DIY Power Usage Monitoring Article

[az1324]

Interesting read found on engadget: http://www.picobay.com/projects/2009/01/re...r-charting.html

Don't know if I'll try something like this or go with the new Brultech.

 

[sic0048]

Well, I am planning to go with the Brultech. Although the DIY system is cheaper, he still probably spent $50 or more to get the system working. For $200 I can get the new Brultech unit that will monitor not only the main power (which is all he is doing for $50 - each additional monitor is approx $20 according to the article) but 5 additional loads. Plus it is UL rated which is also very important. If he was to have some sort of electrical fire in the panel, it would be interesting to see what became of it. I realize the odds of that happening are extremely low, but is it really worth the small amount of money?

An apples to apples cost comparion.
DIY System - $40 for the two AC Clamps to meter the total load. $20 per additional load x 5 loads = $140 plus electronics to make it work = $150 or more. Then you have to factor the time it will take to assemble all this and get the software programed to make it all work. Not UL approved.

Brultech 1260 - approx $200 for UL approved monitoring of main load and 5 sub loads. Plus the software is supplied. You can also tie the Brultech into some of the home automation systems out there like CQC for further monitoring capabilities.

 

[icellama21]

Brultech 1260 - approx $200 for UL approved monitoring of main load and 5 sub loads. Plus the software is supplied. You can also tie the Brultech into some of the home automation systems out there like CQC for further monitoring capabilities.

Where have you seen the new brultech system for sale? Is the price the same as for the old system(200 was the discounted price for the old system)?

Also, another question of the brultech rep is lurking. Is the system actually UL Listed for use in a service panel? Or is the UL part simply the current transformers being "UL Recognized" for high voltage applications?

 

[sic0048]

Brultech 1260 - approx $200 for UL approved monitoring of main load and 5 sub loads. Plus the software is supplied. You can also tie the Brultech into some of the home automation systems out there like CQC for further monitoring capabilities.

Where have you seen the new brultech system for sale? Is the price the same as for the old system(200 was the discounted price for the old system)?

Check out this thread for information on the new system. It has not been released yet (expected in 2/09) nor has the final price been set. But the Brultech folks have stated several times that they are expecting it to be in the $200 range (including their web site). So we'll have to see when it is finally released.