I want to measure my own KWH kilowatt hours

I don't like spotlighting folks. Your question is 101% valid. Alternative energy companies vend full size digital (flapping metal numerical tabs) meters with glass lids. Heavy and guaranteed accurate by FTC regulation. Intentionally using a dishonest dispenser meter is an expensive no-no in California. I do not know about other states. I should have capitalized EXPENSIVE. Something like ten thousand dollars expensive. Each meter.

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
"How do you know the device you bought to measure it is true?"

Compare it to a Kill-O-Watt meter. Compared to voltage accuracy, time measurement is laughably easy. There are wireless kWh meters now. Both 120 and 240 volt and some three phase to 480 that are affordable.

I assume you are quoting me, I was referring to WA8YXM saying the meter at a campground might not be true.

"How do you know the device you bought to measure it is true?"

Compare it to a Kill-O-Watt meter. Compared to voltage accuracy, time measurement is laughably easy. There are wireless kWh meters now. Both 120 and 240 volt and some three phase to 480 that are affordable.

DrewE wrote:
One option is to hunt down a (used/refurbished) utility company meter. They aren't too hard to find at reasonable prices because many many utility companies have transitioned over the past several years to meters that can be read remotely rather than by a meter reader. These are quite accurate.

Another interesting option, assuming it is and does what it claims: Neato AC panel meter! At that price, I think it would be worth trying out...very tempting.

That looks like an interesting device, but only appears to be able to handle one wire (maybe less than 4/0 from the pics). For a 30A RV service not a big deal since you only have one hot leg to have the current sensor to go over. A 50A RV service or home may be a problem.

The other device looks good, but you should compare it to a known accurate measurement device if you want to use it to argue that a park's meter is off. Some companies do provide calibration reports with their equipment.

Agree, that unless the parks meter was off a lot, it wouldn't really pay for itself at nearly $250. Either way, even a good used meter needs to be tested periodically to make sure it's registering at a least a 95-105% level.

One option is to hunt down a (used/refurbished) utility company meter. They aren't too hard to find at reasonable prices because many many utility companies have transitioned over the past several years to meters that can be read remotely rather than by a meter reader. These are quite accurate.

Another interesting option, assuming it is and does what it claims: Neato AC panel meter! At that price, I think it would be worth trying out...very tempting.

groundhogy wrote:
awesome!

So too is the price. :E It's hard imagine any scenario in which a device like this would pay for itself over any reasonable length of time. :h An inexpensive Kill-a-Watt meter will do the same thing, it's limitation being it's rated for just 15 amp service ... a 30 amp version would be ideal but AFAIK doesn't exist.

wa8yxm wrote:
I can think of one good reason.. If you are in a park where they meter you how do YOU know the meter reads true? You do not less you have a meter of your own.

Also if you are staying at a buddy's house,, how much do you give him for power.

How do you know the device you bought to measure it is true?

moved from technology cornerr

I can think of one good reason.. If you are in a park where they meter you how do YOU know the meter reads true? You do not less you have a meter of your own.

Also if you are staying at a buddy's house,, how much do you give him for power.