What does the T20 suffix mean? Complete model breakdown and selection guide for PQMII-T20-C-A

The model number PQMII-T20-C-A contains more information than it may appear to at first glance. Each part identifies a specific feature package for the GE Multilin PQM II power quality meter. Understanding this ordering code is important when specifying a new meter, replacing an installed unit, or requesting a quotation from an industrial equipment supplier.

The key point is that T20 is not a firmware version or a reference to 20 measurement channels. It identifies the transducer option fitted to the meter. In the PQMII-T20-C-A configuration, the T20 option provides four isolated analog outputs that can be configured for 0–20 mA or 4–20 mA signals. It also includes a 4–20 mA analog input and an additional RS485 communication port.

The remaining C and A suffixes identify the control and power-analysis options. Together, these features make the PQMII-T20-C-A suitable for applications that need three-phase electrical metering, analog signal retransmission, programmable control, event recording, and detailed power quality analysis.

PQMII-T20-C-A Model Number Breakdown

The complete GE Multilin ordering code can be read from left to right. The following table summarizes what each section means.

This breakdown is especially useful when comparing a complete PQMII-T20-C-A power quality meter with a base PQM II or another option combination. Two units may share the same front-panel appearance while containing different analog, control, or analysis functions.

What Does the T20 Suffix Mean on a GE Multilin PQM II?

The T20 suffix meaning is an important detail when selecting a GE Multilin PQM II power quality meter. T20 identifies the transducer option designed for standard industrial current-loop applications. It provides four isolated analog outputs that can be assigned to measured electrical parameters, with each output configurable for either a 0–20 mA or 4–20 mA signal range.

These outputs allow the PQMII-T20-C-A power quality meter to retransmit selected electrical measurements to other equipment. Depending on the approved configuration, current, voltage, real power, reactive power, demand, power factor, or frequency can be converted into an analog current signal and sent to a DCS, PLC, data recorder, energy-management system, or remote panel indicator.

The PQM II T20 transducer option also includes one 4–20 mA analog input. This enables an external process signal to be monitored or incorporated into the configured application. A second RS485 communication port is included, giving the meter greater flexibility when connecting to a SCADA system, industrial power-monitoring network, or plant control system.

T20 should not be confused with the PQM II T1 transducer option. According to GE Multilin ordering information, T1 provides four isolated 0–1 mA analog outputs, while T20 supports the more commonly used 0–20 mA and 4–20 mA output ranges. This distinction should be verified before ordering a GE PQMII replacement, because the receiving device, existing wiring, and analog input range must match the meter’s output signal.

What Does the C Option Add?

The letter C represents the control option. It adds three programmable output relays, bringing the meter’s total to four, along with four programmable switch inputs.

The additional relays allow the PQMII-T20-C-A to perform basic control and alarm functions. Possible applications include overvoltage or undervoltage alarms, current alarms, demand-based load shedding, and capacitor-bank control. The exact relay behavior depends on the configured setpoints and the approved electrical design.

The four switch inputs can be used to monitor external status signals, such as breaker position or other equipment contacts. They may also participate in more complex control arrangements where external conditions need to be included in the meter’s logic.

A buyer replacing an existing PQM II should confirm whether the installed application uses these additional relays and switch inputs. A meter without the C option may still provide core measurements, but it would not reproduce all the control connections available on a PQMII-T20-C-A.

What Does the A Option Add?

The final A suffix identifies the power analysis option. This package expands the meter beyond basic three-phase electrical measurement by adding functions for examining disturbances and long-term power quality.

The A option includes harmonic analysis, triggered trace memory, waveform capture, an event recorder, data logging, and voltage-disturbance recording. These functions help engineers investigate voltage sags, voltage swells, waveform distortion, harmonics, and other conditions that may affect electrical equipment.

GE Vernova states that the PQM II can perform harmonic analysis through the 63rd harmonic and includes Total Harmonic Distortion measurement. The manufacturer also lists waveform capture, event recording, data logging, and voltage-disturbance recording among its monitoring functions. 

The power analysis option is useful in industrial plants, commercial facilities, and utility systems where engineers need more information than a simple energy reading. It can support troubleshooting of nuisance trips, overloaded equipment, poor power factor, supply disturbances, and recurring voltage-quality problems.

Typical PQMII-T20-C-A Applications

The GE Multilin PQM II is designed for continuous monitoring of three-phase electrical systems. Common applications include distribution feeders, transformers, generators, motors, and capacitor banks. It can be applied in medium- and low-voltage systems when suitable current and voltage transformers are used.

In a factory or process plant, the T20 analog outputs can send important electrical values to an existing control system without relying exclusively on serial communication. The C option can support alarm or load-control functions, while the A option provides the records needed to investigate power quality events.

This combination makes the PQMII-T20-C-A attractive for retrofit projects. A facility may need local display, RS485 communication, conventional 4–20 mA signals, programmable relay outputs, and power analysis in one panel-mounted device.

However, the meter should be selected as part of the complete electrical design. CT ratios, voltage connections, control power, relay ratings, communication settings, analog-output scaling, and panel dimensions must all match the application.

How to Select the Correct PQM II Configuration

Choose the T20 option when the application requires 0–20 mA or 4–20 mA analog retransmission. If existing receiving equipment expects a 0–1 mA signal, the T1 option may be more appropriate. The connected system’s input range should be confirmed before selecting either version.

Choose the C option when the installation needs additional programmable relays or external switch inputs. If the meter is used only for measurement and communication, these control functions may not be required. For a direct replacement, check the rear-terminal wiring to determine whether the existing system uses them.

Choose the A option when detailed power quality analysis is required. Harmonic measurement, waveform capture, event records, data logs, and voltage-disturbance information can be valuable when investigating electrical problems. A basic metering application may not need the complete analysis package, but an installed PQMII-T20-C-A should normally be replaced with a unit that preserves the functions used by the site.

Replacement and Purchasing Checklist

Before ordering a GE PQMII-T20-C-A replacement, record the complete model number from the nameplate rather than relying on “PQM II” alone. Verify the control-power range, firmware version, installed modifications, terminal-block arrangement, communication requirements, and panel cutout.

GE ordering information identifies standard control power as 90–300 V DC or 70–265 V AC. A low-range control-power version was available through the MOD 501 option for 20–60 V DC or 20–48 V AC. This difference is critical because an incorrect control-power version may not operate safely in the existing panel.

Other documented modifications include tropicalization, removable terminal blocks, and capacitor-bank switching features. These options may not be obvious from the abbreviated PQMII-T20-C-A code, so the complete label and installed wiring should be reviewed.

When purchasing surplus or refurbished equipment, request nameplate photographs, firmware information, repair history, test documentation, warranty terms, and confirmation of the installed options. A listing that mentions only “GE Multilin PQM II” does not prove that the unit includes T20, C, and A functions.

Conclusion

In the PQMII-T20-C-A model number, T20 identifies the transducer option with four isolated 0–20 mA or 4–20 mA analog outputs, one 4–20 mA input, and a second RS485 communication port. The C suffix adds programmable control relays and switch inputs, while the A suffix provides advanced power-analysis functions.

Understanding this model breakdown helps engineers and buyers avoid selecting a meter that looks correct but lacks the required analog outputs, control connections, or recording capabilities. The full nameplate, control power, modifications, firmware, wiring, and system requirements should always be verified before ordering a replacement.

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