Circuit Level Monitor Comparisons

The circuit level monitor is constructed with modules that each contain a fixed number of channels.   These modules can run as a stand alone monitor or be linked together measure as many circuits as desired.   Modularity gives one the choice to balance cost with the number of circuits to be measured.  To qualify for this category the system must be capable of measuring every breaker pole in a standard 200-amp, 40-circuit panel.

Measuring every circuit in the home requires a separate current transformer or CT to be installed for each 120 volt circuit or two for every 240 volt circuit.  Software must track energy data for each of these circuits.  Some packages even have the ability to make energy saving recommendations based on usage patterns.

Even though a circuit level monitor is normally priced higher than a single or multi-point monitor, the level of detailed data it delivers can provide additional energy savings.  In many cases, this will result in a similar pay back period with greater long term savings, especially in larger homes.

Circuit Level Monitors

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Model	FIDO	eMonitor	BrulTech Model 1240
Manufacturer or Distributor	Ecodog, Inc.	Power House Dynamics, Inc.	BrulTech Research, Inc.
Channels Main: 240 V (2-pole) Aux: 120 V  (1-pole)	8 Main or 16 Aux. per Module (64 Modules, 1024 Circuits Max.)	eMonitor 12 2 Main, 10 Aux. eMonitor 24 2 Main, 22 Aux. Combine for 100+ Circuits Max.	2 Main, 10 Aux. per Module (6 Modules, 84 Circuits Max.)
Single Phase	Yes	Yes	Yes
Three Phase	No	c-Series In Development	No, Future Product
Voltage Range	105-130 V	85-140 V Line	0 - 600 V PT Req>130V
CT Sizes	20, 50 and 150 Amp	20, 50 and 150 Amp	40, 60, 80, 100 and 200 Amp
Accuracy	Current <+/-2.5% Voltage <+/- 0.1%	n/a	+/-3% Cumulative
Resolution	0.10 watt	n/a	n/a
Web Server Location	n/a - Not IP Based	Powerhouse Dynamics Monitoring Service on Remote Server	Local w/ ECM Software
Communication to Display	n/a, No Display PC Only	LCD Display in Main Module	n/a, No Display PC Only
Communication to Computer	Power Line Carrier from monitor to network adapter, Serial or USB to PC	Ethernet, Zigbee for device control	RS-232 to USB or Ethernet, Wireless Opt.
Analysis Software	FIDO Energy Advisor See Dashboard	Energy Monitoring Service on Remote Server See Dashboard	ECM Engine See Dashboard
Data Logging Capacity	Adapter: 45-100 days PC: Unlimited	Not limited w/ monitoring service, 1 min update rate	Limited to Computer Hard Drive
Energy Cost Displayed	Yes	Yes	Yes
Power Source	Line Voltage	Line Voltage	Line Voltage
Operating System Compatibility	PC, Mac	PC, Mac, iPhone, Android	PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android
Alternative Energy Metering	Yes	Yes	Yes
Carbon Footprint Displayed	Yes	Yes	Yes
Size (HxWxD")	Monitor: 8.5x6.5x4.3 Adapter: 6.0x2.8x2.2	Main Module 8.8 x 4.25 x 1.75	n/a
Weight	Monitor: 1.6 lbs Adapter: 1.1 lbs	n/a	n/a
Documentation	Installation Manual	Installation Blog	FAQ's
Special Features	Floor Plan Device Map, Abnormal Usage Alerts, Rate Sched. Database	VIDEO REVIEW Abnormal Usage Alerts, Zigbee wireless for future display and control of devices	Software can connect up to 6 modules and accept up to 4 pulse inputs.
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If you have developed a circuit level monitor system or know of one that is commercially available in the U.S. and not listed on this page, please contact us if you would like to have it evaluated for inclusion on this site.