How to Use pzem-004t: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The PZEM-004T is a digital power meter designed for monitoring and measuring key electrical parameters in AC circuits. It can measure voltage, current, power, energy, and frequency with high accuracy. This module communicates via UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter), making it easy to interface with microcontrollers such as the Arduino UNO. Its compact design and reliable performance make it a popular choice for energy monitoring, home automation, and industrial applications.

• Energy consumption monitoring in residential and industrial setups
• Smart home automation systems
• Power quality analysis
• Renewable energy systems (e.g., solar inverters)
• Load monitoring in electrical circuits

Below are the key technical details of the PZEM-004T module:

The PZEM-004T module has a simple pinout for easy integration. Below is the pin configuration:

To use the PZEM-004T with an Arduino UNO, follow these steps:

1. Power the Module: Connect the VCC pin of the PZEM-004T to the 5V pin of the Arduino UNO and the GND pin to the Arduino's GND.
2. UART Communication: Connect the TX pin of the PZEM-004T to the RX pin of the Arduino UNO and the RX pin of the PZEM-004T to the TX pin of the Arduino UNO.
3. AC Connections: Connect the AC IN+ and AC IN- terminals to the live and neutral wires of the AC circuit you want to monitor. Use the included current transformer (CT) to measure current by clamping it around the live wire.

Below is an example Arduino sketch to read data from the PZEM-004T module using the SoftwareSerial library:

#include <SoftwareSerial.h>

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

// PZEM-004T communication commands
byte readCommand[] = {0xB0, 0xC0, 0xA8, 0x01, 0x01, 0x00, 0x1A}; // Example command

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600); // Initialize Serial Monitor
  pzemSerial.begin(9600); // Initialize PZEM-004T communication

  Serial.println("PZEM-004T Power Meter Example");
}

void loop() {
  // Send read command to PZEM-004T
  pzemSerial.write(readCommand, sizeof(readCommand));

  // Wait for response
  delay(100);

  // Check if data is available
  if (pzemSerial.available()) {
    Serial.println("Data received:");
    while (pzemSerial.available()) {
      byte data = pzemSerial.read();
      Serial.print(data, HEX); // Print data in hexadecimal format
      Serial.print(" ");
    }
    Serial.println();
  } else {
    Serial.println("No data received.");
  }

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

• Safety First: Always handle AC connections with care. Ensure the circuit is powered off before making connections.
• Current Transformer (CT): Ensure the CT is properly clamped around the live wire for accurate current measurement.
• Baud Rate: The PZEM-004T communicates at a fixed baud rate of 9600. Ensure your microcontroller is configured accordingly.
• Power Supply: The module requires a stable 5V DC power supply. Avoid using noisy power sources.

1. No Data Received

   • Ensure the TX and RX pins are correctly connected (crossed: TX to RX and RX to TX).
   • Verify the baud rate is set to 9600 in your code.
   • Check the power supply to the PZEM-004T module.

2. Incorrect Measurements

   • Ensure the AC IN+ and AC IN- terminals are connected to the correct live and neutral wires.
   • Verify the current transformer is properly clamped around the live wire.

3. Module Not Responding

   • Check for loose connections in the UART interface.
   • Ensure the module is powered with a stable 5V DC supply.

Q: Can the PZEM-004T measure DC circuits?
A: No, the PZEM-004T is designed specifically for AC circuits and cannot measure DC voltage or current.

Q: What is the maximum current the module can measure?
A: The module can measure up to 100A using the included current transformer.

Q: Can I use multiple PZEM-004T modules with a single Arduino?
A: Yes, you can use multiple modules by assigning unique addresses to each module and using a software or hardware UART multiplexer.

Q: Is the module safe for high-voltage applications?
A: The PZEM-004T is designed for 80V-260V AC circuits. Always follow proper safety precautions when working with high voltages.

This concludes the documentation for the PZEM-004T module. For further assistance, refer to the manufacturer's datasheet or community forums.