Energy Meter Reader Reviews

Energy meter reader reviews compare the specifications of several popular models in the table below.  Energy meter readers are differentiated from other types of energy monitors by the way they collect electrical data.  Instead of installing curret transformers, or CT's, in the main breaker panel these units use a sensor attached to the utility's electric meter.  This sensor reads the utility meter pulses as it records your power consumption.  

The utility meter's pulse information is transmitted to a PC or remote display unit. The display provides constant, real time feedback of the power being used and logs the total kilowatt-hours.  When appliances or lights come on, you will see an immediate increase in power consumption.

As you go through the meter reader reviews below, keep in mind that these devices are limited to mimicking utility meter readings.  They cannot measure individual appliance loads and have lower accuracy levels when compared with more sophisticated energy monitors.   Even though these limitations do exist energy meter readers still offer a low cost, entry-level option to monitor the total amount of electrical energy used in your home.

Energy Meter Reader Reviews

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Model	Blueline Innov. Power Cost Monitor	Black & Decker Power Monitor	Blueline Innov. Power Cost Monitor TM
Communications	Wireless	Wireless	Wireless
Display	Hand Held Remote	Hand Held Remote	Hand Held Remote
Data Logging	No	No	No
Kwh Rate Schedules	Flat, Tiered, Time of Use	Flat, Tiered, Time of Use	Flat, Tiered, Time of Use
Wireless Frequency	433.92 MHz	433.92 MHz	433.92 MHz
Update Rate	Every 30 sec. Appx.	Every 30 sec. Appx.	Every 30 sec. Appx.
Range From Sensor to Display	Up to 100' less 15' per wall	Up to 60' thru one external wall	Up to 100' less 15' per wall
Display Temp. Range	50 F to 113 F (10 C to 45 C)	50 F to 113 F (10 C to 45 C)	50 F to 113 F (10 C to 45 C)
Display Batteries	2 x AA Alkaline	2 x AA Alkaline	2 x AA Alkaline
Sensor Temp. Range	-40 F to 140 (-40 C to 60 C)	-40 F to 140 (-40 C to 60 C)	-40 F to 140 (-40 C to 60 C)
Temperature Display	From Sensor Location	From Sensor Location	From Sensor Location
Power Factor Display	Unknown	Yes	Unknown
Sensor Batteries	2 x AA Alkaline or 2 x AA Lithium for cold temps	2 x AA Alkaline or 2 x AA Lithium for cold temps	2 x AA Alkaline or 2 x AA Lithium for cold temps
Power Resolution	Unknown	100 Watts	Unknown
Cumulative Energy Measurement Error	+/- 1% at the meter	2% Electro- mechanical, 0.2% Digital	+/- 1% at the meter
Additional Hardware	None	None	None
Utility Meter Compatibility	Rotating Wheel, Single and some Dual Optical Port See Installation	Rotating Wheel, Single and some Dual Optical Port See Guide	Rotating Wheel, Single and some Dual Optical Port See Installation
Warranty	1 Year	1 Year	1 Year
Documentation	Info Installation Manual	Compatibility Guide Manual	Info Installation Manual
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If you have developed an energy meter reader or know of one that is commercially available in the U.S. which is not listed here, please contact us if you would like to have it evaluated for inclusion on this site.