Every grid power connection has at least one meter, the utility meter that records the power sold to the consumer’s site. Basic total usage is reported electronically or through manual meter readers, the total monthly usage. This provides a baseline usage data for the gross of the power consumed. The only comparison metric is reached by comparing energy consumption for a month compared to the same month previously the year before. Other trends may be determined but not any specific pattern are discernible on such a large scale sampling period. Professional monitoring equipment can sample at about 15 minute intervals on a single circuit providing far more precise information on energy consumption on that circuit.
Basics of Electrical Power Monitoring Systems
To establish a basis for power usage we need to be familiar with the basics. Following is what the home or business owner needs to be familiar with.
• Electrical Service Connection. This is where the utility line connects to the house and power flows through the meter. The meter measures gross power consumption for billing purposes.
• Master Disconnect Power Switch. All services have a master disconnect power switch. Other switches allow switching between utility power and a standby generator.
• Main Breakers. These were sized to the needs of the servicing panel. Most panels today are 200-amp panels versus the 100-150-amp service panels of only a few years ago. Exceed the power draw of the main breaker and all power is shut down feeding the panel.
• Bus Bar Arrangement. The main feeder wires connect to the bus inside the panel. These bars split to two 120-volt bars. If the breaker bridges between the bus bars with two switch levers it is a 240-volt circuit. Single switches are a 120-volt circuits.
• Branch Circuit Protection. The branch circuits are protected by branch circuit breakers, in the old days these where screw in fuses. These are the switches mentioned above and protect individual branch circuits, most will be 20-amp circuits for outlets and lighting.
• Dedicated Circuits. Devices are all the power consuming appliances in the home. Lights, outlets and appliances. Remember even most gas appliances have an electrical circuit for control purposes. Dedicated circuits will service only a single device and are for those high-power items like dishwashers and disposal units. Each major appliance like ovens and stoves have dedicated, usually 30-amp 240-volt circuits. This goes for heat pumps and air conditioning units as well.
• Electrical Switches. These provide on demand power or interruption of power. Not only lights but some outlets can be switched. Single pole is switching from a single point. Three pole switches allow for switching from two points, and four pole switches allow switching from more than two points. Dimmers control light intensity.
• Electrical Outlets. These provide for the connection of appliances and movable lighting devices like lamps versus fixed ceiling lights.
• Electrical Wiring. This is the home’s or commercial property’s ‘circulatory’ system. Plastic insulated wire commonly referred to as Romex runs through the walls and ceilings of the home. Romex is an actual brand name but like Xerox has become synonymous with paper copying, Romex has become synonymous with wiring, the formal name is NM or non-metallic sheath. Bx cable is armored cable inside of a flexible conduit. Most commercial wiring uses single conductors pulled through conduit for the best the durability and safest wiring.
Electrical Power Monitoring & More in Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Broomfield, Centennial, Commerce City, Englewood, Golden, Greenwood Village, Highlands Ranch, Lakewood, Lafayette, Littleton, Parker, Thornton, Westminster, Wheat Ridge & Greater Denver, CO | Jefferson & Gilpin County, Colorado
Commercial switching gear and wiring vary only in detail to household wiring, but all perform the same or similar function. Advanced Electrical Solutions Corp can assist with all your electrical power monitoring needs. Contact us today!
