HOW to build a Digital Electric Monitor Volts, Amps, KWH, PF, Hertz for your Generator

[@Tom-In-Ga]

Geez, if I keep watching this channel I'm going to go broke. I'm going to have to build a few of these. A couple for myself and some to give to my friends with generators. Actually, you could use this anywhere you want to find out how much power is being used by a device or appliance. Basically, it's a different version of the Kill A Watt meter. Yeah, the Kill A Watt would be cheaper but what fun would it be to just buy something already made? Plus the Kill A Watt is limited to 15 amps. Hmm, I wonder how far the inductor can be from the meter before the readings become unreliable? Guess I'll have to try and see since there was no mention in the product descriptions. Projects like this keep my retired hands and mind busy. Thanks Gavin!

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks Tom I guess if they made a 30 amp twist lock version of the kilo watt meter that would be able to compare to this. The thing I like about this one the most is it doesn’t reset every time you unplug it so it holds your kilowatt hour used

[@stevenbeasterfield1568]

Could you make a video showing how to make this same device with a 240v 4 wire setup. I have my generator hook to my house and would like to see the load as I flip breakers so I dont over do the generator. You would think they make something like this pre fab but havent seen it so far

[@dontronge9874]

Did you find a solution? Looking for the same in the panel at the breaker but trying to keep DIY vs something like the Emporia

[@condor5635]

I got a larger project box where I put two of the Drok meters. One for each leg. Then you can just add the wattages to get your total wattage and make sure that’s no more than 80% of your running generator capacity. Works great let’s see see offsets between your two legs. Each display will read 120 V but that’s OK.

[@leguirerj]

Thanks Gavin for the inspiration. I built two, 120 volt 20 amp using 12 gauge wire with regular house hold plug and a 120 volt 30 amp using 10 gauge wire with a L5-30 plug for my EU3000is generator. I agree with another poster about spending money for some of your projects. It's fun!

[@GeneratorReviews]

Yessir that’s awesome 😎

[@CharlieTaskit]

Yes my brother 🙌🙏

[@GeneratorReviews]

I’m getting there!!

[@sae1964]

Thanks Gavin, we appreciate all the information in making the meters. I made mine about 6 weeks ago. I noticed you didn’t put a link for the locking plug connectors, so that you can get the credit. Thanks again my friend. Have a great 👍 day.

[@GeneratorReviews]

Ohh I honestly forgot Thanks

[@sae1964]

@@GeneratorReviews hey buddy. I just noticed the link you put for the 30 amps is a 4 prong and the one you use in the video is a 3.

[@mikebelcher6692]

Thanks So Much Sir, this answered my question in the other vid u made. This is a professional looking device you made.

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks

[@alexmbroyles]

Any chance you could make a video with 10/4 wire and the 30 amp twist lock?

[@GeneratorReviews]

Yep I will definitely do that

[@rodneygouthier6090]

Could this be used with a 50 Amp system? If so, what changes need to be done? Thanks, awesome video!

[@GeneratorReviews]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJmxl2Zpn7OFrNEsi=u1mgeNGVmQTULdOA Check out these

[@johnfitbyfaithnet]

Thank you for sharing this important information listening from Bangs Texas

[@BajaBCS]

I hope this isn’t a dumb question, but does this work for 220v from the generator? I will be sending 220v to my house and would like to monitor total wattage my home is pulling from the generator.

[@GeneratorReviews]

No its only 120V

[@CapnBubbaa]

Very Great instructional video

[@mmmasterscross7915]

Thanks for the video! Very Informative and helpful !

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks for watching and subscribing

[@stevereese6488]

So for checking 240 volt 50 amp you would just double that correct? Or do you use different digital gauges ?

[@GeneratorReviews]

In order to get the 240 V reading, you can monitor the neutral cable

[@_emanon]

sae process for a 4 prong 30a setup?

[@Reno17]

Once again keep up the great videos!

[@sergmo1603]

Can I do it the same with 120

[@mitch461000]

GAVIN how would you wire this if you have the L14-30 male and female ends.I see you are using a three prong type.Do I use some type of adapter or does this have to be wired a different way?

[@GeneratorReviews]

You have to wire different and use two monitors one for each leg. Also 4 wire cable

[@raygould792]

Hi Gavin Did you make the video for the 50 amp 240 volt double meter box yet. I would like to build one and list the parts you used to and keep up the good work on videos very informative Thank you

[@GeneratorReviews]

Not yet Ray

[@raygould792]

Let me know when you are going to the Video

[@markhou]

Have you ever thought about building an adaptor for those DC plugs on generators? They're usually unregulated. I wonder if it would make sense to build a small voltage regular, to charge a solar generator for example. I assume it would be more efficient to pull from the DC plug rather than plug a dc converter in the AC outlet?

[@GeneratorReviews]

The EcoFlow generator is designed to provide DC power to a smart portable power station. Yes you are correct about that 👍🏾

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

Gavin ,you will find that if you strip your wires longer out of the shield they are a lot easier to work with and you should use cable clamps on the box. Just a suggestion. Nice way to see the outputs on olde generators . Thank you.

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks for the suggestion always appreciated. 👍🏾 I will update them for future use. Thanks buddy

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

@@GeneratorReviews you are welcome.

[@holdenbreau7187]

Have you install a hour meter on a generator?

[@GeneratorReviews]

No, I haven’t

[@atburke6258]

Got it. Thank you, Sir. A T Burke

[@mitch461000]

Gavin which plugs do I use my cord has 4 prongs, if I wanted to test my meter on a small 110 heat gun how would I do it?

