Trystan Casey
Monitoring electricity usage by circuit can help homeowners identify problem areas and make informed choices to reduce their electricity bills. While electricity meters outside the home can give an overall reading, they do not provide information on individual circuits or appliances. To do this, you can use a clamp-on amp meter or a device such as the Emporia Vue or Sense, which use clamp-on current sensors to monitor individual branch circuits. Alternatively, you can use a power meter, which plugs into an electrical outlet and then into an appliance, to measure the energy consumption of individual devices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To understand electricity usage and make informed choices |
| Technology | Smart electrical panels, clamp-on current sensors, central hubs, apps, electrical sub-meters, power meters, energy monitors |
| Data | Real-time data, trends, appliance identification, wattage, kilowatt-hour usage, cost |
| Installation | DIY or by a licensed electrician |
| Cost | Varies, can be cheap or expensive |
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What You'll Learn
Using a clamp-on amp meter
To use a clamp-on amp meter, first identify the wire in the circuit that is carrying the current you want to measure. Next, open the jaws or clamps of the meter and position them around the conductor, ensuring it is fully enclosed without touching any other part of the circuit. It is important to centre the wire within the jaws for maximum accuracy. The jaws of the meter detect the magnetic field and allow for a reading to be taken.
Before taking a reading, ensure the battery is sufficiently charged as a low battery can lead to false readings and potential electrical shocks. Additionally, check that the jaws are properly aligned to close the magnetic circuit for an accurate reading. Clamp-on amp meters can measure both direct and alternate currents, so it is important to determine the type of current you are measuring.
Clamp-on amp meters are a good option for those wanting to measure electricity usage as they are relatively inexpensive, easy to use, and widely available. They are also versatile, allowing for measurements in hard-to-reach places or on live wires without the need to cut or interrupt the circuit.
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Smart home energy monitors
One such device is the Sense Home Energy Monitor, which uses machine learning to identify individual appliances and their electricity usage. It employs a central hub with one set of clamp-on current sensors installed on the main service conductors feeding the electrical panel. The Sense Home App is available for free if your electricity provider has upgraded your home with a new Wi-Fi-enabled Smart Meter. The app helps you manage your home energy use directly from your phone, providing a real-time picture of your home's energy use.
Another option is the Emporia Gen 3 Vue monitor, which does not use machine learning but instead relies on smart devices and direct observations to measure how much power individual circuits are using. The basic system is a whole-home monitor that tracks and quantifies overall energy consumption. The Vue app integrates with various smart plugs, thermostats, appliances, and lighting to see how much power they use.
Other smart home energy monitors include IoTaWatt, Leviton Load Center, and clamp-on amp meters. These devices can help homeowners identify areas where they can save energy and reduce their electricity bills.
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Current transformers
CTs work by clamping around wires connected to each circuit breaker or the mains. They use magnets to create an electric current proportional to the amount of electricity flowing through the wire. This current is then measured by a device connected in parallel to the secondary winding. CTs are typically used in generating stations, electrical substations, and industrial and commercial power distribution.
When installing CTs, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Many CTs have arrows that should point to the load. CTs with SiteSage 150A have labels instead of arrows, so the label should be oriented toward the load. When using WattNode or Dent Electricity meters, CTs need to be on the correct phase to avoid generating unusable data.
There are different types of CTs available, including medium-voltage and low-voltage CTs. The type of CT depends on the voltage values and the specific application. For example, medium-voltage CTs are used with reactive power control relays, while low-voltage CTs are connected in series to the circuit.
CTs are an effective way to measure electricity usage by circuit, providing accurate data for energy monitoring and management.
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Plug-in power meters
These devices are plugged into a power outlet, and then the appliance or device you want to test is plugged into the meter. This allows the meter to measure the electricity consumption of any electronic device or appliance connected to it. They are suitable for various charging devices, from refrigerators to mobile phones, computers, and electric blankets.
The basic parameters measured by plug-in power meters are voltage and current. However, these values can be converted into other useful metrics, such as power in kilowatt-hours (kWh), power factor, cost, maximum power, and minimum power. The accuracy of these meters varies, but most modern ones have a high degree of accuracy, typically within 1-2%.
Some plug-in power meters also offer additional features, such as overload protection and memory functions that retain power consumption data even when unplugged. They can also be used with different connector types, making them accessible to users worldwide.
While these meters provide a safe and straightforward way to measure electricity usage, they may not be ideal for those who require continuous monitoring of multiple points. In such cases, a smart home energy monitor or other technology might be more suitable.
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Sub-meters
Submeters can be designed to measure energy consumption at various levels of granularity, from an entire switchboard or panel board to individual branch circuits or outlets. They can be installed within new or existing construction, either as aftermarket products installed inside panels or through point-of-use metering.
One example of a submeter is the Emporia Vue, which uses a clamp-on current sensor to monitor either the main service conductors or individual branch circuit wires. Another example is the Sense system, which uses machine learning to "learn" the electrical usage of different appliances and devices in the home, reducing the amount of equipment and wires needed.
Submetering offers valuable data for building owners and stakeholders, allowing them to make informed decisions about energy usage and costs, as well as identifying opportunities for energy savings and equipment upgrades.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a clamp-on amp meter or a device like the Emporia Vue, which uses a clamp-on current sensor to monitor individual branch circuits.
Yes, you can use a power meter to measure electricity usage by individual appliances. You can also use an energy monitor to track an entire property.
To calculate the cost, multiply your kilowatt-hour usage by the rate. The current average electricity rate in the United States is around $0.14 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
Yes, it is important to consider safety and building code compliance when installing any electrical monitoring devices. Some devices may also need to be installed by a licensed electrician.
