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Bauhn "Smart Power" Power Meter $14.99 at ALDI (Limited Stock)

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Bauhn "Smart Power" Power Meter $14.99 at ALDI (Limited Stock)
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fufufu on 05/06/2015 - 23:36 aldi.com.au (1080 clicks)
Last edited 06/06/2015 - 17:31 by 2 other users

http://bauhnenergysaving.com.au/power-meter.html

I came across this after doing some research on power meters as I was curious with some of my electronics.

It is the normal price AFAIK but I'm posting this as it's a good deal due to improvements to previous model and other cheap models.

Basically the problem with the older and cheaper models is that they do not give correct power reading for some appliances and lower power usage. ie. <100w.

I have tested the meter and it seems to not be showing these problems so it's a good buy compared to the steplight lite that is $15 more + shipping.

  • All 3 computer monitors I tests gave similar 1.Xw standby power consumption and 20-30w usage when on
  • Microwave standby was 2w (basic one with just timer led display)
  • Computer idle was at 90w and playing game was 170w (same idle as estimated power usage from a PSU calculator http://powersupplycalculator.net/ load was lower than estimated but I was playing csgo on low settings)

Only thing I haven't tested yet is the fridge which is something that confuses a lot of the cheaper meters from my understanding.

So for the price I think it's a great deal.

2 things to note:

  1. the model number of mine is: PA39085
  2. The screen is pressed up against the box on the inside. It doesn't come with screen protector or even any cushioning hence my screen was already a bit scratched upon opening (at least that's what I think happened as the box was still sealed).

I couldn't find the power meter in the catalogue so I have linked what I could find. FYI there were still at least 6 more at ALDI Heidelberg West.

Electrical & Electronics Bauhn Power Meter

Related Stores

ALDI
ALDI

closed Comments

  • AngryAlfred on 05/06/2015 - 23:44
    +1

    Got one from Aldi for $10 last year some time if I recall (maybe from the unsold bargain section?). It's pretty handy, you can set peak/off peak tariffs and what not and it will calculate the usage cost of an appliance or whatever with the inbuilt clock. Shows real time watts being used etc.

  • kronicmacstigator on 05/06/2015 - 23:46
    +1

    I just use real time watts then calculate it manually. Easy as.

    I did pinch the last remote control power adapters from my local though :P

    I love not having to bend over now to turn something on!

    • fufufu on 05/06/2015 - 23:55

      From my brief audit of my house I don't really see the need for remote control power adapters.

      The standby power draw of everything is so low that in order to save that few dollars per year you are paying money upfront on the device and introducing an additional procedure that takes extra time AND effort (ie. having to remember to turn something on at the wall before using it) that you would be worse off IMO.

      Unless most of your electronics have very noticeable standby power draw?

      • AngryAlfred on 06/06/2015 - 00:01

        Think of a lamp, heater, fan etc. If you have a small heater in your bedroom you don't really want to get out of bed to turn it off, but things on standby are completely negligible you're right.

        • fufufu on 06/06/2015 - 00:04
          +1

          Ah that makes sense. I'm guilty of not wanting to get out of bed on these cold mornings too. Might get one of those now.

        • kronicmacstigator on 06/06/2015 - 00:49

          @fufufu:

          I have a neurological condition which makes bending over to turn things on and off (hidden by a desk or boxes) dangerous unfortunately

        • Vladdo on 06/06/2015 - 10:15

          @kronicmacstigator: It's called a wife, get her to do your menial tasks..

        • INFIDEL on 06/06/2015 - 12:39
          +1

          @Vladdo:
          Tried to find that item (compliant spouse) at my Aldi, but they were out of stock ;-)

    • sleepy120 on 06/06/2015 - 19:24

      "I love not having to bend over now to turn something on!"
      doesn't that depend on what you look like from behind?

  • Mnke on 05/06/2015 - 23:47
    +1

    I liked the old vivid ones they used to sell better. Had a power use history graph on it.

  • monty.melb on 05/06/2015 - 23:49

    Sorry I'm a Crows supporter. Against power

  • [Deactivated] on 06/06/2015 - 00:01
    -3

    It is the normal price AFAIK but I'm posting this as it's a good deal due to improvements to previous model and other cheap models.

    Forums then I'm guessing. Ozbargain not OZinfotainment

    • fufufu on 06/06/2015 - 00:06
      +4

      There have been plenty of times that a cheaper comparative product is posted as a deal.

      This being half the price of the Steplight lite is not a good deal?

      What about those posted deals of other normally catalogue priced items from Aldi?

      EDIT: like this post with 38 positives https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/196249

      It's basically listing out the items available for normal price on the catalogue.

      I don't see you negging that one?

      • whats up skip on 06/06/2015 - 10:54

        If these are identical to the Steplight Watts Clever the are very accurate, even down at low power consumption levels.

        At this price they are an excellent buy.

        I notice now Steplight have released one that works are a remote via wifi/internet to an app to give detailed data and the ability to turn on and off. I think they are about $70. Belkin have released a similar one in the WeMo range, but I don't think it is in Australia yet.

  • davidl2 on 06/06/2015 - 00:13

    can someone write a basic guide how to use these things? :-P

    • [Deactivated] on 06/06/2015 - 00:14
      -6
      1. purchase
      2. plug in
      3. read display
      4. return within 60 days for full refund
      • davidl2 on 06/06/2015 - 00:17

        a bit confuse with how to calculate the electricity cost…..

