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

The PZEM-017 is a multifunctional energy meter manufactured by PeaceFair. It is designed to measure key electrical parameters in AC circuits, including voltage, current, power, energy, and frequency. This component is equipped with a digital display for real-time monitoring and supports UART communication, making it ideal for integration with microcontrollers such as Arduino or Raspberry Pi.

• Home energy monitoring: Track power consumption of household appliances.
• Industrial equipment monitoring: Measure and log energy usage in industrial systems.
• IoT energy management: Integrate with IoT platforms for remote energy monitoring.
• Educational purposes: Use in labs and projects to study electrical parameters.

The PZEM-017 has a total of 4 pins for power and communication. Below is the pinout:

1. Power the Module: Connect the VCC pin to a 5V DC power source and the GND pin to ground.
2. Connect the Current Transformer (CT):
   • Attach the external CT to the load circuit you want to monitor.
   • Ensure the CT is properly clamped around one of the AC wires (live or neutral, but not both).
3. UART Communication:
   • Connect the TX pin of the PZEM-017 to the RX pin of your microcontroller.
   • Connect the RX pin of the PZEM-017 to the TX pin of your microcontroller.
4. Load the Code: If using an Arduino, upload the appropriate code to read data via UART.

• Safety First: Always handle AC circuits with care. Ensure the circuit is powered off before making connections.
• CT Orientation: The current transformer must be oriented correctly for accurate readings. Follow the markings on the CT.
• Baud Rate: The UART communication operates at a fixed baud rate of 9600. Ensure your microcontroller is configured accordingly.
• Isolation: For safety and noise reduction, consider using an optocoupler or isolation circuit between the PZEM-017 and your microcontroller.

Below is an example Arduino sketch to read data from the PZEM-017 using UART:

#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 at 9600 baud
  pzemSerial.begin(9600); // Initialize PZEM-017 communication at 9600 baud

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

void loop() {
  // Request data from PZEM-017
  byte request[] = {0xB4, 0xC0, 0xA8, 0x01, 0x01, 0x00, 0x1E}; 
  // Example request packet to read data
  pzemSerial.write(request, sizeof(request));

  delay(100); // Wait for response

  // Read response from PZEM-017
  byte response[7];
  int index = 0;
  while (pzemSerial.available() > 0 && index < 7) {
    response[index++] = pzemSerial.read();
  }

  // Check if valid response received
  if (index == 7) {
    Serial.print("Voltage: ");
    Serial.println(response[2]); // Example: Extract voltage from response
    // Add parsing logic for other parameters (current, power, etc.)
  } else {
    Serial.println("No valid response from PZEM-017");
  }

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

1. No Data Received from PZEM-017:

   • Ensure the UART connections (TX and RX) are correct.
   • Verify that the baud rate is set to 9600 in your microcontroller code.
   • Check the power supply to the PZEM-017 (5V DC).

2. Incorrect Readings:

   • Confirm that the current transformer (CT) is properly clamped around the AC wire.
   • Ensure the CT is not clamped around both live and neutral wires simultaneously.
   • Verify that the load is within the measurement range of the PZEM-017.

3. Communication Errors:

   • Use shorter wires for UART communication to reduce noise.
   • Consider adding pull-up resistors or using shielded cables for better signal integrity.

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 when used with the appropriate external current transformer (CT).

Q: Can I use the PZEM-017 with a Raspberry Pi?
A: Yes, the PZEM-017 can be used with a Raspberry Pi via UART communication. Ensure proper voltage level shifting if needed.

Q: Is the PZEM-017 suitable for three-phase systems?
A: No, the PZEM-017 is designed for single-phase AC systems only.

This concludes the documentation for the PZEM-017 energy meter. For further assistance, refer to the manufacturer's datasheet or contact PeaceFair support.