Re: [Hampshire] Energy Monitors

On 24 July 2010 21:12, Tim Brocklehurst <timb@???> wrote:

> On Friday 23 July 2010 11:04:59 Chris. Aubrey-Smith wrote:
> > Any thoughts? Can these units give more than a general indication of
> > consumption? Is there any point in recording the actual numbers?
> >
> > Incidentally, I had a 'phone conversation this morning with a
> > representative of the organisation which runs this monitoring scheme on
> > behalf of nPower. He tells me that one factor which distorts the readings
> > is..... using low-energy, compact fluorescent lamps!
> >
> > Chris.
>
> I have heard mention that fluorescent lights seem to draw "more" power. I
> think it's just the phasing due to load, but it's a while since I did AC
> phase theory. The easiest way to test the meter's accuracy is to get some
> resistors (or resistive loads) which, when connected across the mains.....
>
(etc.)

Well, yes! Of course, there's always the option of 'doing the math'.

I was rather hoping for some input from others who have more experience of
using these meters, to learn what they do with the numbers and how much
reliance they place on them. There seems little point in (for example)
plotting usage if the measurements are unreliable.

Chris.