Digital Volt-Amp-Watt Meters: VAF vs Multifunction Meter for Your Panel
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A digital volt-amp meter shows voltage and current on one panel display. A VAF meter adds frequency, and some models, like the Selec VAF391, also show watts (kW) and power factor. For energy (kWh) or RS485 data you need a multifunction meter. On Voltkart, 3-phase VAF meters cost ₹1,181–₹1,323 and multifunction meters ₹2,642–₹4,985.
By Team Voltkart · Reviewed by Amit, Voltkart · Last updated 28 September 2026 · Prices checked 28 September 2026
If you want volts, amps (and maybe watts) on one display instead of a row of separate meters, this guide explains the difference between a volt-amp meter, a VAF meter, a VAF meter with power, and a multifunction meter, and shows exactly which model to buy for each need. It is part of our digital panel meter guide.
What is a volt-amp (VAF) meter?
A VAF meter is a digital panel meter that shows Voltage, current in Amps and Frequency, usually for all three phases, on one 96x96 mm display with several rows of digits.
What each reading tells you
- Voltage: the health of the supply. Low, high or unbalanced phase voltages point to supply or DG problems before equipment trips.
- Current: the load. It shows whether motors and feeders run at normal load, and whether the phases are balanced.
- Frequency: vital on DG panels, where frequency shows whether the generator is running at the correct speed under load.
Why one VAF meter beats separate meters
Monitoring three phases with separate instruments needs a voltmeter, an ammeter, a frequency meter and selector switches, which means several cut-outs and more wiring. One VAF meter shows all of it in a single 96x96 cut-out, usually for less money.
Volt-amp vs VAF vs volt-amp-watt vs multifunction: the difference
The most common confusion: a VAF meter does not always show watts. "VAF" means volts, amps and frequency. If you need watts (kW) and power factor, you need a VAF model with a power function (such as the Selec VAF391) or a multifunction meter. Use this table to decide:
| I need to see… | Choose | Voltkart model(s) | From (₹, incl. GST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volts + amps on one phase | Voltmeter + ammeter pair | MV305 + MA302 | 1,076 |
| Volts, amps and Hz on 3 phases | VAF meter | AVF-961 / VAF39A | 1,181 |
| …plus kW and power factor | VAF with power | VAF391 | 1,245 |
| …plus kWh and harmonics (THD) | Multifunction meter | MFM376-CE | 2,642 |
| …plus RS485 data to a PLC or SCADA | Multifunction meter with communication | MFM376-C-CE / MFM383A-C-CE / MFM384-C-CE | 3,590 |
Models compared
Cautoni Swastik AVF-961: ₹1,181
The Cautoni Swastik AVF-961 is the most affordable 3-phase VAF meter at Voltkart: voltage, current and frequency on an LED display, 230 V AC supply, 96x96 mm. It is a straightforward choice for workshop distribution boards, pump panels and small DG panels where you just need to see the three basic values. Cautoni Swastik does not publish a public datasheet for this model, so check the terminal label on the meter for wiring.
Selec VAF391: ₹1,245 (volts, amps, Hz, watts and PF)
The Selec VAF391 is the answer to "which meter shows volts, amps and watts?". Its Selec datasheet (the model is listed there as MFM391) specifies true-RMS measurement of 3-phase voltage (L-N and L-L), current (I1, I2, I3), frequency, power factor, and active, reactive and apparent power, plus run-hour and RPM. Other datasheet figures:
- Accuracy ±0.5% of full scale for voltage and current, and 1% for power.
- Voltage input 11–300 V AC phase-to-neutral (19–519 V AC phase-to-phase).
- Current input nominal 5 A AC through CTs. The product listing gives a CT primary programmable from 1 A or 5 A up to 10 kA, and a PT primary from 100 V up to 500 kV.
- Wide 85–276 V AC auxiliary supply, and a 3-row, 3-digit LED display.
Selec VAF39A-1-230V: ₹1,323 (with RPM and run hour)
The Selec VAF39A-1-230V shows 3-phase voltage (L-N or L-L, individual or average), current (I1, I2, I3), frequency, and built-in RPM and run-hour measurement, which is useful on DG sets and machines. It takes 5 A CTs (primary 5 A to 10 kA, fixed 5 A secondary), supports a PT primary up to 500 kV, and runs on a 230 V or 110 V AC ±20% supply. The display is a 3-row, 3-digit LED with the parameter units integrated.
When to step up to a multifunction meter
If you also need energy (kWh), harmonics or data, move to a Selec multifunction meter:
- Selec MFM376-CE (₹2,642): LED, %THD up to the 31st harmonic, pulse output, 40–300 V AC/DC supply.
