Mains Power Meters

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nick496

52 posts

Master Geek

#81682 16-Apr-2011 09:33

Thinking about getting a mains power meter to see what my computers are costing me to run, both turned on and on standby. I was looking at just a cheap elto one, but how accurate are they really? I would also like to run around checking the consumption of the routers and TV as well, so I would like it to be accurate at quite low power draws.

So will the elto do me? Or is there a slightly more expensive and better option. I'm not wanting to pay more that say $50 though.

(also, I hope this is an appropriate forum)
Thanks

dontpanic42

1574 posts

Uber Geek

#459331 16-Apr-2011 11:43

I have one of the elto ones. I can't say whether or not it is accurate, because I don't have anything to compare it to, but it seems to be fairly responsive.
i.e. a polling rate of about once per second.

It would probably be more than adequate for your purposes.

Hope that helps. :)

stuzzo

534 posts

Ultimate Geek

#459332 16-Apr-2011 11:43

I have used the Dick Smith meter which, I think, is the same as the Elto, perhaps rebadged, for some time.

I can say the readings are very consistent and always seem to be in the right ball park. Measurement of low power devices, standby etc has never been outside of manufacturers ratings .

It's certainly saved me the cost of purchase many times over.

The routers I've had seem to measure around 9 watts. The best on the market for power consumption seem to be around 5 w.

RmACK

196 posts

Master Geek

#459349 16-Apr-2011 12:54

I have Jaycar's one. It is clear from my using it that it only has resolution to within a few watts at the low end of the scale. If I get time before going away on Wednesday, I'll test it against a proper power analyser at uni and get back to you.

The power factor seems to give particularly quantized measurements. What amused me was that my 24" iMac used only twice the power of my 19" Acer lcd screen! Those LED backlights are a real power saver.

richms

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#459404 16-Apr-2011 14:41

The elto one with 3 cells is great, it uses a real digital metering chip.

The 2 cell one is crap.

You can tell by looking at the back of them in the blister pack or reading the lable to see how many it takes.

Warehouse was clearing them out for $15 but mine has now run out of them. I bought 6 from there and the remaining 3 stayed on the shelf for ages, apparantly some other warehouses didnt move them from electrcial to reduced to clear so you might be in luck.

Richard rich.ms

dontpanic42

1574 posts

Uber Geek

#459408 16-Apr-2011 14:52

richms: The elto one with 3 cells is great, it uses a real digital metering chip.
The 2 cell one is crap.

When you say "cell", do you mean 2xLR44 button cell batteries vs. 3xLR44 button cell batteries?

nick496

52 posts

Master Geek

#459510 16-Apr-2011 19:21

Righto, I just went to Dick Smith and got one this afternoon. It's the one with 3 cells.

richms

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#459540 16-Apr-2011 21:14

dontpanic42:
richms: The elto one with 3 cells is great, it uses a real digital metering chip.
The 2 cell one is crap.

When you say "cell", do you mean 2xLR44 button cell batteries vs. 3xLR44 button cell batteries?

Yes, thats the only external difference between the 2 versions of it.

Richard rich.ms

Equinox IT

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dontpanic42

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#459545 16-Apr-2011 21:19

richms:
dontpanic42:
richms: The elto one with 3 cells is great, it uses a real digital metering chip.
The 2 cell one is crap.

When you say "cell", do you mean 2xLR44 button cell batteries vs. 3xLR44 button cell batteries?

Yes, thats the only external difference between the 2 versions of it.

Ahh... good to know. Might have to see if I can't find a 3-cell version. Currently only have the 2-cell one.
Thanks for that info.

timmmay

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#459573 16-Apr-2011 23:10

I have one I got from the warehouse. I have no idea which version or how accurate it is, I just wanted a general idea.

It says my PC uses 80W at full load (all cores and drives working, but not the graphics card), and 20W on standby, and 15W when it's turned off. I have no idea what it's doing with that power when it's off. That doesn't include the monitor.

nick496

52 posts

Master Geek

#459609 17-Apr-2011 10:01

Hmm.... that seems very low in comparison. Mine was 8 Off, 87 idling, and 120 booting. But then again, different parts would make a big difference.

timmmay

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#459619 17-Apr-2011 10:37

I have Q6600 on an Asus motherboard, and a fanless GT8500GT graphics card. I have a few 120mm fans in there. SSDs may lower the boot number too.