A wattmeter, also known as a power consumption meter or an electricity consumption meter, is a useful tool in every home and every company. Costing just a few dozen złoty, this device allows you to monitor the power consumption of devices connected to electrical outlets. Knowing which devices consume the most kWh, and thus generate the highest costs, you can plan appropriate optimization steps. Wondering how a wattmeter works? Not sure which power consumption meter to choose for your home or office? Learn about the mechanisms of operation, the main types, and the most important functions of wattmeters.
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How does a wattmeter work?
Energy meters provide active power measurement. A standard, analog electrodynamic wattmeter measures power in DC and AC circuits. Its design consists of two coils:
- a stationary low-resistance current coil that is connected to the circuit in series with the load using current terminals;
- a high-resistance moving voltage coil that is connected to the system in parallel with the load via voltage terminals.
In turn, modern digital wattmeters work differently than analogue ones. The microprocessor working in the digital meter processes the measured current and voltage parameters. Based on the acquired data, it performs calculations and displays the result on the LCD display.
How does using a digital wattmeter look like in practice? Simply plug the meter into a selected electrical outlet. Then, plug the equipment you want to test into the meter's outlet. After connecting, press the appropriate button and the wattmeter starts measuring. After a moment, you have the result - you can see how much electricity a given device draws and how much it costs you to operate. This way, you can quickly and easily measure a TV, computer, refrigerator, oven, air conditioner or any other device powered by electricity on your own. You do not need any special qualifications or experience in electrical installation work. Just remember to always follow the operating instructions that the manufacturer included with your wattmeter.
What can you read on a wattmeter?
A wattmeter measures power in an alternating current circuit and in a direct current circuit. The obtained value is expressed in kWh. A wattmeter shows the total energy consumption of a given device. In simpler types of wattmeters, a pointer or a white plate is used to read the current consumption. A more convenient and modern solution is a digital wattmeter with an LCD screen, which displays various parameters.
Depending on the meter model you have, you can read from the display, among other things, current consumption, network voltage, current intensity, frequency, cost of energy used or power factor. The rules for correct reading of results can be found in the product's instruction manual. Based on the information obtained, you will check how individual RTV and household appliances affect your electricity bills. Of course, to accurately calculate the operating costs of devices, you will need to know the current rates of your electricity supplier.
What measurement functions should a good wattmeter have?
The basic functions of every wattmeter include measuring active power. The higher the range, the greater the possibilities of using the meter. For home use, a model with an active power measurement range of around 3000-4000 W will work fine. It is worth choosing a wattmeter that offers additional functions (needed for your applications), such as:
- measuring the power of devices in standby mode (StandBy mode) – the wattmeter will tell you which devices should be disconnected from the power supply when not in use;
- saving measurements, e.g. transferring data to a memory card;
- instant calculation of the costs of energy consumption;
- tariff selection;
- LED backlight;
- maintaining the device settings in the event of a power failure - this functionality is provided by an internal battery.
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Types of wattmeters
We have already mentioned the types of wattmeters at the beginning of the article, when explaining the principles of operation. The current consumption meters available on the market are divided into two main types:
- analogue (panel) wattmeters - the measurement result is displayed on a white board,
- digital wattmeters – are more modern and more accurate, equipped with LCD screens.
It is worth knowing that in both categories of wattmeters you can find models that differ in parameters, functions or construction solidity. When choosing a wattmeter, you should consider not only its type, but also the power measurement range, supported measurement bands, tolerance parameter, quality of workmanship and optional functions.
A popular type of digital energy meter is the home wattmeter. It has the form of a mains adapter. Placed in a socket, it is used to continuously monitor the power consumption of a given electrical device and provides an instant calculation of the generated costs. Electrical equipment is therefore not connected directly to a wall socket or strip, but to the wattmeter socket.
In addition, we can distinguish professional wattmeters, including: power meters with an increased accuracy class, intended for testing simpler devices, and panel meters, which are mounted in switchboard housings.
Modern wattmeter solutions for the Wi-Fi Smart socket
The last decade has seen the dynamic development of "smart" solutions supporting the implementation of intelligent buildings: homes and companies. The concept of a smart building is a technologically advanced facility equipped with various types of sensors and detectors and a central management system for all installations. The aim is to maximize functionality, comfort and safety, and to minimize operating costs and emissions of substances harmful to the environment and people. The idea of a smart home is perfectly complemented by innovative measuring equipment, including innovative, intelligent wattmeters, which are equipped with various, extremely useful functions. A smart wattmeter for a socket with a Wi-Fi module can provide, among others:
- constant monitoring of power consumption – unlike classic wattmeters, which provide data only from the moment of measurement;
- wireless data transfer – you control the energy consumption of individual devices and read other parameters anywhere and anytime;
intuitive, remote operation – using a dedicated smartphone application, you can easily manage your devices, e.g. cut off the power to a device you forgot to unplug; - comprehensive information analysis – data can be saved on an SD memory card, so you have constant access to current and historical results, as well as to various types of calculations that facilitate making good decisions, e.g. regarding replacing equipment with new, more energy-efficient ones;
- automatic detection of irregularities – if the permitted values are exceeded within the electrical network or a fault in equipment connected to the power supply is detected, you will immediately receive a notification and you will be able to take appropriate actions;
creating schedules – you can conveniently set the preferred working hours of individual devices.
Smart wattmeter sockets are more expensive than standard products, but their purchase is worth treating as an investment that pays off very quickly. In many models, you can enter individual electricity rates, which gives you constant insight into energy consumption costs. With smart wattmeters, you gain full control not only over the devices connected to the sockets, but also over electricity expenses - in your home, apartment, office or industrial facility.
Wattmeters at the Onninen wholesaler
In the Onninen electrical wholesaler you will find a wide range of reliable and intuitive digital wattmeters with clear LCD displays. They allow you to quickly and accurately check the consumption of electric current. Additionally, they allow you to estimate the costs of energy used by connected devices. The products offered meet the highest quality standards and are available at competitive prices. They are characterized by compact dimensions, lightness and accuracy, guaranteeing highly precise measurements. You can choose from modern models with a variety of basic and non-standard functions, dedicated to home users and professionals. We cooperate with renowned manufacturers and suppliers of electrical installation equipment, including the Polish company ORNO . When ordering a wattmeter on Onninen.pl, you can be sure that you are buying a certified product from a proven source.
Do you want to measure the power consumption of your home or business devices? Don't know which wattmeter to choose? Contact us! You can write or call us. At Onninen, we support customers in effective electricity management, providing reliable, remote advice when choosing home, office and RTV equipment. During the conversation, we will ask you about the types of equipment you want to control and the functions you care about. After analyzing your needs, we will suggest the best meters for the indicated applications. Are you an installer or installation designer or do you run an electrical shop? Check out our offer for professionals.