- Selec MFM383A (₹3,390): backlit LCD with energy (active, reactive, apparent) and password protection, 85–270 V AC supply.
- Selec MFM384-C-CE (₹4,985): backlit LCD with a current bargraph, RS485 Modbus RTU, %THD to the 31st harmonic, maximum demand and phase-sequence detection.
Or: a separate voltmeter and ammeter
On a single-phase panel, or where you only watch one line, a pair of single-function meters is simpler: the Selec MV305 voltmeter (₹550, 50–480 V AC direct) with the Selec MA302 ammeter (₹526, CT-operated). Together they cost ₹1,076, which also clears Voltkart's ₹1,001 minimum order. For how to wire the ammeter's CT, see how to connect a digital ammeter with a CT.
How to connect a 3-phase VAF meter
Voltage inputs
Connect the three phases (R, Y, B) and neutral to the meter's voltage terminals, through fuses or a small MCB as the datasheet recommends. On LT panels the voltage connects directly. On HT systems it comes from a PT, and you program the PT ratio.
Current inputs
Fit one CT on each phase and wire each CT's S1/S2 to that phase's current terminals on the meter. The pairing matters: the CT on the R phase must go to the R-phase current input, and so on. Swapped CTs give wrong power and power-factor readings on meters that calculate power (VAF391, MFM). Use a CT shorting terminal block, and never open a CT secondary while current flows.
Programming
In the setup menu, set the connection type (3Ø-4W for a 3-phase supply with neutral, 3Ø-3W without), the CT primary (and secondary on the VAF391), and the PT ratio if one is used. Terminal numbers and menu steps are model-specific: follow the terminal diagram on the meter and the Selec datasheet linked from each product page.
Typical applications
- DG set panels: voltage, load current and frequency. The VAF39A adds run hours and RPM.
- Main LT incomers: supply voltage and phase balance at a glance. Use a VAF391 or MFM if you want power and PF.
- Pump and compressor panels: spot low voltage or a high-current motor before it trips.
- Workshop distribution boards: a low-cost AVF-961 replaces three separate meters.
Price list: volt-amp and VAF meters (Voltkart, incl. GST)
| Model | Readings | Aux supply | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cautoni Swastik AVF-961 | V, A, Hz (3Ø) | 230 V AC | ₹1,181 |
| Selec VAF391 | V, A, Hz, kW/kVAr/kVA, PF, run hour, RPM | 85–276 V AC | ₹1,245 |
| Selec VAF39A-1-230V | V, A, Hz, RPM, run hour | 230/110 V AC ±20% | ₹1,323 |
| Selec MFM376-CE | Multifunction incl. kWh, %THD | 40–300 V AC/DC | ₹2,642 |
| Selec MFM383A | Multifunction, LCD, energy | 85–270 V AC | ₹3,390 |
| Selec MFM384-C-CE | Multifunction, LCD, RS485, %THD | 85–300 V AC | ₹4,985 |
| Selec MV305 + MA302 | V + A (1Ø) | 240/110 V AC | ₹550 + ₹526 |
Prices checked 28 September 2026; the product page always shows the live price. Voltkart is an authorised distributor of Selec and Cautoni Swastik, with a GST invoice on every order and pan-India delivery. See all VAF and multifunction meters, Selec and Cautoni Swastik products.
Frequently asked questions
What is a VAF meter?
A VAF meter is a digital panel meter that shows voltage, current (amps) and frequency, usually for all three phases, on one 96x96 mm display. It is common on DG and LT panels.
Which digital meter shows volts, amps and watts?
A VAF meter with a power function, such as the Selec VAF391 (₹1,245 on Voltkart), or any multifunction meter such as the Selec MFM376 or MFM384, which add kWh and power quality.
What is the price of a VAF meter in India?
On Voltkart, the Cautoni Swastik AVF-961 costs ₹1,181, the Selec VAF391 ₹1,245 and the Selec VAF39A ₹1,323, including GST.
Does a VAF meter need CTs?
Yes, for current above the meter's 5 A input. You need one CT per phase, and you program the CT ratio into the meter. Voltage connects directly up to the meter's rated input, or through a PT on high-voltage systems.
VAF meter or multifunction meter: which should I buy?
Buy a VAF meter to monitor supply and load. Buy a multifunction meter if you also need energy (kWh), power factor tracking or RS485 data for energy monitoring.
Related guides and products
- Digital panel meter guide
- How to connect a digital ammeter with a CT
- VAF and multifunction meters
- Voltage protection relays: trip the load on phase failure or unbalance
Not sure which meter fits your panel? WhatsApp 8800754881 (Mon–Sat, 12:30–7 pm). Online orders at voltkart.in are open 24×7.