Energy Consumption Meters

What is an energy cost measuring device?

To be able to effectively save electricity, you first need to know its consumption. If you do not want to rely on the information in the electricity bill and want to have more control over your power consumption, you can use an energy cost measuring device.

Energy cost meters measure the amount of electrical energy that a device consumes in operating or standby mode. In fact, they are not exactly the same as current measuring devices. While current measuring devices measure the electric current alone, energy cost measuring devices are often equipped with the additional function of determining the electricity costs arising from consumption. For this purpose, the individual electricity tariff is entered in the measuring device, which calculates the energy costs based on consumption. Energy cost measuring devices are quasi extended current measuring devices , which often have additional features. For example, some models are able to measure not only the current power consumption, but also the CO2 emission or temperature.

Smart current meters are better suited for demanding applications than simple power consumption meters. They have an Internet connection and options for data export , for example a Bluetooth interface , in order to record measured values clearly and to be able to create analyzes based on them. Sometimes such current measuring devices also generate cost forecasts , can be programd in many ways and can often be controlled via the app . Many digital energy cost meters are compatible with smart home systems such as "Conrad Connect" or "energynote" and thus offer the user a high level of user comfort.

Energy cost meters are available in a wide range of price ranges. Although the most expensive meter is not the best in every case, a higher price category often indicates a more extensive equipment of the respective model.

Current measuring devices are usually simply switched between the device and the socket . In most cases, they record power consumption in both the operating mode and standby mode . In this way, the total power consumption can be determined, from which one can calculate the energy costs afterwards. Energy cost measuring devices for permanent installation between the device and the socket are also available. They are either placed in the junction box to capture the consumption of multiple devices or device groups, or installed in the junction box or device junction box.

Each ammeter should be able to display the voltage applied to the instrument, the time or duration of the measurement, the energy consumption and ideally the associated costs. Measuring range and measuring accuracy should be adjusted to the respective application purpose. In order to be able to measure even lower consumption, such as in standby mode, an energy cost measuring device should be able to record power ratings from 0.5 watts (better still 0.1 watts). The measuring accuracy should not deviate more than 5% downwards or upwards. Energy cost meters are recommended, which take into account reactive power in addition to the active power. Effective power is the actual energy consumption of a device for which the payment is made. Reactive power is required to transmit the active power by using it to construct magnetic fields in transformers, for example. It is not used by the device, goes back to the power supply and therefore costs nothing.

It is also easy to use when selecting a suitable measuring device. It is important to have a well-readable, ideally illuminated display , which, if necessary, offers the possibility of a graphical display. For long-term measurements, data logger functions are recommended for permanent storage of measured values as well as interfaces for data export. Other measurement functions that go beyond the acquisition of power consumption can also be useful depending on the application. Some current measuring devices are equipped with a child lock or an alarm function that generates a signal tone when a predefined power consumption limit has been exceeded.

In addition, care must be taken to use an energy consumption measuring device suitable for the respective country of use. This is due to the fact that there are different country-specific socket types with which not every electricity meter is compatible. To prevent the meter from becoming a power guzzler itself, its own energy consumption must be taken into account when purchasing it, especially when it is used for permanent measurements.

Our practical tip: Set electricity tariff

Many of the current measuring devices available from us offer the function "Set electricity tariff", for example measuring devices of the brands Voltcraft, GEO and Brennenstuhl. In order to program your individual house rate on the device, you first need to know the cost of one kWh. This is indicated on the monthly billing of your electricity supplier. If you want to know more about it, you can also distinguish between day and night electricity tariffs and enter two tariffs for some energy consumption meters.

When is it recommended to use an energy meter?

It is basically always advisable for consumers to check the energy consumption on a regular basis. However, it is particularly advisable to take a measurement if the electricity bill suddenly rises abruptly without this being explained by a change in usage behavior.

Which devices should be checked using an energy cost meter?

For devices that are used permanently or at least regularly, a permanent measurement of the power consumption is recommended. These include computers, TVs, washers, dryers, and dishwashers. Refrigerators often consume more energy than you might think. This is because they are usually opened and closed frequently and turn on and off several times. For electrical devices such as sewing machines, which are only used occasionally or for short periods of time, a permanent measurement is not likely to be worthwhile.