Electricity data logger wanted

JoeQ

JoeQ

Well-Known Member
Joined
30 Jan 2004
Messages
319
Location
Glasgow
www.use.me.uk
Anyone know of a device that will monitor and record electricity usage. I want to be able to monitor it in real time and also download or use MRTG.

Also want to be able to see when the supply has been live and when there have been power cuts.

Thanks
 
most decent UPS (uninterruptible power supply) units have a bit of software which does exactly that.

I had an APC SmartUPS 2000 with the monitoring system, and when w e had some nasty surges about 8 yrs ago which blew an elderly fridge up, I was able to show SWEB from the data that the supply tolerances were outside therte published legal parameters.

They provided a brand new fridge - FREE !:)

http://www.apc.com/products/family/index.cfm?id=165
 
Last edited:
sarabande said:
most decent UPS (uninterruptible power supply) units have a bit of software which does exactly that.

I had an APC SmartUPS 2000 with the monitoring system, and when w e had some nasty surges about 8 yrs ago which blew an elderly fridge up, I was able to show SWEB from the data that the supply tolerances were outside therte published legal parameters.

They provided a brand new fridge - FREE !:)

http://www.apc.com/products/family/index.cfm?id=165
Click to expand...

Thanks but the cost of a UPS that can handle 30 amps is way in excess of the budget. Even if the UPS were much smaller and only used for monitoring purposes it would still be an unnecessary load on the system. It's the smaller stand alone type of thing I'm after. Doesn't matter if it's hard wired or wireless.
 
Last edited:
I have a toy I got from our local Maplin a year ago. Have a look at www.efergy.com for details.
I treat it as a guide to kWh usage only (and as a clock in my office). It has a sensor clipped around one of the power cables by the meter and the dispaly can be anywhere within 50 metres or so.
Comparing kWh it says I've used per month, and what the meter says, it seems to be reading 25% low.
Right now, its showing o.56 kW, an average daily usage of 12.6kWh, and monthly usage around 340kWh ; peak so far was December at 373kWh.
Amusing toy, but pointless, as I don't do anything with the information.
I do however know when the kettle goes on for a cup of tea!
 
There are any number of simple counters available, try rs components or similar.

I have fitted a smart meter at home to monitor power usage along with a pulse output water meter. An old PC gathers data and puts it up on a web page.

Just looking for a pulse output gas meter now although I may just put a sensor on the existing meter.

Next is the new Atmel wireless chips on Arduino devices to have the ability to turn off the damn lights in the kids bedrooms and bathroom that always seem to be on!

Edit > Ha! just discoveed that my meter fitted outside has an optional pulse output already installed!
 
Last edited:
If you only need to monitor the supply for a limited period of time (days to a couple of months) it may be best to go to one of the electronic test equipment rental companies. You can get calibrated/certified monitor units with logging capability and external interfaces. (I assume you want to monitor voltage and frequency deviations rather than just power consumption.)
 
JoeQ said:
Anyone know of a device that will monitor and record electricity usage. I want to be able to monitor it in real time and also download or use MRTG.

Also want to be able to see when the supply has been live and when there have been power cuts.

Thanks
Click to expand...

Argos do one for £37.99

Owl Wireless Electricity Monitor.

I
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Other threads that may be of interest

davethedog
Raymarine AP No drive detected and invlaid command errors
Replies
4
Views
211
davethedog
davethedog
N
Integral Battery Electric Outboards… with MORE POWER!
Replies
11
Views
737
ontheplane
O

Share this page

Top