W REC
Recording wattmeter
A recording wattmeter measures active power and records it according to the specified instrument.
SLD / Schematic
Symbols · W/var
Combined recording wattmeter and varmeter
Recording instrument that logs active and reactive power together from shared current and voltage inputs.
In plain English
What does Combined recording wattmeter and varmeter mean?
This form represents one recording instrument that logs both active power and reactive power on the same time base. It is drawn at generator and interconnection points where the relationship between watts and vars matters, for example when checking excitation control or reactive power commitments.
A simple example
Both quantities come from the same CT and VT inputs, so the symbol should show those connections once. It does not define the sign convention for import, export, leading or lagging vars, which must be stated so records can be interpreted correctly.
What the drawings help you do
Check sign conventions for both quantities. Confirm both channels share the same CT and VT inputs. The combined recorder logs watts and vars together; a recording wattmeter logs active power only.
This particular reference
Recording instrument that logs active and reactive power together from shared current and voltage inputs. The combined recorder logs watts and vars together; a recording wattmeter logs active power only.
- Terminal
- An identified point where a conductor connects.
- Signal
- Electrical information passed between devices, rather than necessarily the main power supply.
- Schematic
- A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.
Read the source: IEC graphical symbols for diagrams · Power and energy measurement quantities
SLD / Schematic · W/var
What it represents
This form represents one recording instrument that logs both active power and reactive power on the same time base. It is drawn at generator and interconnection points where the relationship between watts and vars matters, for example when checking excitation control or reactive power commitments.
Both quantities come from the same CT and VT inputs, so the symbol should show those connections once. It does not define the sign convention for import, export, leading or lagging vars, which must be stated so records can be interpreted correctly.
How to read it
- Check sign conventions for both quantities.
- Confirm both channels share the same CT and VT inputs.
Information to show or reference
- Show CT and VT ratios
- Define sign conventions
- State recording interval
A distinction that matters
The combined recorder logs watts and vars together; a recording wattmeter logs active power only.
Sources you can follow
These public references support the explanation and provide further detail. Their graphics and downloadable files remain with their publishers.
IEC graphical symbols for diagrams
IEC context for graphical symbols used in diagrams; no IEC graphic is reproduced.
Power and energy measurement quantities
Public explanation of active and reactive power quantities.
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
var
Reactive-power meter
A reactive-power meter indicates reactive power using the instrument's documented voltage and current inputs.
SLD / Schematic
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Recording instrument general symbol
General square form for an instrument that keeps a time record of a quantity rather than just displaying it.
SLD / Schematic
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