Energy Meter Evaluation: ION-8650 vs SEL-735

[Claudia_Arriaga]

Energy Meter Evaluation: ION-8650 vs SEL-735

Hi everyone,
We’re in the process of replacing our energy meters and currently evaluating two options: Schneider Electric ION-8650 and SEL-735 from Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories.

I’d like to know:

• Which of these two meters do you consider more reliable for continuous operation?
• Has anyone experienced issues with the ION-8650 (e.g., failures, reading errors, configuration or integration difficulties)?

I’d really appreciate any experiences or recommendations you can share.

[Mehran_Mehrnia · Accepted solution]

Hi @Claudia_Arriaga 

While I can provide features and capabilities of the meter, I cannot definitively say which one is more reliable or prone to operational issues. Reliability can vary depending on the specific application, installation environment, and integration requirements.

It's best to evaluate each option based on your system needs, historical performance data, and support expectations.

Here are some highlighted features of the ION8650 that make it a leading choice for utility metering applications:

Category	ION-8650 Superiority
Sampling Rate	1024 samples/cycle enables finer resolution for transient and PQ analysis.
Modular Architecture	ION™ architecture allows highly customizable logic, data mapping, and control schemes
Integration Ecosystem	Seamless integration with Schneider Electric application software such as Power Monitoring Expert (PME), Power Operation (EPO), and others offering end-to-end energy management and advanced analytics.
Web Interface & Remote Access	Built-in HTML web server, SFTP, etc. , and ION Setup, more flexible remote configuration and diagnostics.
Multi-Protocol Support	Supports Modbus, DNP, DLMS, Itron MV-90, and IEC 61850 Ed. 2, giving broader compatibility with utility and industrial systems.
Form Factor Flexibility	Available in socket and switchboard forms, with multiple voltage/current input options for diverse installations.
Disturbance & Transient Logging	Advanced sub-cycle disturbance capture and transient detection with high-speed logging.
Global Certifications	Extensive compliance with ANSI, IEC, IEEE, EN standards ideal for multinational deployments.
Time Synchronization	Supports IRIG-B, SNTP, and GPS time sync for precise event correlation across systems.

Feedback from other users or field experience may offer additional insights into how each meter performs in real-world conditions.

Best Regards,

-Mehran

L3 Expert Advanced metering