What is using 300 watts all the time? -Mystery solved (see post #36)!

hc25036

We've had a 'Wattson' electricity use monitor for a while and have had a baseline use of around 350-400 watts in our 2-bed semi (gas heating and cooking). Always assumed it is down to the mound of computer gear used for work (backup server on 24/7, battery backup, various routers) and thought no more of it. However a major bill last quarter has made me think again.

Just shut down all the gear in the loft and it was using 30 watts! Went to the circuit breakers and shut down one at time and every one left around 300 watts being used! OK - I didn't have them all shut down at the same time - will save that until everyone is out - but I would have assumed that there would be one or two items somewhere using that kind of power all the time (I did have all the sockets turned off at the same time).

I'm wondering if the Wattson is over-reading, but it does seem accurate, for instance turning off some lights reduces the reading by the right amount, and it does drop to a reading of zero if I disconnect the sensor.

Can anyone think of something that could be causing this? It's a straightforward semi in town so unlikely to be someone spliced in to our circuit. Apart from trying a complete shutdown, what have I missed?

Fifer

Well, there's 5W for the Wattson's consumption.

OneADay

Boiler (even the gas one will have electricity power).
The Wattson itself.

John_Gray

Could next door have tapped into your electricity supply?!

asbokid

do you have an outside light? it's not unusual for travellers to hook up their trailers to them. it's usually street lights though.

hc25036

Great replies guys! Still a mystery though..

-I had the Wattson running on battery when I was switching off circuit breakers

- The boiler is max 140 watts at full pelt and just a few watts on standby (its 25 degrees here at the moment, so no heating on!)

- Outside lights yes, travellers no! The lights are on standby only just now

- Meter is inside and no strange wires spotted....

The kicker for me is that we are at 300+ watts even with both of the socket supplies switched off at the circuit breaker and no lights on.

Just remembered we do have a pond pump and UV light running outside, although they should have turned off with the sockets and should only be less than 100 watts total.

I'm going to track this down eventually! Now - where's that Sherlock Holmes kit...!

AHAR

Is the actual meter reading increasing at the rate the monitor suggests you're using electricity?

chrisw

Fridge? Freezer? I've got an EON monitor and it never dips much below 300W.

hc25036

Will need to go round checking stuff one at a time - I'd assumed that the fridge/freezer will have turned off when the socket circuit breakers were off. Today's investigations started after I'd spoken with a friend with a very similar set up who runs at less than 200 watts baseline....

John_Gray

I would suggest that you monitor your electricity meter in the (outside?) cupboard, especially when you have a chance to turn all your circuit breakers off.

spakkker

What is the problem with shutting off all switches at the same time ?
You would save a lot of time.
It need not be for long.



In my experience people who don't pay for or "jump" electricity use it wastefully- not just 300W.