A "Scangauge" for your home?

[DFWehman]

For those you you who are interested in monitoring and conserving, thought I would mention a device I've been using to monitor my home electric use. It's called "The Energy Detective" or TED for short. It is relatively easy to connect, monitors the whole house, and can connect to your PC for data logging. I had it on my PC for a few months, but now find just the simple display sufficient.

You can display instantaneous, daily or monthly use, in Kw or $ (you configure your billing rate). I have mine set to display real-time and projected monthly bill. It's quite accurate, you'll see it tick up when you open the refridge, and down when you close the door. (Proof the light DOES go out!)

I have a 4-bedroom ranch in NJ and have my e-bill around $45/mo.

I am NOT associated with the vendor in any way, just a satisfied customer. Their website is below, but if you Google the product name you'll find plenty of reviews and comments. I had another device that used a radio frequency to transmit from the meter to the display, never could get that tot work in my house, perhaps due to other wireless devices in and around my home.

Just my $0.02, enjoy!

T.E.D. : TED Details, Electricity Conservation, Home Energy Monitor, electricity monitor

[hsterk]

Hi,
I loved your $.02 info on T.E.D.

It's just what I was look for. Thanks for posting.

[NCC1701]

This sounds very interesting to me! Did you install it yourself or hire an electrician? Professional installation would probably double the price. Not a deal breaker, just a consideration.

[DFWehman]

I installed it myself, but even if you need an electrician, the install only takes a few minutes. You remove the cover panel on your electic box, and clip two induction coils around the insulated conductors from the incoming cable. The clips are like oversized clothespins, and they are plastic, so you don't touch anything metal. There are no "connections to be made. Open the panel, put on clips, close panel, enjoy!

[NCC1701]

Originally Posted by DFWehman

You remove the cover panel on your electic box, and clip two induction coils around the insulated conductors from the incoming cable.

Very cool, sounds like something I can handle. Thanks!

[CruisingAZ]

I plan on putting solar panels on my roof, will I still be able to use this?

[DFWehman]

Sure. At some point, from the grid or batteries, there are cables going into your main panel. What this does is measure the current going through the main feeds to your panel. I think they even have something for homes that have two separate panels, but I don't remember the details.

[Lgaruti]

Just order one w/computer interface. I'll report on the performance.
Thanks for the info!

[Smart pizzaguy]

I installed a Power Cost Monitor about three weeks ago. Attaches to the ouside of your meter. It has definatly made me change a few habits to conserve more.

PowerCost Monitor

[NCC1701]

Originally Posted by Smart pizzaguy

I installed a Power Cost Monitor about three weeks ago. Attaches to the ouside of your meter. It has definatly made me change a few habits to conserve more.

I'm not sure Gulf Power would approve attaching the sensor to their power meter. Have they said anything yet?