Electric usage metering

[ishiboo]

I am partitioning a space into 3 smaller spaces that my friends may be using - think small storage/shop spaces, and am concerned about their electric usage. Having separate meter cans installed on the service and managed by the utility is not feasible or necessary.

I'm thinking about keeping the current service which is sufficient, and installing individual metering and I would bill the occupants for the usage alone.

Each unit will be fed from a 60A breaker (2-2-2-4 SER) with the opportunity to install a 75A or 90A if required in the future (which I doubt.) from a 200A Square D panel. Would the easiest way to handle this be to just install normal meter cans after the breakers and install regular electric meters? I only need to be able to read the KWH counter to get the change between readings, so I am guessing I can just plug the meters in and read the count once a month?

 

[firworks]

While scrolling the New Threads list I thought this thread said "Electric Neutering"

 

[rlitman]

Are you going to be renting the space? There are good legal reasons why you might want to have separate utility owned meters on each space, as then the bills would be in the tenant's name.

Also, reselling electricity can be iffy legally, as you're neither a legal public utility, nor bound to utility regulations. Though if you're selling a value-added service, it should be above board (remember for example that common space lighting costs can be fractionally worked into the bill or taken as a deduction). Best answer with regards to this is to consult your lawyer with this topic when the lease is drawn up.

But otherwise, if you trust your tenants to not do anything illegal (that will get you in hot water with your name on the bill), then yeah, your idea is sound. Another option would be to get a CT style meter that uses inductive cores that your main wires pass through. This might be cheaper than a full blown glass covered meter pan.

https://electroind.com/downloads/shark-meters/
These can be found on eBay...

 

[Norcal]

KWH meters should be cheap on the used market with the changeover to Smart Meters, but the OP is going have a hard time finding a non standard 75A breaker, 70A is normal.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I would go with a digital LED KWH clamp meter. No meter socket needed.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GMZRXE8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Norcal]

I would go with a digital LED KWH clamp meter. No meter socket needed.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GMZRXE8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

A KWH meter & meter can will be less then that.

 

[rockwithjason]

do a search on emon meters. they are used for tenant sub metering all the time.

 

[GarageSpider]

Look at Neurio. Gives you web based data.

 

[Mongo68]

do a search on emon meters. they are used for tenant sub metering all the time.

What he said- Emon Demons...

 

[tab2]

What he said- Emon Demons...

This. I think it is the Emon Dmon Class 1000 for single phase, then you need the right amperage; but I'm a GC, not an electrician. Not cheap though...

They are used for almost every tenant in a commercial office building because the tenants pay for their electricity as a part of the lease. This is billed to them monthly at the same rate from the electric service provider. It's not "re-selling" it's making someone pay for what they used.

 

[nadogail]

Sub Metering has used in the apartment industry for years.