How to Use PZEM-017: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The PZEM-017 is a multifunctional energy meter manufactured by Pacefair (Part ID: 017). It is designed to measure key electrical parameters in AC circuits, including voltage, current, power, energy, and frequency. The device features a digital display for real-time monitoring and supports UART communication for seamless integration with microcontrollers and other systems.

• Energy monitoring in residential, commercial, and industrial environments.
• Power consumption analysis for appliances and machinery.
• Smart energy management systems for IoT applications.
• Data logging for energy usage over time.

The following table outlines the key technical details of the PZEM-017:

The PZEM-017 has a 4-pin interface for power and communication. The pinout is as follows:

1. Power Supply: Connect the VCC pin to a 5V DC power source and the GND pin to ground.
2. UART Communication:
   • Connect the TXD pin of the PZEM-017 to the RX pin of your microcontroller.
   • Connect the RXD pin of the PZEM-017 to the TX pin of your microcontroller.
3. Current Transformer (CT):
   • Attach the external CT to the PZEM-017 and ensure it is clamped around the live wire of the AC circuit.
   • Ensure the CT is oriented correctly for accurate current measurement.
4. Load Connection: Connect the AC load to the circuit being monitored.

• External Power: The PZEM-017 requires an external 5V DC power supply to operate.
• CT Placement: Ensure the current transformer is securely clamped around the live wire only. Do not clamp it around both live and neutral wires, as this will result in incorrect readings.
• UART Settings: Configure the UART interface of your microcontroller to 9600 baud rate, 8 data bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit (8N1 format).
• Isolation: For safety, ensure proper electrical isolation between the PZEM-017 and high-voltage AC circuits.

Below is an example Arduino sketch to interface the PZEM-017 with an Arduino UNO:

#include <SoftwareSerial.h>

// Define RX and TX pins for SoftwareSerial
SoftwareSerial pzemSerial(10, 11); // RX = Pin 10, TX = Pin 11

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600); // Initialize Serial Monitor
  pzemSerial.begin(9600); // Initialize UART communication with PZEM-017

  Serial.println("PZEM-017 Energy Meter Example");
}

void loop() {
  // Send a command to request data from the PZEM-017
  byte request[] = {0x01, 0x04, 0x00, 0x00, 0x00, 0x0A, 0x70, 0x0D};
  pzemSerial.write(request, sizeof(request));

  delay(100); // Wait for the response

  // Read the response from the PZEM-017
  byte response[25];
  int index = 0;
  while (pzemSerial.available() > 0) {
    response[index++] = pzemSerial.read();
    if (index >= 25) break; // Prevent buffer overflow
  }

  // Check if a valid response is received
  if (index > 0) {
    Serial.print("Received Data: ");
    for (int i = 0; i < index; i++) {
      Serial.print(response[i], HEX);
      Serial.print(" ");
    }
    Serial.println();
  } else {
    Serial.println("No response from PZEM-017");
  }

  delay(1000); // Wait 1 second before the next request
}

• The example uses the SoftwareSerial library to communicate with the PZEM-017. Ensure the RX and TX pins are correctly connected.
• The command sent in the request array is a Modbus RTU query to read data from the PZEM-017. Modify this command as needed for specific data requests.

1. No Data Received

   • Cause: Incorrect UART connection or baud rate mismatch.
   • Solution: Verify the TX and RX connections and ensure the baud rate is set to 9600.

2. Incorrect Readings

   • Cause: Improper CT placement or orientation.
   • Solution: Ensure the CT is clamped around the live wire only and is oriented correctly.

3. Device Not Powering On

   • Cause: Insufficient or no power supply.
   • Solution: Check the 5V DC power source and connections to the VCC and GND pins.

4. Intermittent Communication

   • Cause: Electrical noise or loose connections.
   • Solution: Use shielded cables for UART communication and ensure all connections are secure.

Q: Can the PZEM-017 measure DC circuits?
A: No, the PZEM-017 is designed specifically for AC circuits and cannot measure DC parameters.

Q: What is the maximum current the PZEM-017 can measure?
A: The PZEM-017 can measure up to 100A using an external current transformer (CT).

Q: Can I use the PZEM-017 with a Raspberry Pi?
A: Yes, the PZEM-017 can be interfaced with a Raspberry Pi using its UART interface. Ensure proper voltage level shifting if required.

Q: How do I reset the energy reading to zero?
A: The energy reading can be reset by sending a specific Modbus RTU command to the PZEM-017. Refer to the manufacturer's protocol documentation for details.