Clamp Meter Vs Kill a Watt – Which is Better?

Clamp meter vs kill a Watt: Which is better? The debate has been raging for quite some time. This article compares the two most popular power meter options and reveals the differences between them.

Also, learn how they compare when it comes to efficiency. Read on to find out which one is better for you. We’ve covered some of the most important features of each of these tools, so you can make an informed decision.

‘Kill a Watt’

If you have ever watched one of those late-night infomercials, you’ve likely seen a Kill-A-Watt. This device consists of a rectangular block with a slightly bowed top and a three-prong power outlet.

This unit has an LCD display and can be inserted in a duplex outlet to measure electrical consumption. While the Kill-A-Watt doesn’t look very modern, it does have some useful features that can be valuable to consumers.

First, it measures the current power draw from an AC device. It measures the volts, watts, and current. It also measures the apparent power factor. Because of the fact that it only measures AC power, this unit doesn’t measure the voltage of an inverter.

It also measures resistance, which can be problematic if you have a residential system. Both meters are equally accurate, though, so it’s important to choose the one that is most appropriate for the application.

Kill A Watt PS is a more sophisticated model of the basic Kill A Watt meters. It is integrated into an eight-outlet power strip that can protect against power surges.

In addition, it measures leakage current and electrical consumption from individual appliances. The KiloWatt PS can also help you check whether an appliance is overrated or needs to be derated to lower energy costs. It is easy to use and can be purchased from a reputable retailer.

‘Clamp a Watt’

When measuring the power draw of a device, the choice between the two is often tough. Both devices measure current but the Kill-A-Watt’s patented ohmic resistance can be tricky to read.

While it’s true that the Kill-A-Watt’s accuracy is less than 2%, it’s better for low-current applications. A clamp meter isn’t ideal for determining the true power output of a device.

A clamp meter has the advantage of measuring amperage, while a kill-a-watt’s accuracy is based on apparent power. While the latter is much more accurate than a kill-a-watt meter, it’s far cheaper and doesn’t measure phase. While it’s not as accurate as a digital MM, it does work well enough for measuring household items.

The Kill-A-Watt meter is a popular choice for people looking for a reliable wattage meter. Unlike a traditional wattmeter, it doesn’t need wires and just plugs into a standard power source.

It can also measure phantom, vampire, and standby power. Compared to many other meters, the Kill-A-Watt can give you much more accurate information about the power consumption of your home than a regular meter.

The Kill-A-Watt meter is an advanced version of the basic KiloWatt metre. Its LCD display shows various readings, such as the voltage and current, and a real and apparent power measurement.

It also shows the cost of electricity according to the number of units used. The KiloWatt meter has the benefit of showing how much energy is consumed by each individual appliance and can be used to monitor their efficiency or de-rating.

‘Emporia-Vue’

The Emporia-Vue clamp meter tracks eight individual circuits. Its main advantage is the ability to track all circuits simultaneously. But the downside is that the meter cannot track individual appliances.

You need to be a qualified person to install the sensors and wire up the power to the control box. In addition, the Emporia-Vue doesn’t give you a complete view of your home.

The Emporia-Vue measures true power, rather than apparent power. It is more accurate than its predecessor, which is about 10% of the total power. The Sense 12001 costs $349 and has additional solar sensors for comparing rates of energy production.

It also meets ETL safety standards for in-panel installations. If you’re in the market for a clamp meter, you’ll want to make sure that the Empiria-Vue can handle it.

The Emporia-Vue is easier to install, but it’s not as accurate as the Sense. However, it does give detailed information about specific parts of your home. It can also track your Solar power production, demand, and capacity.

Overall, the Emporia system is much stronger than kill a watt or previous whole-home power monitoring systems. The app is easy to install and has an easy-to-use history screen.

‘Tweet-a-watt’

There’s a new tool in town that claims to measure power usage in real time. Called the Tweet-A-Watt, this hacked Kill-A-Watt power meter transmits data via XBee to a computer. From there, you can post the readings on Twitter. You can also view your watts as they drop to see how much power you’re using.

There’s an important distinction between the Tweet-A-Watt and the Kill-A-Watt. The Tweet-A-Watt is geared more towards home use and is not a clamp meter intended for industrial use.

It’s a simple tool for monitoring power consumption, allowing you to determine how much electricity you’re wasting, as well as figuring out your total usage over a specific time period.

The Kill-A-Watt system can be configured to measure power usage for one outlet, and the tweet-a-watt can be set up to report data from several outlets.

Adding additional outlets is more expensive, but it’s worth it in the long run if you want a complete picture of your power consumption. And it’s not only great for monitoring your electrical bill but can also make you feel like a green hero.

MMs can also measure amperage. Digital versions measure real-time amperage, but their readings aren’t as accurate as their analog counterparts. Moreover, they measure voltage and not phase, so the voltage and apparent power may not be the same.

Hence, a digital Tweet-a-watt clamp meter is the cheaper option. You don’t have to pay for a clamp-a-watt meter if you’re only using it for testing the power output of one electrical device or for measuring the power output of a small device.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between a clamp meter and a kill a watt?

A clamp meter is a type of electrical tester that is used to measure current, whereas a kill a watt is an electrical device that is used to measure power consumption.

What are the pros and cons of each?

The pros of a clamp meter are that it is easy to use and can measure current up to 10 amps. The cons of a clamp meter are that it can be inaccurate if the wire is not straight, and it can only measure current and not voltage or power.

The pros of a kill a watt are that it is more accurate than a clamp meter, and it can measure voltage, current, and power. The cons of a kill a watt are that it is more expensive than a clamp meter, and it is not as easy to use.

Which is more accurate?

Both clamp meters and kill a watt devices can be accurate, but a kill a watt is more accurate in general.

Which is more expensive?

Both clamp meters and kill a watt devices can be expensive, but a kill a watt is more expensive in general.

Last Thoughts

A clamp meter and a kill a watt, both have their pros and cons, so it really depends on what your needs are. If you need to measure power consumption, a clamp meter is probably the better choice. If you need to measure voltage, a kill a watt is probably the better choice.