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Ingenious ways to measure power draw (mander.xyz)

submitted 7 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

26 comments fedilink hide all child comments

So I wanted to get myself a Kill-a-watt. Being who I am, I wanted information regarding its accuracy, especially at low power draws. I found a comparison with a industry grade equipment (Fluke is about the best out there in handheld electrical meters). It’s not encouraging, so I thought about a more proper meter, but it’s not easy to find an actual power meter that is accurate at low loads, isn’t a hassle to install and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

What do you use? Am I overthinking it?

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 7 months ago (1 children)

In terms of raw data, any properly calibrated equipment should be identical.

You could build one yourself or have a look at how to get readings from your actual electricity meter. Both can be found on the open energy monitor project page. If you self build i guess you could use a lower value CT that amplifies lower currents and just not use it at higher loads?

Mains power fluctuates a LOT though so youll definitely need averaging to some extent

[–] [email protected] 1 points 7 months ago

Many residential tools can’t even be calibrated. Even if they are, calibration stability is a concern. The difference between a cheap instrument and a good one is short and long term repeatability.

Thanks for pointing open energy monitor, that seems overkill for what I need.