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Overview
This product uses ‘phase’ current transformer sensing technology to detect and monitor a magnetic field around your
household electricity power cable. It measures the amps being used and, by reference to the system voltage, calculates the
amount of power being used, the cost, and the amount of greenhouse gas emissions. It then transmits this information from
the Transmitter to a cordless Main Unit Receiver on a frequency of 433MHz, from up to 30 metres away (unbroken
transmission).
The product is primarily intended as an educational device to aid understanding of the cost of operating electrical
appliances in the home. As such, it is not intended to replace your accurate electricity revenue meter, so it cannot be
used to check your electricity account.
What is voltage and current?
Voltage
(
volt)
is the measure of electrical potential.
Current
signifies the
amount
of electricity flowing through a conductive
material, such as a wire. Electrical current is measured in amperes or “
amps
” for short. Both Amps and Volts are necessary
to provide electricity for your household appliances. Power is measured in Watts, and is the product of Volts times Amps. For
a particular location, the voltage is usually constant – so the amount of power used is directly proportional to the current used.
Watts and Kilowatts
Refer to the following table:
1 kWh is the equivalent of ten 100-watt bulbs burning at the same time for one hour.
Household ‘power’ cable and ‘phase’
Most household electricity supplies use either single ‘phase’ or three ‘phase’ current. In single ‘phase’ supplies, the current
flows to and from your household appliances using a ‘neutral’ and ‘power’ line. The neutral line has a voltage close to 0 while
the ‘power’ line carries a fluctuating voltage or ‘phase’. The difference between these two lines makes the current flow through
your appliances.
In three ‘phase’ supplies, current flows to and from a device through a group of three lines - each one carrying a fluctuating
voltage or ‘phase’. The Current Sensor should be connected to each of the three phase lines before using the ELECTRISAVE™
It is advised that you seek a licensed electrical tradesperson or similar competent person to
attach the Current Sensor to the electrical wiring if you have any doubts.
Greenhouse gas
Fossil fuel power stations emit gases such as carbon dioxide when producing electricity. This causes an atmospheric
imbalance, which in turn has been linked to global warming (global temperature rise). Every power station has a slightly
different ratio of emissions to electricity production, depending on their methods. The default greenhouse emission rate on the
Main Receiver is set to1 kilogram of greenhouse gas for every 1KW of electricity produced (1:00). This can be changed
depending upon the fuel or energy source used by your power generating authority (see
customized settings
).
8
HOW THE PRODUCT WORKS
Watt
A Watt is the standard unit of
measurement for the amount of energy
(electric or otherwise) being transferred
to or from somewhere each second.
A Kilowatt (kW) is simply a larger unit of
measurement (1000 watts = one
kilowatt).
Kilowatts hour (kWh) represents
the use of 1000 watts of electricity
for one whole hour.
Kilowatt (kW)
Kilowatts hour (kWh)