Energy Monitors

Hi,

I'm interested in finding out how many watts each item uses electricity in our house. Are there any monitors anyone could recommend that aren't too expensive?.

I had a quick look at av forums and they mentioned one called OWL but there are some issues with its software i think.

What's wrong with something like this? No software required.

http://images.maplin.co.uk/300/l61aq.jpg

Thank you,

Oh, i don't mind if it's a plug-in one. I'm actually buying some things from Amazon right now and think they have one similar, i guess i don't know much about them and if most are reliable and accurate.

Thanks again:)

I suspect (but haven't done any tests to prove it) that the plug in ones will be more accurate as they can measure current, voltage and power factor. The central monitors (especially those with wireless receivers) only measure current, and assume a nominal voltage for the mains supply, and cannot measure PF. Fine for comparative measurements and showing what happens when yopu switch an appliance on, but no good for more accurate measurements. Of course, accuracy is only as good as the basic calibration, which may be an unknown!

You're welcome. There appears to be an identical model on Amazon if that who you'd rather get it from. It's more expensive though.

Thanks,

My knowledge of most things isn't too good peterb but i got an idea of what you meant between the 2 types you mentioned. I guess i'll know when i buy one and measure say, a radio or tv with their specs.

pauldarkside,

thanks, i was thinking of getting everything in one go at the same time at amazon. does look like it's the same one but more as you said though.

Just saw this one and can get it down the road:

http://www.lidl.co.uk/cps/rde/xchg/l...ndex_24624.htm

Looks similar to this one http://www2.westfalia.net/shops/elec...cost_meter.htm I bought two or three years ago.

@simon66 Your link requires a post code so I can't see the product. You'll get similar all over the place, they tend to be much alike. I have the one I linked to and it's worked well for the duration I've had it. It's been permanently in place for a few years and I've had no reason to doubt its readings. Good piece of kit :)

Thanks to both of you. So if i test a telly that's 150w it simply shows up like that on these monitors then?

The one i linked was from Lidl and is £8.99 which seems good if they have it in stock. :)

It should but I'd say it depends on the accuracy of those figures you've been given (eg the ones provided on a product spec sheet). The monitors are just giving real-world readings of the equipment you're testing.

I'll have to give it a go and see what happens.

Cheers. :)

We bought a no name plug in monitor when deciding whether to replace two working but old freezers of poor efficiency. I have to say it was only about a tenner from an Amazon seller and gives a wealth of info. It certainly demonstrated the need for a new freezer! I'm not sure how accurate it is, but then it would be hard to check the calibration of any system. I have no reason to think it is far out, if at all, and head to head it certainly offers invaluable comparisons. I would recommend them to anyone.

The only real way to calibrate it is tto use a non inductive load (like a traditional light bulb) and an accurate votmeter and ammeter to measure the voltage and current. But if it is accurate to 5%, that is suffucient for comparative measurements, and thre plug in one is likely to be consistent as it is measuring mains voltage. (As I discussed earlier)

Hello

I have come across a new software for monitoring electricity at home and I have heard it is better than OWL. Apparently one can track the usage even if not at home allowing to remotely manage lights and other appliances, monitor temperatures, detect movement and activate alarm sirens.

Any thoughts?

i got a owl one down stairs but it don't need any software for it and comes with a clip to go on the mains cable going in to the fuse box and the other bit is wireless.

its out buy about 5% id say and if the batts are going flat it goes wrong and stops counting the money its using.

but it don't show the voltage and amps on it like a plug one i have :)

Have you heard of Ecosaver energy meter? It is supposedly useful in measuring the energy and cost of individual appliances. But it does not have the software to monitor.