TED The Energy Detective?

[markl]

Anyone using the TED The Energy Detective?
Looking for general comments on this device and thoughts, espeiclaly the PC interface and loggign aspect.
http://www.theenergydetective.com/index.html

[57]

A similar device was discussed in the following thread. I believe the following device is a bit simpler/safer to install although the TED may be more reliable.

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=59760

[markl]

Thanks, the one from Blueline is a bit hokey in my view with the meter whel reader attachment. I look at it before but the setup just didn't impress me and I don't think it has any PC interface.

The TED seems to be much more accurate from what I can find on it plus has a USB interface and software.

Was curious to get some first hand accounts on it and if anyone knows of a Canadian reseller for it.

[DCT]

The 5000 series now supports Google Powermeter, which allows remote access from anywhere via the internet.

http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/...e-partner.html

Anyone have experience with the new series?

[markl]

I may have to soon get ones of these to try now. Requires an electrician to install however and also an empty slot in panel.

[tico]

I visited the web site and the TED *could* be installed by an electrician, but could also be installed by a competent homeowner with enough electrical experience not to kill himself.

It does need to be connected to both lines, plus the neutral, and they are vague in the instructions for connecting the black wire - "connect to a 15A or 20A breaker - connect the other wire to a breaker on the other line".

I don't think that you need a dedicated 15 or 20A breaker for the black wire, if this thing draws that much power then it wouldn't be much use to help you save money. The only thing I could think of would be inaccurate voltage measurements if you installed it on a heavily loaded breaker, but then again, the voltage drop occurs mostly over the wire from the panel to the plugs/lights so installing the thing right into the panel should even on a heavily loaded breaker should still be pretty accurate.

I'm looking at this myself - so *bump* on the initial questions - re: first hand accounts and especially Canadian resellers.

[ScaryBob]

TED The Energy Detective is more versatile than the BlueLine Innovations Power Cost Monitor. For one, it measures current draw on the conductors, and does rely on the power meter. (The BIPCM could become obsolete with changes in meters.) TED could also be used to map individual circuits. The installation diagram for TED shows two induction pickups. This type of pickup will work with any AC current carrying conductor. By placing the pickups around individual circuit conductors, such as stove, water heater, dryer or general house outlets, each circuit in the house could be mapped for power use. (Devices like the Kill-a-watt will work for individual devices but not things like stoves, water heaters or dryers) The circuits could then be mapped to outlets and individual devices using a Kill-a-watt. Since TED provides an independent measurement, it also be used as a double check for faulty utility meters. (I wouldn't haggle over small discrepancies since the utility meter is probably more accurate when working correctly.)