I am desiring to install myself or have an electrician install a power monitoring device. To order the correct device, I need to know whether I have single phase or three phase power. To the best I can determine, I have three phase power. But I would greatly prefer to have this confirmed. I have linked to an image of my outdoor meter and disconnect, and of my inside panel.
As far as monitoring goes, your questions are not all answered.
You could have two legs of a 3 phase service namely 120/208 volts. This is not unusual in apartment complexes in mixed residential/commercial districts.
For the most part it behaves like a single phase (120/240 volt) service but when certain measurements need to be made a monitoring device might show funny numbers.
For good measure, measure voltage between the two hots.
I was just beginning to wonder. If I have two hot legs then it appears I will need either a flexible sensor that I place around both leads (just as they come out of the wall) OR a sensor around just one lead and a multiplier (to double the current read). But are the two leads always equal? I'm thinking they should be, but I don't know. I was considering the following unit: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08CJGPHL9/
I found Emporia also has a community forum. I've asked there, but I wouldn't mind any experienced input here.
Thanks again,
Andrew
Last edited by timeoutside; 03-01-21 at 06:44 AM.
Reason: More information obtained.
I've never used that product, so I can't comment on it specifically, but the model you have selected is exactly what you need. 2 current sensors for the two incoming hots, and 16 individual circuit sensors. You'll end up with 6 circuits not individually monitored, but I'm sure you can pick a few that are rarely used.
Looks like a nice easy install with how your panel was wired. I'd hate to try to install that in some panels I've seen!
I haven't had any reply yet to my post on the Emporia community forum. So to confirm my understanding, I have:
a single phase service
each of the two heavy gauge cables coming down the center of the panel are my hot legs
each hot leg would be 120 VAC
it would be preferable to have a monitor on each hot leg, rather than a single sensor over the two legs
Is this correct?
Note: The unit I'm considering does support up to 16 individual sensors, but I have something like 32 breaker positions. I'll only use the individual sensors on selected circuits.
Update: I was able to chat with an Emporia representative. As you said, the unit I linked to above is the one I need. The 16 individual sensors won't cover all my positions, but I don't believe that will be needed. If it turns out that I do want to monitor the remaining positions then I can purchase another unit and enough individual sensors needed. The Android software will display both units within the application. There should not be any complications if I need to expand.
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02-28-21, 03:11 PM
Confirm three phase wiring
