Measuring Power Draw

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Zeon

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#105784 10-Jul-2012 16:23

Hey guys,
Just wondering what is the best device for measuring power usage that won't break the bank. I want to measure the draw of various computer devices like printers, screens, servers etc.

I have seen devices like this:
http://www.dicksmith.co.nz/product/M7319/mains-power-meter

Are they any good?

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nickb800

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#653656 10-Jul-2012 17:09

We have them for each of my flatmates so that we only pay for the heating we use. Seems to work pretty well for us (an elto branded one, but looks exactly the same as the dick smith one and many others on the market).

Opinions on GZ vary across threads from good to terrible
http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=34&topicid=81682
http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=34&topicid=97887

At the end of the day, as soon as you step up from that basic plug in meter, you hand over a lot of cash.

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Zeon

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#653664 10-Jul-2012 17:32

nickb800: We have them for each of my flatmates so that we only pay for the heating we use. Seems to work pretty well for us (an elto branded one, but looks exactly the same as the dick smith one and many others on the market).

Opinions on GZ vary across threads from good to terrible
http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=34&topicid=81682
http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=34&topicid=97887

At the end of the day, as soon as you step up from that basic plug in meter, you hand over a lot of cash.

Ah thanks fort he links. So besides what seems a dodgy $25 power meter, what can I get that is accurate and that isn't Fluke (IE not massive price jump from $25 to $000s).

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Batman

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#653665 10-Jul-2012 17:33

i have a basic plug in meter ... i must say it gives me weird results

dryer 120W when drying maxed out

tv and playstation and amp on standby also draw 100W!
(well made me turn them off at night at the mains though)