In today’s energy-conscious world, understanding household electricity consumption has become increasingly important. The SURAIELEC Watt Meter presents itself as an affordable solution for monitoring the power usage of various appliances and devices throughout your home. This plug-in power meter promises to provide detailed insights into electricity consumption, helping users make informed decisions about their energy usage and potentially reduce their utility bills. But does it deliver on these promises, and more importantly, is it a reliable and safe device for everyday use? This review explores the features, performance, reliability, and safety aspects of the SURAIELEC Watt Meter based on extensive user experiences.
Design and Build Quality
Physical Characteristics
The SURAIELEC Watt Meter features a straightforward plug-and-play design. The unit plugs directly into a standard electrical outlet and provides a socket on the front where you can connect your appliances. The device sports a large digital display that shows various measurements including watts, volts, amps, kilowatt-hours, and more.
One notable design issue is the unit’s bulky form factor. Several users mentioned that the device’s size prevents the use of the second outlet in a standard duplex wall socket. When plugged into the top outlet, the meter’s body blocks access to the bottom outlet, making it impossible to use both outlets simultaneously unless the plugs are very small. This limitation can be frustrating if outlet space is at a premium in your home.
Display Quality
The meter features a backlit LCD display that activates when any button is pressed, making it easier to read the measurements in low-light conditions. Multiple users praise the clarity of the display, with one reviewer specifically noting, “This plug-in watt meter is simple to use and easy to read the digital display.” The backlight is particularly useful when the device is placed in dimly lit areas or when checking readings at night.
However, some users complained that the backlight turns off too quickly—within a few seconds—requiring frequent button presses to maintain visibility. One user specifically mentioned, “I dinged it two stars due to the backlight timer. It’s dark where it is installed and the backlight turns off after about 2 seconds which sucks as I want to observe over time.” This can be particularly annoying when trying to monitor readings over an extended period.
Features and Functionality
Measurement Capabilities
The SURAIELEC Watt Meter provides a comprehensive suite of electrical measurements:
- Current Power Usage (Watts): Shows real-time power consumption
- Voltage (Volts): Displays outlet voltage
- Current (Amps): Measures electrical current
- Power Factor: Calculates the efficiency of power usage
- Frequency (Hz): Shows electrical frequency (typically 60Hz in the US)
- Maximum and Minimum Power: Records highest and lowest wattage
- Total Energy Consumption (kWh): Tracks cumulative power usage
- Operating Time: Logs the duration of power draw
- Cost Calculator: Estimates electricity costs based on usage
Users found these features particularly useful for specific applications, like one reviewer who stated: “I wanted to know exactly that so that I could properly size an inverter to run a fridge and freezer on batteries during power outages.” Another user mentioned using it “out of curiosity, to measure the electricity usage on my Camelon Gecko tank to gauge the feasibility of a backup power system.”
Cost Calculator
The cost calculator function allows users to enter their electricity rate, after which the meter calculates and displays the cost of running the connected appliance. Several users highlighted this feature, with one noting it was “really easy to use and no matter where you put it to calculate usage over the long haul.”
However, setting up the cost calculator can be somewhat confusing. As one reviewer explained: “Setting the cost is slightly tricky. In the display with only the time and cost showing (no middle field), press the ‘cost’ button for a few seconds. You are now in cost entry mode, but you must press the ‘function’ button so that the first digit starts blinking, and then the ‘up’ or ‘down’ key to change the value of that digit.”
Additionally, some users noted that the cost calculation is too simplistic for areas with variable electricity rates: “Easy to use and useful functionality. Only con is that cost calculation is too simple. Where I live, there are 3 different rates in 3 different time zones, so entering just one rate doesn’t calculate a right cost.”
Timer Function
The SURAIELEC Watt Meter includes a timer that displays cumulative time at the top of the screen. However, contrary to what the manual states, this timer doesn’t show the amount of time the meter is connected to power but rather the time that power is being drawn. This distinction becomes important for devices that cycle on and off, like refrigerators: “The timer only counts when the plugged in device is drawing power. Thus, for something like a refrigerator, you need to keep your own accumulated time, since the frig continuously powers on and off.”
