The active power indicator, usually labelled W or kW, needs both current and voltage inputs. On a single-line diagram it is drawn off the CT and VT secondaries of a feeder or generator, and on a schematic its current coils sit in series with the CT circuit while its voltage elements are connected across the VT secondary.
Whether the instrument measures one phase, three-phase three-wire or three-phase four-wire power is not visible from the circle. Element count, direction convention for import and export, and the CT and VT ratios used for scaling all need to be read from the meter data and connection diagram.
How to read it
- Trace both the CT and VT connections to the meter.
- Check the number of measuring elements against the system wiring.
Information to show or reference
- Show CT and VT ratios
- State element configuration
- Define positive power direction
A distinction that matters
An active power indicator shows instantaneous watts; a recording wattmeter keeps a time record and a kWh meter integrates energy.
Sources you can follow
These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.
Autodesk IEEE Symbol Preview — Instrumentation and Sensors
Public IEEE-oriented Instrumentation and Sensors preview listing the Active Power Indicator block and its vendor identifier.
IEEE/ANSI 315-1975: graphic symbols for electrical and electronics diagrams
Graphic-symbol standards context and official status; not a source of reproduced artwork.
About this graphic
This illustration was authored independently by Elora Grid to explain the concept. It is not reproduced from a customer drawing, an official standard graphic or a manufacturer CAD file. Its correspondence to an exact IEC or IEEE symbol identifier has not been certified.
SVG and DXF downloads contain this original artwork. DXF uses unscaled drawing units; a GA envelope supplies no product dimensions, clearances or fabrication information. Original artwork is available under CC BY 4.0. Third-party references retain their own terms.
Explore related references
W REC
ANSI/IEEE recording wattmeter symbol
IEEE-oriented graphical reference for recording wattmeter, with public vendor evidence and drawing-reading notes.
IEEE / ANSI
var
ANSI/IEEE reactive-power meter symbol
IEEE-oriented graphical reference for reactive-power meter, with public vendor evidence and drawing-reading notes.
IEEE / ANSI
Put the reference into a drawing workflow.
Elora Grid helps electrical teams work with drawings, specifications and equipment information. Explore the drafting workflow or join the early-access waitlist.