Monitoring Power Usage: Rv Hookup Management

Monitoring power usage on an RV hookup is a great way to keep track of your energy consumption and ensure you're not overusing certain appliances. There are a variety of devices available that can help you do this, ranging from simple power meters that measure kWh usage to more sophisticated options with additional features. For example, some surge protectors come with smart apps that log power consumption, and there are also energy management systems designed for residential homes that can be adapted for RV use. These systems can be purchased or DIY-ed, with some people opting to build their own power meters to monitor their RV's shore power consumption.

Use a smart app that logs power consumption

Surge protectors with smart apps are a great way to monitor power usage in your RV. These devices not only protect your RV from power surges but also provide valuable insights into your power consumption.

The Hughes Autoformers EPO Power Watchdog is a popular choice among RV owners, as it comes with an app that tracks power consumption and provides a running tally of kWh, which can be reset monthly. This device offers the dual benefit of surge protection and power monitoring, making it a convenient option.

Another option is the Rauto Vibe Smart RV Surge Protector, which can be used to monitor family members' energy usage. This device is available on Amazon and provides a convenient way to track power consumption.

When choosing a smart app-enabled surge protector, consider your specific needs, such as the amp rating required for your RV, and look for features that allow you to view data on your smartphone or other devices. Additionally, some apps may offer additional benefits, such as the ability to set alerts or monitor other aspects of your RV's systems.

By utilising a smart app that logs power consumption, you can gain a better understanding of your RV's power usage, make more informed decisions, and potentially optimise your energy habits to meet your budget.

Use a Kill-a-Watt to track usage

The Kill-A-Watt is a popular device for monitoring power usage. It is an electricity usage monitor manufactured by Prodigit Electronics and sold by P3 International. It measures the energy used by devices plugged directly into the meter, as opposed to in-home energy use displays, which show the energy used by an entire household. The LCD screen displays voltage, current, true, reactive, and apparent power, power factor, energy consumed in kWh, and hours connected. Some models also display the estimated cost.

The Kill-A-Watt is an excellent tool for tracking power usage, especially when you want to understand the power consumption of specific devices or appliances. It is simple to use and provides valuable information about your energy usage. You can choose from different models, depending on your needs.

• Easy-to-Read Display: The Kill-A-Watt has a large LCD screen that displays critical information, including voltage, current, power, and energy consumption.
• Accuracy: The device is accurate within 0.2% to 2.0%, ensuring that you get reliable readings for your power usage.
• Cost Calculation: Some models, like the P4460 Kill A Watt EZ, allow you to enter your electricity cost and calculate your expenses by the day, week, month, or year.
• Standby Power Indication: The Kill-A-Watt can help you identify power-wasting appliances by indicating the standby power used by devices, even when they are not actively in use.
• Multiple Models: Kill-A-Watt offers various models to choose from, including the basic P4400, the enhanced P4460 with a backup battery, and the P4320, which is integrated into a power strip and offers surge protection.
• User-Friendly: With its simple buttons and settings, the Kill-A-Watt is designed to be user-friendly and easy to operate, making it convenient for anyone to track their power usage.
• Compact Design: The compact size of the Kill-A-Watt makes it easy to use and store. Its dimensions are approximately 5 inches long, 2 inches thick, and 1-2 inches wide, depending on the model.
• Wide Voltage Range: The Kill-A-Watt supports a wide voltage range, from 115 VAC to a maximum of 125 VAC, making it suitable for most standard appliances.
• Appliance Efficiency Assessment: By connecting your appliances to the Kill-A-Watt, you can assess their efficiency and identify power-wasting devices, helping you make informed decisions about your energy usage.
• Voltage and Frequency Monitoring: In addition to power usage, the Kill-A-Watt can also monitor voltage and line frequency, helping you evaluate the quality of your power supply and detect any voltage drops or issues.

Overall, the Kill-A-Watt is a valuable tool for tracking power usage, especially for those who want detailed information about their appliance's energy consumption. It is user-friendly, accurate, and offers a range of features to help you understand and optimize your power usage.

Install an Efergy Elite energy management system

The Efergy Elite Classic Monitoring System is a simple and easy-to-install system that wirelessly measures your energy usage. The monitor updates every 10 seconds to accurately track where energy is being used, allowing you to see the impact of turning a light on or off, boiling the kettle, or using a tumble dryer.

