Energy Meter not Smart Meter

MeteredOut

I really shouldn't watch that as I know I'll spend the whole time shouting at the TV

FreeBear

EssexHebridean said: There were things like the Owl monitors - with a clip that you attach to the cable from the meter which allowed you to monitor use

The problem with a lot of those energy meters that just have a widget to clip over one of the meter tails is that they only measure current. Without knowing what the voltage is, it can not give a true reading for power.

There are energy meters that can be fitted inside the consumer unit which give true power - I have used one briefly, but the display is difficult to read, and it failed to register low powered devices (<10W as I recall). Currently using a few Peacefair PZEM-016 modules hooked up to a dedicated computer to take the readings. There are other versions that come with a display if that is important to you.

Spoonie_Turtle

The_Green_Hornet said:

Channel 5 have a programme about smart meters next week.

Smart Meters: Should You Get One? | Radio Times

Summary

Alexis Conran uncovers the truth behind the promised benefits of smart energy meters, investigating their mental health impact, whether data gathered is being monetised and hearing horror stories of wildly inaccurate bills and invasions of privacy. Do smart meters live up to the claims made for them, or should consumers listen to the alarming tales that are coming to light?

Should be fun

Wow, sounds like it'll be a thoroughly researched, completely impartial, objective documentary, just the kind of journalism we've all been waiting for … !!!

GingerTim

Spoonie_Turtle said:

The_Green_Hornet said:

Channel 5 have a programme about smart meters next week.

Smart Meters: Should You Get One? | Radio Times

Summary

Alexis Conran uncovers the truth behind the promised benefits of smart energy meters, investigating their mental health impact, whether data gathered is being monetised and hearing horror stories of wildly inaccurate bills and invasions of privacy. Do smart meters live up to the claims made for them, or should consumers listen to the alarming tales that are coming to light?

Should be fun

Wow, sounds like it'll be a thoroughly researched, completely impartial, objective documentary, just the kind of journalism we've all been waiting for … !!!

One step up from 'My smart meter ate my hamster'!

GoldenOldy

Good Afternoon. I am happy to report I have purchased a monitor , and although probably not totally accurate, it is providing me with decent enough information.
I have also recorded the television programme mentioned and look forward to watching it.

Thankyou all, as usual , for your time, trouble and advice.

QrizB

Thank you too for coming back to your thread to let us know. Surprisingly few people do!

I hope your monitor gives you years of trouble free service. If you have any problems, there are still a few of us using them and we'll be happy to try to help

molerat

GoldenOldy said:

Good Afternoon. I am happy to report I have purchased a monitor , and although probably not totally accurate, it is providing me with decent enough information.
I have also recorded the television programme mentioned and look forward to watching it.

Thankyou all, as usual , for your time, trouble and advice.

My old faithful Eon monitor showed I used 225 kWh for the past 30 days.  I have done my meter reads and my actual consumption for 31 days was 234 kWh. 225/30 = 7.5, 234/31 =7.55 so not bad