The Hopi HP-9800 energy meter.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
As a part of my work, I check plenty of units which can be mains-powered (or wall-powered), and one of many exams I perform is energy consumption. I’ve had plenty of questions concerning the units I exploit for this job, so right here I will define the instruments I exploit, why I exploit then, why you in all probability should not use them, and what you need to use as a substitute.
There are plenty of totally different instruments you should purchase for measuing energy consumption, starting from very low cost to very costly.
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A number of years in the past, I picked up a Hopi HP-9800 meter from eBay. Its value ranges $50 to $70 (the associated fee appears to fluctuate each day), and whereas it is now put in a couple of years of service, from a security standpoint, it is a bit… missing.
The socket — which is the kind that accepts all kinds of plugs — options metalwork, which is dwell at mains voltage that might simply be touched, together with speaker connectors which were repurposed as connectors that even have uncovered bits dwell at mains voltage.
You can stick your fingers in right here and contact dwell voltage.
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These bits of steel are dwell at 1 / 4 of a thousand volts.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
These speaker connectors additionally make it close to unattainable to suit a U.Ok. plug, so I’ve to make use of an adapter.
Some plugs do not match correctly.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
However I do know the character of the beast, take care after I’m utilizing it, and unplug the machine when carried out. One large plus level: that show is sweet and clear, and straightforward to learn (though a bit flickery when considered by way of a digital camera).
Good, clear show on the Hopi HP-9800.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
The opposite day, I got here throughout a brand new meter referred to as the AnTai ATX.9801.
The AnTai ATX.9801 energy meter.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
I picked this instrument up from AliExpress for round $50, and whereas it is visually much like the Hopi unit (I am unsure if it is an upgraded model, a clone, the unique product, or one thing else), this machine appears to be an improve.
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I discover this unit works extra reliably with some hundreds, and is a lot better from a security standpoint. For instance, the socket has covers over the dwell metalwork, and the speaker connectors off the entrance are gone.
Shuttered security socket on the AnTai ATX.9801.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
Once more, it has a pleasant, clear show.
Good, clear show on the AnTai ATX.9801.
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET
It is a good unit — however, as soon as once more, it isn’t one thing I might depart plugged in unattended.
A a lot better choice for many dwelling customers is a plug-in energy meter.
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There are plenty of them available on the market, and you’ll choose up an honest one for $15. I’ve tried and examined this one and it appears to do all of it, together with measuring energy (W), vitality consumption (kWh), volts, amps, energy frequency, energy issue, and minimal and most energy utilization (W).
And if you happen to enter how a lot your electrical energy prices per kWh, then this unit will present you real-time knowledge on how a lot one thing is costing you to run.
This unit does all of it — it measures energy (W), vitality (kWh), volts, amps, hertz, energy issue, value, and minimal and most energy (W).
This meter additionally has further options, resembling overload safety and even a reminiscence that retains energy consumption knowledge when unplugged. It is a actually good all-round energy meter. It is a fantastic unit, and far safer for dwelling customers.
So, why do I proceed to make use of my sketchy energy meters? Backside line is comfort — these models present every thing I must see on the show without delay, with out me needing to press buttons or flick between screens, and the socket will take something I plug into it (so long as it isn’t my fingers).