# Apparent-energy meter

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/apparent-energy-meter
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: kVAh
Drawing use: SLD, Schematic
Reference families: IEC, Manufacturer

Integrating meter that totalises apparent energy in kVAh, used where tariffs charge on kVA rather than kW.

## In plain English

### What does Apparent-energy meter mean?

An apparent-energy meter totalises volt-amperes over time. Some network tariffs and demand charges are based on kVA, so this register appears on supply-point single-line diagrams beside the kWh and kvarh registers of the revenue meter.

### A simple example

Apparent energy can be calculated in more than one way when harmonics or unbalance are present, for example arithmetically from each phase or vectorially from total watts and vars. The symbol does not say which method is used, and two meters with different methods can disagree.

### What the drawings help you do

Check which calculation method the meter uses. Read with the kWh and kvarh registers at the same point. A kVAh meter totalises apparent energy; a kWh meter totalises only the active part.

### This particular reference

Integrating meter that totalises apparent energy in kVAh, used where tariffs charge on kVA rather than kW. A kVAh meter totalises apparent energy; a kWh meter totalises only the active part.

### Terms

- Phase: One of the related AC waveforms in a power system.
- Schematic: A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.

Concept diagram: Identify the device and form → Read the connections and state → Check the equipment reference
A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.

- [Power and energy measurement quantities](https://www.se.com/ph/en/faqs/FA343278/)
- [IEC graphical symbols for diagrams](https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/)


## What it represents

An apparent-energy meter totalises volt-amperes over time. Some network tariffs and demand charges are based on kVA, so this register appears on supply-point single-line diagrams beside the kWh and kvarh registers of the revenue meter.
Apparent energy can be calculated in more than one way when harmonics or unbalance are present, for example arithmetically from each phase or vectorially from total watts and vars. The symbol does not say which method is used, and two meters with different methods can disagree.

## How to read it

- Check which calculation method the meter uses.
- Read with the kWh and kvarh registers at the same point.

## Information to show or reference

- State calculation method
- Show CT and VT ratios
- Give accuracy class

## Important distinction

A kVAh meter totalises apparent energy; a kWh meter totalises only the active part.

## Facts

- Integrated quantity: Apparent energy (kVAh)
- Typical use: kVA-based tariffs and demand charges
- Preview: Independent educational concept; consult the applicable standard and project legend for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [Power and energy measurement quantities](https://www.se.com/ph/en/faqs/FA343278/) — Schneider Electric. Public explanation of energy and power measurement quantities used by meters.
- [IEC graphical symbols for diagrams](https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/) — IEC. IEC context for graphical symbols used in diagrams; no IEC graphic is reproduced.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.