MDL type power lead? Opinions needed......

[pau1gray]

Just received a bill for shore power from the marina. Apparently I've used 240 units in two weeks. All that has been on shore power wise is the battery charger.
Does this sound excessive or should I be using more power on the boat than I currently use in a 3 bedroom house.

 

[Medskipper]

That does not sound right to me, I am also an MDL prisoner!
I would ask them to check the readings again and if correct have the meter checked. Failing that suspect the guy next to you for nicking power from your cable!!!

Barry

 

[rickp]

I know of at least one meter that was over reading - so I sugest you dispute the bill with MDL and ask them to check the meter with a known load.

Then check it yourself, just in case /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Rick

 

[pau1gray]

It not with MDL...... but another marina.

How do I check it? Is it as simple as plug in a 1KW heater for an hour and see if it changes by 1 or is the counter not in KWH?

 

[gimmesunshine]

your test will work, i know of a lead that reads x9 !
common problem i am afraid

 

[Wiggo]

I had a similar issue and they had misread the meter. Refund followed in short order. ISTR the had misread a '0' for an '8', easy enough to do...

 

[Peanuts]

Depends on who reads the meter, you might find the person included the last digit which is 0.1, what I mean is that your reading probably is 24 units not 240, this has happened to several of my friends at Cobbs Quay.

 

[sarabande]

Is it a MeterMaid, or another make ?

I have a standard MM, bought through MDL, which has an analog dial giving the units consumed in kWh.

 

[pau1gray]

Re: MDL type power lead? Someone want to check my sums...

I assume these thinks measure in KWH - if someone wants to contradict these numbers then please feel free....

If charger takes 2A then that's 0.5 KWH (give or take)

It's been on 24/7 for 14 days so that should be:-
0.5 *24 = 12 KWH per day
12 * 14 = 168 KWH

Now seeing as one of the batteries was flat flat flat then I suppose it is possible that the charger would have been taking 1-2A from the mains, in fact if it was drawing 3A that would explain 240 units...

 

[sarabande]

Re: MDL type power lead? Someone want to check my sums...

Is the charger you mention delivering 12v or 24 v at 2amps, or does the 2 amps refer to the amount of power being used by a 240v charger. Very roughly a 240 charger using 2 amps, could be supplying 40 amps at 12v - which is a bit hot for batteries.

I'd test the meter by switching off everything, then run an appliance (say a heater) of known value for about 30 mins, and check the units used. Even liveaboard during the winter I don't use that kind of power.

 

[Jon_Eads]

Paul,

If you are concerned the reading is incorrect, do have a word in the marina office as we can check both the meter and our records to see if there is a problem.

Jon Eads

 

[peterb26]

Re: MDL type power lead? Someone want to check my sums...

I have an unused MDL power meter cable that never changes......... Digits on the meter are completely seized up.

Anyone wanna make me a bid? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[tome]

Hmm, doesn't sound right

I have my latest bill in front of me and we used 232.9 units in the last quarter. We have a permanently connected battery charger and dehumidifier