Desperately seeking a simple wattmeter.

Jan 01, 2008 7 Replies

I want to audit the power consumption of the lighting in the house.



I suspect the labelling of globes and timer power usage to be suspect.



I need a simple meter to put between the power socket and the lights to test consumption.



Please help


You appear to be in Australia, but need to confirm so that those that might propose things to buy know what not to suggest..

In the UK, it is possible to purchase a plug-in power meter for

Thanks, I'll try. Will the clamp method work with fluorescent globes, TVs and electric timers?

pj

No. Only with purely resistive loads such as incandescent lamps and heater elements.

In the States, there are plenty of energy (watt-hour) meters on the surplus market for about $US 5 to 10. Shipping could be more.

I bought an old watt meter and current transformer at a swap meet for the same purpose. It has been a few years and have not got it set up.

Bill

If you're in Australia try Jaycar Electronics

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) Cat No. MS6115. Cost is AUD 39.95 and it should do what you want and more.

regards Barry

Try this link -

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Don't know if they have configurations for all electricl outlet types.

Thanks I found one there called a "PowerTechPlus Functional Energy Meter" MS-6115. It seems to work too.

Regards, pj

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