This behavior means “you can’t know from the displays what the overall average power use is. You can only calculate the average power consumption while the cooler is actually running, which only occurs when the compressor is on.” This limitation makes it difficult to calculate true average power consumption for appliances with intermittent operation.
Memory and Reset Function
The device includes an internal battery that stores data even when unplugged. According to the manual, it can maintain stored data for approximately 90 days. This feature allows for long-term monitoring without the need to keep the meter permanently connected.
However, the reset function has been a point of frustration for many users. As one reviewer complained: “The only way that I have been able to find to restart the meter for a new measurement is to totally reset it which also erases cost per KWHr. So you basically have to start totally over for each measurement.” Another user wished for “a ‘lap’ button, similar to a stopwatch, allowing one to keep track of a single activity.”
Performance and Accuracy
Measurement Accuracy
Based on user feedback, the SURAIELEC Watt Meter appears to provide reasonably accurate measurements for most household applications. One user tested the device with several light bulbs and reported: “8.5W LED Bulb – read 8.5W, 17.5W LED Bulb – read 17.1W, 50W halogen bulb – read 51W” and concluded, “this is more than acceptable for my usage!”
Another user monitoring a reptile tank mentioned: “This has measured for 6 months and easily reported my consumption, just as described. I have no way of comparing accuracy, but the numbers seem reasonable given the wattages of my bulbs.”
However, the meter has limitations when it comes to very low power measurements. One reviewer noted: “Exact wattage range needs to be more clear. To me saying its wattage range is 0.0-3680w means that it can track a .5w nightlight’s power draw. It cannot.” Another user observed that “very low power measurements don’t seem reliable.”
This limitation becomes particularly noticeable with devices that have low standby power: “A big downside for common use is that the timer stops when there is low power draw (below 0.5 watts).” This means the meter may not accurately capture vampire power draw from devices in standby mode.
Maximum Power Handling
The SURAIELEC Watt Meter is rated for a maximum load of 15A/1800W at 120V, making it suitable for most household appliances. Users have successfully used it with high-power devices like EV chargers: “I purchased the SURAIELEC Watt Meter as an aid to track the energy usage of my Level 1 EV charger.”
Another user mentioned using it to “monitor the output watts of my generator,” noting that it “seems to work quite well” with a 2000W generator.
There has been some confusion about the maximum current rating, however. One user reported: “The product description says 16A but the product itself says 15A. It might still work just fine, but the label on the product is what people should follow.”
User Experience
Ease of Use
Most users found the SURAIELEC Watt Meter straightforward to operate. One reviewer praised its “ease of use,” noting that “the plug-in socket design meant I could get it up and running in seconds.”
However, navigating the menu system can be somewhat cumbersome. One user compared it to “old digital wrist watches from Casio from the 80s.” Another mentioned that the interface is “a bit of an odd shape, but the screen shows multiple measurements simultaneously and has a nice backlight.”
Button Design and Functionality
Some users have criticized the button design and layout. One detailed review pointed out: “Button design flaw: There’s no button to reset the stored min/max wattage reading, besides the full reset button. This is annoying because the full reset is engraved and you need a tool to push it (can’t use your finger). Also, using the full reset will reset your price per kWh setting.”
This limitation means that users must reconfigure their electricity rate every time they want to start a new measurement, which becomes tedious when testing multiple appliances.
Reliability and Safety Concerns
Long-term Reliability
User experiences with the SURAIELEC Watt Meter’s reliability have been mixed. Some users reported using the device continuously for extended periods without issues: “I bought a couple of these power meters/monitors to investigate what devices I have at home that contribute the most to my energy bill, and these meters/monitors proved to be quite useful and efficient.”
