PZEM-061 Watt Meters (For Use With Standby Generators)

[@imraul3009]

This inspired me to do this at my breaker panel as well, to monitor back generator during black outs, I did set the max wattage levels to blink when exceeding. next level monitoring, if you ask me. nice job.

[@pauliemoto]

Your a smart dude Shelton, like your comments about mb75. 15$ worth of parts for 80$ in a metal box.

[@TechGuruLamar]

Thanks

[@tomb375]

Awesome, exactly what I was looking for! Thank you.

[@TechGuruLamar]

Welcome. Glad I can help!!!

[@TechGuruLamar]

Updated Video of how I connected my meters kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZ-nlJV3f6yWj9k

[@spaz6871]

Shelton, I enjoyed your comments and video for these PZEMs. I have seen Mr. Brown's video already, but if possible could you make a video of how you have these meters actual installed to your panel? Meaning, could you show the actual placement of the CT's inside the panel and for the neutral and line wires? Thank you.

[@TechGuruLamar]

SPAZ, I can't make a video at the moment. Haven't been feeling well. Simply put, put the CT around each 120 leg if connecting 2 Pzem's and either leg if connecting 1. Consider R Browns videos for the complete assembly and wiring of Watt Meters.

[@spaz6871]

Shelton Lamar ok. Thanks Shelton. Let me ask you about the faceplates. Did you have to sand the opening a little larger?

[@TechGuruLamar]

@@spaz6871 Yes, actually I put the faceplate under the watt meter then used a pencil to trace out the square. Once traced I used a box cutter to precisely cut out the square then made the necessary adjustments with my blade.

[@spaz6871]

@@TechGuruLamar Awesome. That is what I thought you did. I think I'll use the Dremel sander to shape it. Thanks for the help.

[@TechGuruLamar]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZ-nlJV3f6yWj9k

[@tooldiebum]

Hello do I need two meters my generator or can I put the ct over both hots legs

[@TechGuruLamar]

You can put over both hot legs!!!

[@jisake1]

I like your approach, but noted a question. When the 240V compressor started, seemed odd the current didn’t increase on both legs?

[@TechGuruLamar]

It's actually a 120v Window Unit which is why voltage only increased on 1 leg!!!

[@demoll78]

I think it can be done.becuse each generator is feeding each leg just like it would coming in From the city and my sis conditioner will pull 120 off other leg when I turn the breaker on to use it

[@juansifuentes3917]

I was checking out a pzem-061 on Amazon and now I see that there’s a notice that the unit has to be used on pure sine wave or it will fry the meter. You have any info

[@TechGuruLamar]

Actually theirs 2 different types of meters. Dc & Ac. Long as you put the meters on the main legs you won't have any problems

[@garcosta]

From the meter, I understand that your #1 & 2 wires going to the ring is on one of your 2 50 amp circuit hot wire. Where did you put that #3 hot wire and what gauge is that wire? Did you attach it to the 50 amp circuit breaker or to a 15 amp? Seems like if you attach it to a 50 amp, won’t it make that wire to the #3 spot run hot and melt the wire? I want to use it also to monitor the load from my 12000 watt generator.

[@TechGuruLamar]

No. Just put the power wire itself to power the meter on any breaker.

[@demoll78]

So you a electrician so can I wire my out side pole on single leg on each leg a single breaker. To run both generators

[@TechGuruLamar]

Your question is a bit confusing!!! You would have to show me with video of what you're trying to do!!!!

[@juansifuentes3917]

Awesome video... My question is, what if I only want to use one meter to monitor a 10000 watt generator. Do I put the CT on one hot wire of a 50 amp circuit breaker or both hot wires? My house is generator ready.

[@TechGuruLamar]

Yes, just put it around both. You can also put it around the generator connect wire and it will measure what's coming from the generator to the home. Just make sure when you turn on your breakers, try to even the load on both 120v legs

[@juansifuentes3917]

I got a question for you. I’m using a pzem-061 to monitor my wattage for the first time. I turned my generator on and the amperage was higher than the watts. I thought the wattage would be higher. Is that right?

[@TechGuruLamar]

@@juansifuentes3917 Depends on what you're running at the time!!! If the load in wattage is greater than the amps it would show.... Are you running a 30amp or 50amp breaker with your generator??? And how many appliances are you trying to run at one time???? No Stove, No HWH, No Central Ac Unless with Hard Start Kit!!! Now you can run these based on how you balance your load being that they all run on 240v. Just watch your startup wattage!!! Being you have a 13000w Gen you shouldn't have any problem running any appliance in your home. Just keep in mind that startup watts spike and strain the load on the generator for about 2 to 3 secs. So if your running a 5000w load your heavier items may spike to around 8000w until it's started!!! After that your good!!!! Always remember more load consumes more gas!!! And no, propane does not last as near as long as gas!!!! I've already tried several times!!! The only thing that's better is a natural gas conversion kit!!!

[@juansifuentes3917]

@@TechGuruLamar I have a 50 amp breaker and a 13,000 watt generator. Will run the essentials, fridge freezer lights

[@TechGuruLamar]

@@juansifuentes3917 Ok, you should be all set!!! The amps corresponds with voltage while watts translates into power!!! For instance, 120v at 120watts makes 1amp!!! So long as your running a 30amp to 50amp breaker and do not exceed the wattage being drawn by your appliances your ok!!! This is why I say use 2 watt meters!!! This way both 120v legs from your Gen can be balanced which in turn makes your Gen run smoother with no strain on either leg!!!

[@arklinkee1104]

Nice setup, did I miss where one can purchase the face plates you used to cover the meters?

[@TechGuruLamar]

Lowes, Walmart, Home Depot. Will have to cut to fit

[@arklinkee1104]

@@TechGuruLamar excellent, thx you

[@chipfornaris]

@@TechGuruLamar please advise what did you use to cut those plates

[@TechGuruLamar]

@@chipfornaris Box Cutter

[@steverollins7904]

Can the wires be extended to mount the watt meter

[@demoll78]

How you wired in the pole

[@carlgreen3020]

Tech Guru Lamar How can I contact you via email? Carl

[@TechGuruLamar]

What you got Carl???

[@CarlGreen-kh9od]

How much would you charge to make this device for my portable generator? It may look simple to some but I am not an electrician. Carl

[@TechGuruLamar]

@@CarlGreen-kh9od What is it exactly do you need??