[@GeneratorReviews]

I think this is what you might be looking for amzn.to/3uKin1h amzn.to/3ayVDdM

[@lb7wade518]

Great tool!!

[@aksejtus]

Superb tutorial!

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks 🙏🏾

[@GeneratorReviews]

I hope you build one for your generator

[@dk99745]

I noticed that on another’s video of making one of these they put the sensor on the neutral (white) wire and yours is on the hot (black) wire. His worked also at least in the video. Does it matter? Thanks!!

[@GeneratorReviews]

The instructions shows inductor should be connected to the line not the neutral for 120v And if you’re doing a double Meter for 240v you should connect the inductors on black and red. That would monitor both lines

[@GeneratorReviews]

If you connected to neutral and you have a ground wire as well you’ll get improper reading.

[@PiggyWiggyHunter]

Gavin I have a 4 wire 30 amp outlet and want a digital monitor for a 4 wire any videos??

[@GeneratorReviews]

Not yet but I’m going to make it

[@scr5008]

Really looking forward to this video! I’ve got a 4 prong 50amp 240 connection from generator to my house that I’d love to monitor! Please post!

[@leguirerj]

What tool did you use to cut the holes in the junction boxes? Jigsaw?

[@GeneratorReviews]

The jigsaw would probably be the easiest just drill a hole in each corner then jigsaw straight to the next hole

[@allabouthim03]

Can you show how to do a 4 prung twist lock?

[@allabouthim03]

I found your video on how to do it, thanks. I'm going to do it a little differently, video to come on my channel.

[@harisporic2629]

Great!

[@GeneratorReviews]

Thanks

[@stevebolog6339]

Can you just install one of these in the rv to see what’s coming in?

[@GeneratorReviews]

Yep You can install one for that great idea 💡

[@stevebolog6339]

I actually bought the champion 4500 after watching your review and would like to install one in the rv that way I can see what I’m drawing into the rv. Thanks.

[@terrybaca4095]

If you're running 30amp 2540 volt do you need to run 2 monitors or can you run 2 hot wires through 1 transformer?

[@GeneratorReviews]

I’ve never tried to run two hots in one monitor But let me try that I’ll let you know the results

[@terrybaca4095]

@@GeneratorReviews that would be great. I was thinking of mounting one close to the breaker box in my home so that I could see it as I'm turning breakers on.

[@yoanhotte5821]

great video thanks

[@jayrose9463]

What’s the 50 amp option?

[@GeneratorReviews]

I haven’t made one for the 50amp

[@davidhoward6930]

Do you know of a digital monitor that will work with the 50A feed? (Need two CTs)

[@GeneratorReviews]

I’m making one right now lol 😆 Awesome timing David Thanks

[@tristanschaper281]

@@GeneratorReviews I'm looking forward to seeing what you build. I'm also thinking of building one! One bit of constructive improvement on the box: use a cord strain relief in each hole. It will hold the cord tightly and greatly reduce the chance of the cord pulling on the inside of the box. Especially with the wire nut connections, and especially with a portable meter box that you will be using for a lot of applications. And they will also keep water out. (not that you plan on using this around water)

[@GeneratorReviews]

@@tristanschaper281 nice!! update and improvements I like your ideas 👍🏾

[@mikeswitzer7178]

@@GeneratorReviews Did you make a video of your new 50amp setup?

[@GeneratorReviews]

@@mikeswitzer7178 not yet I will soon

[@carlosgranillo8538]

So if I'm trying to use a 30 amp 4 prong plug and connector how will the wiring be different?

[@GeneratorReviews]

That one you're talking about is 50amp? 240v

[@carlosgranillo8538]

@@GeneratorReviews yes sorry about confusion

[@raulgallardo.]

I have the same question as him can I do this for 50 amps?

[@allenconley6243]

@Gavin's Garage will this work for 220v?

[@GeneratorReviews]

No it won't work for 220v I have a different one for 220v.

[@allenconley6243]

@@GeneratorReviews is there a video yet? i could really use it for my food trailer... i keep kicking the main on my predator 9500

[@norbertomorales3286]

Hey what do you think about this meter it’s Wi-Fi WiFi Smart Energy Monitor Switch Meter, Compatible with Alexa Google Home, Remote Control with Smart Life/Tuya App, Din Rail Tester Current Voltage Amperage Power Meter AC 110-230V 60A Multimeter

[@GeneratorReviews]

Send me the link

[@norbertomorales3286]

@@GeneratorReviews hey did you ever get the link I sent. I found the meter on Amazon

[@norbertomorales3286]

I keep trying to link from Amazon but it keeps disappearing on this chat.

[@djchamac0]

Hey man What size wire do you recommend using to connect to the meter ?

[@GeneratorReviews]

I recommend if you can use 8 gauge or 10 gauge nothing smaller

[@djchamac0]

Thanks a lot man. Thanks to you I was able to make 2 boxes yesterday. I did use wire size 14 that can take up to 600v to power the box. It works perfect!!👍

[@GeneratorReviews]

That’s awesome 😎

[@1dirteharry]

Please take a look at the video at kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJW0lIBqrJ18erM and let me know if example B will work for a 4 wire set up.

[@GeneratorReviews]

I’m just gonna make one and show you the right way to do it

[@1dirteharry]

@@GeneratorReviews Awesome! Looking forward to it!!