However, a concerning number of users experienced complete device failure after relatively short periods of use. One user reported: “It was working perfectly for about 10 hours and suddenly it shutdown. Now it does not display anything in the screen. Basically it died.”
Safety Issues
The most serious concerns about the SURAIELEC Watt Meter relate to safety. Multiple users reported instances of the device overheating, melting, or even posing fire hazards.
One user described a particularly alarming experience: “I used it without any problems and was impressed, for several weeks. Then suddenly the smell of smoke and burning plastic. Not safe.”
Another user reported: “Was working great since purchase (couple weeks?) ended up destroyed 200$ worth of equipment and outlet (no idea how much this will cost to replace). Very disappointing, did not operate as marketed. VERY lucky did not cause major electrical fire.”
One of the most concerning reviews simply stated: “I couldn’t return it, it was taken by the fire department.”
Several users opened the device after failure and found manufacturing defects: “Burnt out after first use. Opened it up and found a ribbon cable kinked and a burn spot on it.”
These reports raise serious questions about the product’s safety certification and quality control. As one user pointedly commented: “I would never use a product without UL or ETL safety approvals.”
Value Proposition
Price Point
At its price point (approximately $11-$24 depending on sales and promotions), the SURAIELEC Watt Meter is positioned as an affordable alternative to more expensive brands like Kill-A-Watt. Many users find this value compelling, with one noting: “For the price, the cost/benefit of this device and the value it offers is pretty good.”
Another user who previously owned a different brand commented: “I had a Kill-A-Watt and somehow lost it in my last move. I saw this one for half the price and I took a chance on it and as far as I can tell it works just as well.”
Practical Applications
Users have found numerous practical applications for the SURAIELEC Watt Meter:
- Checking Christmas light power consumption: “I purchased this product during Christmas time to see how many Watts my Christmas lights on my house were pulling.”
- Monitoring EV charging costs: “This device is a must-have for anyone looking to keep an eye on their electricity consumption!”
- Sizing backup power systems: “For a DJ that is using a lot of power with a lot of devices, this helped me out a ton by tracking my peak wattage on my devices (speakers, lights, fog machine) so I can properly see what I need in a generator.”
- Understanding refrigerator power cycles: “The SURAIELEC Watt Meter has proven to be an invaluable tool for my household.”
- Sizing UPS systems for computers: “I bought 3 of these watt meters to help me determine overall power consumption of my computer setup so that I could determine what type of uninterrupted power supply (UPS) to buy.”
- Monitoring solar power systems: “You track how much money your saving with grid tie solar panels…you can enter your electricity rates in your area and it will show watts at same time.”
Conclusion
The SURAIELEC Watt Meter presents a mixed value proposition. On one hand, it offers an affordable way to monitor household electricity usage with a comprehensive set of features and a clear display. Users who received properly functioning units generally found them useful for various applications, from monitoring appliance energy consumption to sizing backup power systems.
On the other hand, the device has several limitations and concerning safety issues that cannot be overlooked. The inability to accurately measure very low power consumption, the cumbersome reset process, and the quickly deactivating backlight are functional limitations that diminish the user experience. More worryingly, the numerous reports of units overheating, melting, or creating potential fire hazards raise serious questions about the product’s safety and reliability.
Recommendations
Consider purchasing if:
- You need basic power monitoring for short-term measurements
- Budget is your primary concern
- You only plan to use it occasionally and will unplug it when not actively monitoring
- You will only use it with lower-power devices (under 1000W)
Look elsewhere if:
- Safety is a top priority
- You need accurate readings for very low power devices
- You plan to leave the meter plugged in continuously
- You require precise cost calculations for variable electricity rates
- You need to monitor high-power appliances regularly
For those willing to spend more, established brands with proper safety certifications may offer greater peace of mind and reliability. Ultimately, while the SURAIELEC Watt Meter could serve as an educational tool for understanding household energy consumption, the potential safety risks make it difficult to recommend for continuous or unattended use.
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