Monitoing power use

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AllNightNerding

411 posts

Ultimate Geek

#19568 21-Feb-2008 21:15

We just got our powerbill, and it was errr slightly..... more than it usually is. *mino understatement* and we are wanting to fin out how much power differant things consume. Is there any little tool that we can use that will tell us how much power differant things are using per hour?

thanks in advanced.

-- Divett Enterprises -- The Power Of Tomorrow --

freitasm

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#112158 21-Feb-2008 21:20

I remember you had plans to run a server for your email and other things? Is this still up? Some PCs can consume a lot if 24/7.

Also if there's a change in average usage this will impact in "estimates" they send to you... Is this an actual reading or "estimate"?

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alanwright

46 posts

Geek

#112164 21-Feb-2008 21:28

have had the same thing happen many times - we have just paid the "crazy" amount and the next bill is normal - (minus) their mistake? i guess i dont care - if it works out?

but i can see how a "wee" mistake can go ...... :(

AllNightNerding

411 posts

Ultimate Geek

#112172 21-Feb-2008 21:42

Hi There

We have our servers up, there are 2 of em on from around 7 in the morning, to when I go to bed (around 11) at night.

Dad says that it is the servers that have pushed the power bill up, I say its the pool, (which he admits it probably is)

anyway, to prove eitherof us righ, we are trying to find a tool to see how much power the differant power outlets in my room use.

What does everyone elses power bill tend to be?

-- Divett Enterprises -- The Power Of Tomorrow --

Simonm

181 posts

Master Geek

#112335 22-Feb-2008 17:32

One of these is probably what your after:

http://jaycar.co.nz/productView.asp?ID=MS6115&CATID=12&keywords=&SPECIAL=&form=CAT&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID=457

This intelligent power meter simply plugs into a normal power point (GPO) and turns it into a real-time power monitoring outlet. You can enter the local price of your electricity and the meter will tell you exactly how much the appliance is costing to run. In addition, the power meter tracks the power used and can display the instantaneous voltage or current being drawn as well as the peak levels that have been drawn. The meter has backup batteries so it will not lose the stored data during a blackout or moving from point to point. Simple to install and a valuable tool for monitoring you power consumption.

They are not the best at measuring things with a low PF such as PCs, but should work a treat for calculating what your pool uses.

sleemanj

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#112352 22-Feb-2008 18:54

AllNightNerding: Hi There
We have our servers up, there are 2 of em on from around 7 in the morning, to when I go to bed (around 11) at night.

I have one of the Jaycar units monitoring all the power draw (except lighting) in my home office. One server running 24/7, with LCD on say 10 hours a day, laser printer usually idle, imac usually sleeping, stereo, and heater when it gets cold :) In an average summer month the meter tells me about $20. I don't know how accurate it is, but it's "about what I guessed it would be".

---
James Sleeman
I sell lots of stuff for electronic enthusiasts...

rscole86

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#112355 22-Feb-2008 19:21

DSE sell a similar unit now too

HP

Shop now for HP laptops and other devices (affiliate link).

AllNightNerding

411 posts

Ultimate Geek

#112368 22-Feb-2008 21:00

Hi there,

Just found a thing, http://www.centameter.co.nz/index.php could be worth it, and its not that expensive, as you can get it for $160 through Trustpower dad told me earlyer today.

-- Divett Enterprises -- The Power Of Tomorrow --

hellonearthisman

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#112390 22-Feb-2008 22:43

I use a prepaid system, so it's easy to track my daily use of electricity. It doesn't give a read out a socket, but it lets you see on average your daily usage. My biggest savings recently has been getting LDC monitors.

I would recommend you check your hot water system, make sure it's not dribbling onto the roof.
I also recommend the Philips energy savings bulbs as they produce a nicer colour (like the tungsten ones do).

AllNightNerding

411 posts

Ultimate Geek

#112408 23-Feb-2008 01:36

Our heating sytem for the house is run on diesel, with the eftovers of that heating out hot water system. with automatic switching to electric when needed, but it hasnt needed to be switched over to automatic for a while now.

-- Divett Enterprises -- The Power Of Tomorrow --

hellonearthisman

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#112412 23-Feb-2008 02:53

Sounds like the http://www.whispergen.com/main/technology/ a kiwi invention, that uses lpg to generate electricity and the heat used for water heating.