Using home energy montior

Plantman · 02-17-12, 09:05 AM

Does anyone have experience using a home electrical energy monitor. Most monitor total electricity consumption, but a few can monitor individual appliances. I am looking for one to monitor my geothermal heat pump and electric water heater before I add some solar heating.

Xringer · 02-17-12, 07:56 PM

I'm using a TED unit on my two Sanyo ASHPs and it's not to bad..

I regret buying one with software, when the plain jane would have worked just as well, for my needs anyways...

It has two probes you snap over the 230vac pair, you want to monitor.
I've got mine looking at both of my Sanyos.
I use it to watch total power use, in case there's a problem and to know
what my monthly bill is going to be for heat..

You might want to use your monitor to check your hotwater heater first and then
move the probes to the GSHP afterwards.. Might be hard to do them simultaneously,
unless the wires off the breakers were right next to each other (and had some slack).

herlichka · 02-18-12, 06:52 AM

Does it work on other voltages? You mention 230V conductors. Could it be used on DC circuits?

Xringer · 02-18-12, 09:00 AM

The TED is made for whole-house and only uses 230 (two 120 legs) @ single phase.
Maybe there is a way to trick it into doing 120ac, but I've never looked into it.
For 120ac most folks just use a Kill-a-Watt unit..

These type units will not work with DC.. You need a DC current sensor..
I have a WattsUp type unit for that job..

Or, you can built your own using cheap sensors.
Honeywell Linear Current Sensor, CSLA2DK | eBay

Plantman · 02-18-12, 01:24 PM

Is this a TED1000 or 5000? I think the 5000 can monitor up to 7 different circuits.

Xringer · 02-18-12, 02:07 PM

It's a TED 1001. I really never looked at the expensive models and don't know anything about them.

If they use the same communications scheme as my cheaper 1001, then I don't
think I would ever be interested in them..
I've found my TED is very sensitive to interference from line voltage noise
(Like from CFLs) and RFI from home video video stuff like cable boxes etc..

You may not have any trouble if you don't use any modern lighting (CFLs or LEDs)..

I really liked the old Efergy monitor (Ordered from the UK) I was using before I got the TED.
But it's UHF radio was weak, and then conked out, along with my $70 investment..

Xringer · 02-19-12, 11:46 AM

Just saw this on YouTube..

The Energy Detective TED 5000G Introduction - YouTube

And one more this morning.. (abt the software) http://youtu.be/Wgrr5UDlrW4

02-17-12, 09:05 AM	#1
Plantman Lurking Renovator Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Angola, IN Posts: 24 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	Using home energy montior Does anyone have experience using a home electrical energy monitor. Most monitor total electricity consumption, but a few can monitor individual appliances. I am looking for one to monitor my geothermal heat pump and electric water heater before I add some solar heating.

02-17-12, 07:56 PM	#2
Xringer Lex Parsimoniae Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Woburn, MA Posts: 4,918 Thanks: 114 Thanked 250 Times in 230 Posts	I'm using a TED unit on my two Sanyo ASHPs and it's not to bad.. I regret buying one with software, when the plain jane would have worked just as well, for my needs anyways... It has two probes you snap over the 230vac pair, you want to monitor. I've got mine looking at both of my Sanyos. I use it to watch total power use, in case there's a problem and to know what my monthly bill is going to be for heat.. You might want to use your monitor to check your hotwater heater first and then move the probes to the GSHP afterwards.. Might be hard to do them simultaneously, unless the wires off the breakers were right next to each other (and had some slack). __________________ My hobby is installing & trying to repair mini-splits EPA 608 Type 1 Technician Certification ~ 5 lbs or less.. Last edited by Xringer; 02-17-12 at 08:00 PM..

02-18-12, 09:00 AM	#4
Xringer Lex Parsimoniae Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Woburn, MA Posts: 4,918 Thanks: 114 Thanked 250 Times in 230 Posts	The TED is made for whole-house and only uses 230 (two 120 legs) @ single phase. Maybe there is a way to trick it into doing 120ac, but I've never looked into it. For 120ac most folks just use a Kill-a-Watt unit.. These type units will not work with DC.. You need a DC current sensor.. I have a WattsUp type unit for that job.. Or, you can built your own using cheap sensors. Honeywell Linear Current Sensor, CSLA2DK \| eBay __________________ My hobby is installing & trying to repair mini-splits EPA 608 Type 1 Technician Certification ~ 5 lbs or less..

02-18-12, 02:07 PM	#6
Xringer Lex Parsimoniae Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Woburn, MA Posts: 4,918 Thanks: 114 Thanked 250 Times in 230 Posts	It's a TED 1001. I really never looked at the expensive models and don't know anything about them. If they use the same communications scheme as my cheaper 1001, then I don't think I would ever be interested in them.. I've found my TED is very sensitive to interference from line voltage noise (Like from CFLs) and RFI from home video video stuff like cable boxes etc.. You may not have any trouble if you don't use any modern lighting (CFLs or LEDs).. I really liked the old Efergy monitor (Ordered from the UK) I was using before I got the TED. But it's UHF radio was weak, and then conked out, along with my $70 investment.. __________________ My hobby is installing & trying to repair mini-splits EPA 608 Type 1 Technician Certification ~ 5 lbs or less..

02-19-12, 11:46 AM	#7
Xringer Lex Parsimoniae Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Woburn, MA Posts: 4,918 Thanks: 114 Thanked 250 Times in 230 Posts	Just saw this on YouTube.. The Energy Detective TED 5000G Introduction - YouTube And one more this morning.. (abt the software) http://youtu.be/Wgrr5UDlrW4 __________________ My hobby is installing & trying to repair mini-splits EPA 608 Type 1 Technician Certification ~ 5 lbs or less.. Last edited by Xringer; 02-20-12 at 08:55 AM..

02-18-12, 06:52 AM	#3
herlichka Apprentice EcoRenovator Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Simcoe County, Ontario, Canada Posts: 102 Thanks: 11 Thanked 15 Times in 10 Posts	Does it work on other voltages? You mention 230V conductors. Could it be used on DC circuits?

02-18-12, 01:24 PM	#5
Plantman Lurking Renovator Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Angola, IN Posts: 24 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	Is this a TED1000 or 5000? I think the 5000 can monitor up to 7 different circuits.

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