Power meter
A power meter is an electrical device that measures the amount of electricity another device uses. Some public libraries have power meters available for free checkout.
Contents
Manual
These directions are specific to the power meter linked below.
Resetting
Press the reset button if an abnormal display appears or the buttons produce no response. The reset button is recessed and will need to be pressed with the tip of a pen or similar type instrument.
Display modes
Pressing the FUNCTION button cycles through the display modes. The UP and DOWN buttons are unused in the display modes.
In all display modes the top line shows the duration of time that the power meter has been plugged into its power source. Under one hour in duration the display will show minuets and seconds. Afterward, the display will show hours and minutes. The time will zero after 24 hours and restart counting.
Mode 1
Mode 1 shows the current watts being drawn and cost. The watts can range from 0.0-9999W. The cost of the electricity will stay at zero if the rate has not be set.
Mode 2
Mode 2 shows the cumulative amount of electricity consumed and the number or days. The cumulative amount of electricity is shown in kilowatt hours and the time duration is shown in days.
Mode 3
Mode 3 displays the current voltage draw and frequency. The frequency is shown in hertz.
Mode 4
Mode 4 displays the current and power factor display. The current is shown in amps.
Mode 5
Mode 5 displays the lowest amount of watts the plugged in device has used.
Mode 6
Mode 6 displays the highest amount of watts the plugged in device has used.
Mode 7
Mode 7 displays the user entered cost of a kilowatt hour of electricity. As of September 2019, the average cost of electricity in the United States is 13.34 cents per kilowatt hour.[1]
This mode can be displayed for six seconds by pressing the COST button. Afterward, the display will switch into mode 1.
Overload display
When the power socket connects to a load over 3680W, the LCD on the second line displays OVERLOAD and sounds an alert noise.
Setting electrical cost
Press and hold the COST button for three seconds. This will cause COST/KWh on the display to start flashing. While flashing, press the FUNCTION button to enter the mode to enter your local cost of kilowatt hours. The first digit of a four digit number will start flashing. Press UP and DOWN to set this number. Once set, press FUNCTION to move to the next digit. Continue until all four digits are correct. Press COST or let the device idle to save and exit out of this setting.