energy meter that can handle >= 5600W?
 

I'm trying to figure out where a big mysterious power drain that drives up our utility bill is coming from, and one theory is that it's because the roomie downstairs is using the dryer all the time. To test this theory, I contemplated installing a kill-a-watt meter between the dryer and the outlet and leaving it there for a month to measure the total energy usage, but then I realized that the kill-a-watt can only handle like 15A @ 120V = 1800W, and this dryer uses 5600W. Is there another affordable meter like a kill-a-watt (easy to install, measures energy usage over time) that can handle like 50A? I have had trouble finding such a thing, can't seem to find search terms that work.

The Energy Detective or TED makes whole house monitors, the current model is the 5000 (+ a letter). They also made an earlier model that was more basic, the 1001. I have purchased a model 1001 new on Ebay for about $25, although currently it's listed around $55. It's not quite as easy to use as a Kill-a-watt, but it's induction clamps can be moved to different circuits around your panel.

hm, is there an all-in-one meter with induction clamps I could just put around the cable that goes to the dryer?

The thing about induction clamps is they need to be separately placed on the phases. ie. One on the red wire one on the black wire. The best place to do that is at the panel. The dryer should have a dedicated line at the panel that the TED 1001's clamps can attach to. Same for a range or a water heater, etc.

There sure are more of these monitors than you can shake a stick at nowadays. Ten years ago there were a few home models.

Google terms: home energy power monitor

There are plugin modules, current clamps, wireless expansion systems, the sky is the limit. And these monitors are pretty darn inexpensive, compared to test equipment of the past.

I once purchased a normal household meter (like the one in my avatar), someone was selling a used one from a house that was being demolished. It was really cheap but you would have to wire it yourself (since you will be doing this after the circuit breaker this shouldn't be too hard, but do it at your own risk!).

Efergy makes a inductive clamp energy monitor. It installs easily at you main panel, clamps slip over your electrical service wires. You can watch the power go up as everything runs. it also has a settable alarm if you exceed your set power limit. and keeps track of a weekly history. They sell on amazon and ebay for about $100. Well worth it.
http://www.amazon.com/Efergy-Elite-W...eywords=efergy

BTW, yes, probably the dryer!

This is a similiar style whole house unit, different brand selling for $60 free shipping on amazon.
Floureon Wireless Electricity Monitor Energy Saver Series Power Monitor Energy Monitor Power Meter

Just get a standard 120v hour meter and hook it to the motor of the dryer.