Voltage Recording Smart Device

werdnanostaw on 14/01/2021 - 11:56
Last edited 14/01/2021 - 12:22 by 1 other user

I am seeking a recommendation for a smart device that records voltage.

And now for the rest of the story…

During recent hot weather in Perth our incandescent lights "yellowed" out, the halogen downlights and LED smart lights flickered. TV, fridge and LED lights seemed OK but who knows. I am told by electrical engineer friend that fridges are particularly subject to damage by low voltage.

It was about 2100 when I phoned Western Power (WP). They sent a service truck out which arrived at 2130 (brilliant service - pun intended). WP man said voltage on our 3 phases was 207, 211 and 214V. It should be 240V +- 5V (simplistically - I am told by friend that the formula for calculating in spec voltage is a bit more complicated).

WP man went to transformer one block over and adjusted voltage we receive. He said we are last property on line. All properties between us and transformer have been subdivided so load has increased since system was configured.

I have received 2 follow up calls from WP (including one just now which triggered this post). They told me they were monitoring our system but they wouldn't make any changes until hot weather ends.

I am very impressed by WP's follow ups (and Transperth's, but that's another story).

I have a Cygnett smart switch that gives instantaneous voltage (plus cumulative daily power usage - 1 data point per day). Since the incident I have checked the voltage on whichever phase it is plugged into, which is different from phase fridge is on. I know that because one time we lost phase that fridge was connected to and I was able to run extension cord from socket that smart device is plugged into to the fridge.

Lowest voltage I have seen is 211V. It is currently (another pun) 236V.

I would like a recommendation for an inexpensive smart device that continually records voltage (and power).

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • Flirtle on 14/01/2021 - 13:08

    I'm going to assume you mean one that you plus into the wall?

    Can't help you there, after a quick look.

    Most power quality or logging meters are very expensive, but price is subjective.

    I would be careful asking for something cheap that records voltage and/or current, as usually they won't be up to the task, safety or Australian Standards wise.

    Measuring current is done with current transformers and requires professional installation by a licensed electrician.

    Source: Am electrician, but also electronics is hobby.

  • kipps on 14/01/2021 - 13:18
    +1

    Got solar? My solar inverter can log to PV Output production/consumption/voltage/temperature.

    • brendanm on 14/01/2021 - 18:02

      Not sure that will help op at 9pm.

      • kipps on 14/01/2021 - 21:44

        Mine logs 24/7. I don’t understand your point.

  • Chandler on 14/01/2021 - 13:59
    +1

    Energy metering smart plugs are relatively cheap and probably your simplest option.

    Some current deals here:

    Can't speak for either of those products, but the TP-Links should be good. I personally have the TP-Link HS110 (predecessor? to the KP115).

    You can also get any other of the multitude's that are available these days - Mirabella (Kmart), Arlec (Bunnings), another Cygnett…

    • Kramo on 14/01/2021 - 22:13

      Can those measure voltage though? Or do they just measure current, and their 'power' values are just multiplied by an assumed 'healthy' 240V?

      edit: the product screens for those seem to show a screen with a voltage reading, so yeah, should definitely be the cheapest way of monitoring

      • Chandler on 15/01/2021 - 10:35

        Yeah they measure voltage too. It's interesting looking at the graph sometimes and thinking about the causes for the dips - you can tell when the compressor on your A/C or fridge comes on! (without looking at the current/power usage).
        You can even see the cable voltage drop across different parts of your house.

  • payless69 on 14/01/2021 - 14:53

    I miss the times in WA when the official voltage was 245V. Slamming the toilet door usually resulted in a blown bulb.

  • ESEMCE on 14/01/2021 - 15:28
    +1

    Old smartphone with time-lapse camera app installed taking photos of your existing meter is cheap, easy and immediately available.

    • abb on 15/01/2021 - 14:17

      Most electricity meters measure energy consumption, not voltage as OP has requested.

      • ESEMCE on 16/01/2021 - 14:44

        The OP specifically says (emphasis added)

        I have a Cygnett smart switch that gives instantaneous voltage

        So in this case all OP needs is something that can monitor the Instantaneous Voltage over long periods of time.
        Unless he/she needs a data plot which seems unlikely a quick timelapse video of the days' readings seems perfect to me.

        • abb on 16/01/2021 - 18:13

          ahh, I mistook what you meant by "meter", thought you were talking "electricity meter" in the box where power comes to the house.

          Those cygnett things OP mentioned don't have a screen… so, laptop monitoring smart switch then phone taking photos of laptop?

          • ESEMCE on 17/01/2021 - 17:46

            @abb: Well in that case could probably even just have a timed screenshot set up on the laptop.

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