PowerCost Monitor Wifi vs TED 5000

[Qube]

http://www.powermeterstore.com/p7774/ted_5000.php
More info: http://www.theenergydetective.com/ted-5000/live-demo

http://www.powermeterstore.com/p8127/power_cost_monitor_wifi_edition.php
More info: http://www.bluelineinnovations.com/Products/power-cost-energy-monitor-wifi-edition/

Has anyone used both/either of these? Being a gadget freak and having a few TC1000 tablets laying around, I'm all for the idea of having a live data power stat around :) I guess the deciding factor would be if the latter is supported by my current SmartMeter.

[MacGyver]

The Blue Line product relies on a wireless link between it and the sensor that's strapped on to the meter outside. I've tried this in a commercial application and it didn't work that well, even though the two devices were mere feet apart. But it might work for you. I would email Blue Line directly and ask them if it will work with your meter. I have heard rumblings that it will not work with some of the smart meters used in Ontario.

The TED is much superior, since you can get instant readings and accuracy down to 1 Watt. But the biggest drawback is installation and the fact that you're working on live wires between your meter and the main breaker (unless you ask Hydro to shut off your power)

[Qube]

The Blue Line product relies on a wireless link between it and the sensor that's strapped on to the meter outside. I've tried this in a commercial application and it didn't work that well, even though the two devices were mere feet apart. But it might work for you. I would email Blue Line directly and ask them if it will work with your meter. I have heard rumblings that it will not work with some of the smart meters used in Ontario.

The TED is much superior, since you can get instant readings and accuracy down to 1 Watt. But the biggest drawback is installation and the fact that you're working on live wires between your meter and the main breaker (unless you ask Hydro to shut off your power)

Thanks for your info!

I'm going to try out the Power Cost Monitor Wifi to start as the TED 5000 can/may interfere with my X10 and Insteon setup. I'll move all to Insteon soon but not yet.

[dyckjd]

Thanks for your info!

I'm going to try out the Power Cost Monitor Wifi to start as the TED 5000 can/may interfere with my X10 and Insteon setup. I'll move all to Insteon soon but not yet.

I don't see how they can get accurate power readings with only current being measured. Better to go with the TED 5000, if you want accurate power readings.

[sprdave]

Old thread but I'll add anyway


I don't see how they can get accurate power readings with only current being measured. Better to go with the TED 5000, if you want accurate power readings.

The powercost monitor doesn't really measure anything, instead it "reads" what the meter measures. Basically saves going outside to look at the meter and gives historical data.

Thus, it's useless for comparing to the meter, to "double check" the utility meter. One reason I would favour the TED. The TED uses split core CT's which isn't as accurate as solid core CT's, so technically may not be as accurate as the meter though. But solid cores would require the power off and wires disconnected to use, which would be a pain for the mains (not so bad for branch circuits). And the TED can be used on other circuits too, or put multiple units on a monitor. Keep in mind, you can get filters to isolate the circuit the monitor is on, from other X10 and such devices.

One meter (I haven't used it) that looks interesting is the ECM-1240 from Brultech http://www.brultech.com/products/ECM1240/default.htm Relatively inexpensive and can measure lots of different circuits at once. And the additional CT's are cheap, and the solid core ones should be accurate.

If you're a gadget freak, I don't think you'll be happy with reading the utility meter.