# Combined recording wattmeter and varmeter

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/combined-recording-wattmeter-varmeter
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: W/var
Drawing use: SLD, Schematic
Reference families: IEC

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.

### Terms

- 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.

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.

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


## 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

## Important distinction

The combined recorder logs watts and vars together; a recording wattmeter logs active power only.

## Facts

- Recorded quantities: Active and reactive power
- Typical location: Generator or interconnection point
- Preview: Independent educational concept; consult the applicable standard and project legend for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [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.
- [Power and energy measurement quantities](https://www.se.com/ph/en/faqs/FA343278/) — Schneider Electric. Public explanation of active and reactive power quantities.

## 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.