measuring electric usage

p00

I would like to measure how much electric my things are using, especially computer etc but there are so many of those plug in devises I don't know which would be best.

Can anyone help please.

xxp00

TimBuckTeeth

If you change your electric supplier to southern electric then you can get a free wireless meter with a sensor that clips on near to the electric meter.
http://www.southern-electric.co.uk/ForYourHome/EnergyProducts/betterplan.aspx

It is quite good, shows the whole house power use and has helped me cut down on standby electric use - my washing machine was using 30W when off as it has an electronic control. I would not pay for the meter though, they are almost £40 in maplin.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=220934
There is a plug-in meter for single items :
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=223573

Eon do a similar free meter but with a capped tariff :
http://www.eonenergy.com/At-Home/Products/Products-Electricity-And-Gas/Electricity-and-Gas/Energy-Saver.htm?WT.mc_id=Get_a_free_energy_monitor&WT.svl=8

amcluesent

>there are so many of those plug in devises<

Maplins are doing an offer at the moment, £7.99 IIRC.

Dijor

These really are brilliant devices! I've had one for about a month now, supplied via E-On.

My computer would cost about £15 a month if left on the whole time, a table lamp is about £5 a month. Nominal amounts really.

My tumble drier and washing machine, oven and kettle are all similar and if left running constantly for a month, they would cost £240 per month! Luckily I guess they aren't on for an awfully long time!

The one item I did have quite a shock with is my swimming pool heater. This bumps my monthly electricity cost on the device from £65 per month, which is normal, to £300 per month! I switched it off pretty quickly....... I now heat from midnight to 7am when I think the weather is going to be decent enough to use it (which is never at the moment)!

A great device which really does make you think.