Reading Energy Use

[Rodasphoto]

Is there anyway to view how much energy is being consumed by equipment plugged into relays?

[Sacohen]

Not directly with the RA.
You can use a device call a Kill-A-Watt .

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Unbranded-Ki ... /202196386

[lnevo]

We could probably do something where we log the amount of time a port is on and track it based on a set wattage or something It wouldn't be actual usage, but it could be good if we wanted to get some idea the amount of power being used...

[Rodasphoto]

Its a feature I saw on an Apex that I saw when I was picking up some coral from a fellow reefer and since we own the BEST controller on the market I thought I would ask if there was a way to do it built in. Thanks for the recommendation on the kill-a-watt.

[johniii]

We could probably do something where we log the amount of time a port is on and track it based on a set wattage or something It wouldn't be actual usage, but it could be good if we wanted to get some idea the amount of power being used...

Could we not use a CT on the power wire with the proper code?

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[lnevo]

Whats a CT?

[johniii]

Whats a CT?

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A CT is a coil of wire around an iron bar that detects magnetic flux and converts to amps. Let me see if I can find an example.

Lol I found a whole article on how to use one on an arduino
http://openenergymonitor.org/emon/build ... -interface

[lnevo]

So it sounds like this is something we can hook to the IO board and then clamp around the incoming power to the relay box and measure overall power? Or to individual outlets..?

[johniii]

So it sounds like this is something we can hook to the IO board and then clamp around the incoming power to the relay box and measure overall power? Or to individual outlets..?

Either or both. But remember it can only go around 1 wire, the hot. If you run a hot and neutral through it the flux will cancel each other out. Causing a 0 reading.

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[lnevo]

Ahh so it needs to be integrated then inside the relay box or stripping your power plug (no thanks)

Roberto what do you say? Next gen relay box?

[johniii]

Ahh so it needs to be integrated then inside the relay box or stripping your power plug (no thanks)

Roberto what do you say? Next gen relay box?

Yes. But you could get a weather proof box and cover. And make your taps in there with the proper wire connectors. Would be no worse than the taps behind your electrical outlet.

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[Piper]

Ahh so it needs to be integrated then inside the relay box or stripping your power plug (no thanks)

Roberto what do you say? Next gen relay box?

Yes. But you could get a weather proof box and cover. And make your taps in there with the proper wire connectors. Would be no worse than the taps behind your electrical outlet.

+1 That's exactly what I was thinking. Just make an inline box that plugs into the wall that has an outlet for the relay box. Very interesting add-on idea here though. I might have to check into this when I have a bit more time.

Definitely a good upgrade for next gen relays too!

~Charlie

[Rodasphoto]

Apex has it on each outlet of the relay. It would be nice to incorporate that same feature. For the rest of us total amps would be easier.

[johniii]

Apex has it on each outlet of the relay. It would be nice to incorporate that same feature. For the rest of us total amps would be easier.

Even with total amps our loads are pretty constant. You would be able to tell when a heater comes on or if something is amiss by a simple trend graph like web chart. What is the benefit of having it on each individual outlet

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[Rodasphoto]

Apex has it on each outlet of the relay. It would be nice to incorporate that same feature. For the rest of us total amps would be easier.

Even with total amps our loads are pretty constant. You would be able to tell when a heater comes on or if something is amiss by a simple trend graph like web chart. What is the benefit of having it on each individual outlet

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See what piece of equipment is being an energy hog to plan for future upgrades. To see if an individual piece of equipment is working.

[cosmith71]

My old Reef Keeper Lite had this feature, IIRC. It seemed horribly inaccurate.

--Colin