50 amp 220/240 volt watt meter

[electricboogie2]

Hello,

I am looking for a dual leg watt meter to connect inline to my Champion 11,000 watt peak inverter generator so that I know that wattage being used on both legs. I have seen multiple YouTube generators, but hoping one of you guys have a source of already made ones? Obviously I am looking to purchase. I just don't trust doing this myself, well *ahem* my wife doesn't trust me. Can any of you get me pointed in the right direction?

 

[mm08822]

Most single metering devices may simply report the overall consumption of a straight 240volt circuit.

Since your gen will be outputting 120/240vac, 2 meters would be better so you can read the current/voltage in each hot leg.

How you plan to mount these will have more impact on choice of hardware.

 

[RPH]

Plenty of these available on Amazon.

 

[fitter30]

Amps X volts =watts

 

[Bert_]

Amps X volts =watts

Not really. Power factor makes a big difference

 

[electricboogie2]

Plenty of these available on Amazon.

Yes that is true, but I had looked at that previously, and it only displays wattage for one leg only, and not both legs. Internally the second leg is not connected up. One reviewer opened the box, to show the monitoring ring only goes around one leg. Several people have also confirmed it only displays one leg. The product description does not mention this though. Definitely misleading of them and other vendors about that in my opinion.

 

[mm08822]

As cheap examples:

A pair of these would work, possibly cut in to gen enclosure if room permits. Worst case bolt on a dedicated box. Not sure how they may hold up to the vibration.

You may need a waterproof rated device or cover if these will be exposed to weather.

 

[electricboogie2]

I thank everyone for their insights and help. I ended up going with the below. It works awesome! I used it for a couple of hours on yesterday. The first screen snapshot is the device itself (Hughes Power Watchdog PWD50W Smart RV Portable Surge Protector 50 Amp with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity). The second screen snapshot is from my phone with the power currently being output by my generator during yesterday's power outage... I ran it to keep my home nice and cool while the power was out... The heating and air company installed the soft kit for me on the AC unit... It was great to do that- rather than to use the two portable AC units we purchased last year. Whole house is better than 2 rooms... Lol ;-)

 

[zendriver]

Amps X volts =watts

Amps (and watts) change continuously depending on load. Meter just keeps an eye on the load at any given time.

Looking into similar for my gen setup.

 

[fitter30]

Amps (and watts) change continuously depending on load. Meter just keeps an eye on the load at any given time.

Looking into similar for my gen setup.

If your into a gen that can read watts precisely it won't be a China generator square wave. Have a 7500 watt peak 6500 running can run a tv, wifi and a computer with no problems. Along with fans, some lights, fridge, well pump, water heater, stove and a window unit for bedroom. Not all at the same time. Gen and heat off lp.

 

[mm08822]

Amps (and watts) change continuously depending on load. Meter just keeps an eye on the load at any given time.

Looking into similar for my gen setup.

OP's product should work right out of the box correctly if you are using a power inlet box and cb interlock.

 

[zendriver]

If your into a gen that can read watts precisely it won't be a China generator square wave. Have a 7500 watt peak 6500 running can run a tv, wifi and a computer with no problems. Along with fans, some lights, fridge, well pump, water heater, stove and a window unit for bedroom. Not all at the same time. Gen and heat off lp.

If I put a wattmeter in line, what does the choice of generator have to do with it?

I just want to be able to monitor the overall load.

 

[mm08822]

If I put a wattmeter in line, what does the choice of generator have to do with it?

I just want to be able to monitor the overall load.

For what you need these measurements for, your gen and this meter will be fine.

Just consider whether a 50a capacity version is a likely future need or will the 30a suffice.

 

[fitter30]

Not really. Power factor makes a big difference

Never been involved with pf. Worked on large tonnage chillers screw and centrifgal both for process and comfort cooling. Chillers always were variable refrigerant flow not water flow when i was working. Now they have both chilled, condenser pumps and compressor on vfds . Magnetic bearings for the compressor motor.