Refoss EM16P Smart Energy Monitor
The Refoss EM16P Smart Energy Monitor is a hardware device designed to measure real-time electricity usage at the circuit level within a residential setting. Priced at US$199.99, the system consists of a central smart meter and 18 clamp sensors, and requires professional installation. Data is accessible via a mobile app and can be integrated with third-party home automation software.
The device measures real-time electrical data for individual circuits, including voltage, current wattage, and cumulative watt-hours used over time.
Product Specifications and Installation
The EM16P kit includes a smart meter unit along with clamp sensors: two rated for 200 amps and sixteen rated for 60 amps. These sensors operate by detecting the magnetic field generated by electric current flowing through a cable, allowing for measurement without a direct electrical connection to the wires.
The device is compatible with both single-phase and three-phase household electrical circuits. Installation requires connection to power and access to the individual circuit wires within a home's electrical panel or fuse box.
Multiple sources note that in Australia, this installation must be performed by a licensed electrician.
Data Measurement and Access
The primary function of the monitor is to measure real-time electrical data for individual circuits. This data includes voltage, current wattage, and cumulative watt-hours (Wh) used over time.
The device connects to a home Wi-Fi network. Users can access the data through a companion mobile application. The system offers two data access modes:
- Data can be transmitted to and stored in the cloud, with sources stating cloud data is retained for up to five years.
- It can be operated in a local-only mode where data does not leave the home network.
The manufacturer, Refoss, states that the device supports integration with the open-source home automation platform Home Assistant.
Application and Context
Sources describe several potential applications for the device:
- Monitoring solar panel generation in real time and comparing it to household consumption or grid import/export.
- Measuring the power consumption of specific circuits or individual appliances.
- Identifying appliances or systems with high power consumption.
- Monitoring energy usage in a separate dwelling, such as a rented unit.
The development of the product is contextualized against traditional electricity measurement, which relied on quarterly bills, and modern smart meters provided by energy retailers, which typically report usage data with a delay of approximately 24 hours.
Software and Limitations
The provided mobile application allows users to view data and create graphs for individual circuits. Multiple sources report that the application does not provide advanced comparative graphing for whole-home usage analysis or power consumption comparisons between different circuits.
Refoss has indicated that it continues to improve the product's functionality through software updates.