Installation Guide:

Step 1: Install the CT Sensors into your power meter fuse box. You can either install the clamp onto your mains incomer to check overall power or install the CT Sensors onto a separate individual circuit (e.g. a hot tub, air-conditioner, or solar systems circuit) to measure individual power for an appliance or solar feed.

Step 2: Open the fuse box and remove the cable protection back plate. Locate the cable you want to monitor (usually the largest cable, called the Mains Incoming cable). Clamp the sensor wherever it is convenient and place the transmitter somewhere safe and out of the way.

Step 3: Power your switchboard back up and check that you are seeing a reading of power usage.

Step 4: Connect the Sensor(s) Jack into the Transmitter. Plug in the sensor's jack into the transmitter, then power on the transmitter. Insert three AA batteries into the transmitter (not provided). If your fuse box is inside the house, mount the transmitter on the wall next to or above the electric panel.

Step 5: Link the Transmitter and the Wireless Energy Monitor. Ensure that three AA batteries are inserted in the transmitter and three batteries (AA for the Elite or AAA for the E2) are inserted in the wireless energy monitor. Push and hold the link button on the reverse of the monitor for about two seconds. The transmission signal symbol on the monitor will flash for one minute. Press the link button on the front of the transmitter, and the transmission signal symbol on the display will become solid.

Step 6: Set up the Wireless Energy Monitor by setting the time and date. Press and hold the "time set" button on the back of the display for two seconds. Set the hour, minute, month, date, and year using the backward and forward buttons. Once the correct time and date have been set, push the unit set button to save and exit.

The Efergy Elite Classic Kit includes:

• 1x Wireless Display
• 1x Transmitter
• 2x 200A Split-core Current Sensor

Install power meters inside the RV

To install power meters inside your RV, there are a few options and steps to consider:

First, you'll need to decide on the type of power meter you want to install. There are two main types: portable power meters and plug-in power meters. Portable power meters are temporary solutions that can be easily moved, while plug-in power meters are more permanent and require a connection to your RV's electrical system. You can find these power meters at various retailers, including Amazon, and they typically range from $25 to a few hundred dollars.

Once you've purchased your power meter, you'll need to install it. For plug-in power meters, this usually involves connecting the meter to your RV's electrical system, which may require the assistance of a certified electrician. For portable power meters, you may simply need to plug the device into an outlet or power source.

Some power meters may also offer additional features such as surge protection, Bluetooth connectivity, and app control. These features can provide added convenience and protection for your RV's electrical system.

Additionally, you can consider installing a power pole for your RV, which involves bringing power to your RV through a pole-mounted electrical service. This option tends to be more expensive, ranging from $500 to over $1000, and may require coordination with your local power company and adherence to local regulations.

Finally, to monitor your power usage, you can utilise devices such as the Hughes Autoformers EPO Power Watchdog, which has an app that tracks power consumption, or the Emporia Power Monitor, which can monitor individual breakers. These devices can help you understand your power usage and make adjustments to meet your budget.

Use a MeterMaid 30A Plug-In Power Meter

The MeterMaid 30A Plug-In Power Meter is a simple and effective way to monitor power usage on your RV hookup. This device is a Class 1 meter, which means it meets the electrical industry standard for billing accuracy in the US. It is designed for use with RVs and boats in campgrounds and marinas, providing an accurate measurement of power consumption.

To use the MeterMaid 30A, simply plug it into the power pedestal, and it will start measuring kWh. The analog display wheels show the kWh used, similar to a simple mileage meter in a car. There are no buttons, software, or complicated displays to worry about. This power meter is also tamper-proof, with a non-resettable counter and fully-encapsulated electronics, ensuring that it cannot be tampered with, slowed down, or reversed.

The MeterMaid 30A is easy to use and requires no maintenance, servicing, or recalibration. It is also built to withstand extreme climates and harsh marine environments, with an IP673 (Europe) and 4X (North America) rating. The package includes the MeterMaid 30A Plug-In Power Meter, NEMA30-TT male/female plug ends for RV metering, and unterminated ends for 30A marine and hard-wired applications.

With its accuracy, simplicity, and durability, the MeterMaid 30A Plug-In Power Meter is a reliable choice for monitoring power usage on your RV hookup.

Frequently asked questions