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Monitoring Electricity Usage

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SUZL
SUZL Posts: 1 Newbie
Hello, does anyone know how I can get my hands on a monitor so I can test my appliances to see how much electricity they use. I want to see whether it would be cost effective to buy new appliances rather than run old ones.
I don't particularly want to buy a monitor and wondered if there was anywhere I can rent them from for short term usage.
Thanks
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Comments

  • Magentasue
    Magentasue Posts: 4,229 Forumite
    They're only about £7 if you pick one up from Lidl. Not sure if they still have them, they do seem to be about £12 elsewhere.

    With most things, it's usually more economical to wait until something needs replacing.
  • ariba10
    ariba10 Posts: 5,432 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    They have them in our local ALDI at the moment.

    I think they may be leftovers from a few weeks ago.
    I used to be indecisive but now I am not sure.
  • Premier_2
    Premier_2 Posts: 15,141 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    £8.99 in Wilkinsons. Capable of handling dual rate tariffs. Lots of new stock in my local store.
    "Now to trolling as a concept. .... Personally, I've always found it a little sad that people choose to spend such a large proportion of their lives in this way but they do, and we have to deal with it." - MSE Forum Manager 6th July 2010
  • I have just purchased a monitor for my electrcicity.

    Does anyone know why my kw usage should increase from 0.4 kW to
    1.7 kW when I switch on my 800W microwave?
    Hi, we’ve had to remove your signature. If you’re not sure why please read the forum rules or email the forum team if you’re still unsure - MSE Forum Team
  • ariba10
    ariba10 Posts: 5,432 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    800 W is what the microwave produces.

    If you look at plate on the back of the machine it will tell what it consumes.
    I used to be indecisive but now I am not sure.
  • Cardew
    Cardew Posts: 29,061 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Rampant Recycler
    Energyman wrote: »
    I have just purchased a monitor for my electrcicity.

    Does anyone know why my kw usage should increase from 0.4 kW to
    1.7 kW when I switch on my 800W microwave?

    800W is the radiated output power of the magnetron;(ie the power used to cook) but the input will be higher.

    The fan, turntable and light will also use some electricity.
  • Bit obvious when you think about it - I am very suprised it takes 500 W for the other stuff though.
    Hi, we’ve had to remove your signature. If you’re not sure why please read the forum rules or email the forum team if you’re still unsure - MSE Forum Team
  • 1carminestocky
    1carminestocky Posts: 5,256 Forumite
    Cashback Cashier
    Perhaps the manufacturers should be installing lo-energy bulbs in their microwaves, lol.
    Call me Carmine....

    HAVE YOU SEEN QUENTIN'S CASHBACK CARD??
  • The manufacturers claim that our 750W microwave consumes 1150W on full power. Measured with an Owl energy monitor this came out at 1175 W.
  • Premier_2
    Premier_2 Posts: 15,141 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    The manufacturers claim that our 750W microwave consumes 1150W on full power. Measured with an Owl energy monitor this came out at 1175 W.
    So well within the 5% accuracy claimed by the owl manufacturer for currents in the range 3A to 71A
    "Now to trolling as a concept. .... Personally, I've always found it a little sad that people choose to spend such a large proportion of their lives in this way but they do, and we have to deal with it." - MSE Forum Manager 6th July 2010
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