P4400 'KILL-A-WATT' Meter

wa8yxm wrote:

DutchmenSport wrote:
I'm just curious? Why do you folks monitor your electricity so much, so closely? I've never done that. My camper is just plugged in. I do have a Progressive Industries Surge Protector, but no readouts. I'm just a "plug and go" person. Why all the monitoring? I just don't get it?

PI makes surge protectors with read outs.. Those are the ones we recommend. the ones without read outs I do not recommend.

But to answer your question.. LOW VOLTAGE is a killer for many devices, and HIGH for other devices.. That's why we monitor

Also low voltage can be in indication of "issues" which can be easily fixed.. or which can get more expensive over time.

Finallyl.. It is easy to monitor.. I mean the Kill-A-Watt performs several functions depnding on where I plug it in.

And some of us just like to know.. I'm a Certified electronics technician (even if I've never worked in that field) and an electronics hobbyist.. So naturally.. Enquiring minds want to know.

Agreed. I too just like to know what the power is doing. Camping/vacation time is precious time so if I can spot a potential problem before it causes issues a quick glance at a monitor at times is worth it to me. I agree if you’re going to invest in a PI having read outs is the way to go. My old TRC did not but the re-designed PI (PT 30X) I picked up this year does. I still like to have the small TRC digital line monitor inside for convenience and to see levels downstream for the panel. The majority just plugs in and looks at nothing and most likely will never have an issue. I on the other hand even monitor and check RPM levels on all my power equipment, tractor and small engines so they run optimal. I’m on the other extreme. Hell, I even have a digital tach on my Honda walk behind lawn mower.