        • sysplex on 06/06/2015 - 00:35
          +2

          Easy as. Find your last bill. Get the total amount in dollars that you owe/paid, and divide that by the number of kWh you used. e.g. $350.00 / 1100 kWh = .32 = 32 cents per kWh.

        • Vladdo on 06/06/2015 - 00:36
          +2

          When you power it on, it asks you to input your kw/hr costs. ie, 0.32 cents peak, 0.16 cents off peak.. you then plug in the device, and leave it running. say after 24 hours, it will give you a cost over the accumulated time.

      • INFIDEL on 06/06/2015 - 07:57
        +1

        The reality is few people need these for longer than 60days. If you really need one, you probably already have bought one. Many of these are destined for the 2nd/3rd drawer down with all the other rarely used OzBargain deals ;-)

        In previous power meter deals there were reports some community / neighbourhood centres loan these out. Worth asking to borrow, or donate yours when you're finished with it & borrow it back if needed. You might get a nice cuppa as well ;-)

        Once you have an idea of consumption, most appliances only vary their consumption with the length of time used. Less daylight hours now means more time indoors, more lighting & heating. Heating/ cooling devices vary with seasons, but you can notice those variations in the power bill.

        Power meters can not accurately read small power consumption (standby power, radios, etc) accurately.

        I've got 2 older model Aldi & an ancient Jaycar power meters, plus a wireless display from the meter box. I have forgotten to check the readings in over a year!

        • INFIDEL on 06/06/2015 - 10:29

          Ah the power of the neggers - a click instead of a comment
          ;-) Apparently the neggers have much more experience of the subject than I do, so contribute!

          I've used energy meters since I built the 2004 Silicon Chip Energy Meter. I've installed many, loaned mine out over many years, but they rarely are looked at after the first month.

          It's a tool people think they'll use, use for a while, but most get forgotten behind the fridge, entertainment unit, etc - so do nothing to reduce consumption / bills. (As I've posted before, install on an extension lead so the meter is visible.)

          I've seen several situations where one member of the household installs the meter, only to have a coup d'état with the meter removed for 'spying' on others energy use! That's usually where people become obsessive about the data collection.

          These domestic meters rely on certain assumptions that may not be accurate at your location, so are only a general indicator of power consumption.

          And the Jaycar power meter is available year round for a few dollars more, or cheaper on special.

  • shn on 06/06/2015 - 02:25
    +2

    My last two power meters (aldi and Belkin from COTD) were fried by trying to measure the refrigerator usage in the long run. Worked fine for couple of days and then died. May be my particular refrigerator is generating high spikes from the compressor. So be cautious when connecting these with transient current loads.

    • cheapbloke on 06/06/2015 - 09:11
      +1

      My power meter bought from Jaycar have been plugged in continuously for the last 6 years and still working. The microwave, oven toaster, laptops, phones, coffee machine are plugged in (via a power strip). Although I make sure it doesn't go beyond the 2.4kW limit.

  • myfeetarehappy on 06/06/2015 - 08:58
    +3

    You can borrow more advanced meters from many public libraries for free. Worked well for testing the fridge recently.

    • INFIDEL on 06/06/2015 - 10:37
      +2

      Most people don't need them for longer than they borrow a book. You can borrow again when weather / circumstances change.

      That's why libraries, community centres etc may loan them out to encourage energy & cost savings. Plus borrowing supports your local facilities.

      Generally councils in cooler areas with poorer communities (using energy guzzling electric heaters) may be more likely to loan these as an education tool. They only work with plug in equipment, so most air con units, stoves, etc can't be measured.

    • whats up skip on 06/06/2015 - 10:58

      This seems to be common in Victoria, but so far I haven't found anything similar on the Gold Coast.

  • INFIDEL on 06/06/2015 - 12:05
    +1

    I couldn't find the power meter in the catalogue

    OP, you should have checked the recent catalogues before posting this deal! I looked it up online.

    That's because this product was in the 23 May sale catalog, p13 with the professional battery charger, timers, foot operated switch, smart power boards, remote controlled power points, & home automation hub.

    I never saw any meters in 3 local stores over the last 2 weeks.

    Two weeks is a long time for stock to sit at Aldi. It is often transferred to other stores that sell more of this type of stock.

    So this is very limited left over stock, likely to be store specific. Stores are usually only allocated a small number of these, as they aren't a big seller.

    No stock last night in Carindale Brisbane. Strangely I have the photo of the of available range of stock from that catalogue at 18:00!
    I had received an email to say the store had restocked the old electrical sale items.

    I'm using the $25 remote controlled power points, & $80 home automation hub (operates electronics & 4 included power points from smartphone app).

    • INFIDEL on 06/06/2015 - 13:08

      My thoughts on the Aldi home automation hub

    • INFIDEL on 06/06/2015 - 18:56
      +1

      Title was updated to reflect the likely rarity of stock 2 weeks after sale of Aldi Special Buys™ product. Aldi warn stock is usually limited at time of sale.

  • gummibear on 10/06/2015 - 14:13

    Just got one at underwood Qld
    4 remaining if anyone is still looking for this

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