In today’s energy-conscious world, understanding your home’s electrical consumption has become increasingly important. Whether you’re trying to reduce your energy bill, planning a backup power system, or simply curious about how much electricity your devices consume, a reliable power meter is an essential tool. The Upgraded Watt Power Meter Plug (sometimes referred to as a “KillaWatt” meter by users) promises to deliver this information through a user-friendly interface. After extensive testing across various household appliances, I’m ready to share my findings on this affordable home energy monitor.
First Impressions and Design
The Upgraded Watt Power Meter comes packaged in a simple box. Upon unboxing, the first thing you’ll notice is the unit’s large, backlit LCD display. The bright blue backlight makes the numbers highly visible even in low-light conditions or from across the room. The unit features a straightforward design with a three-prong plug on the back and a three-prong outlet on the front, allowing it to be placed between your wall outlet and appliance.
The meter is somewhat bulky compared to some competitors, which can be an issue in tight spaces or when using power strips. Due to its orientation, it may block adjacent outlets on standard wall plates. Some users have found creative solutions to this problem by using short extension cords or multi-outlet adapters to improve accessibility.
The device features four buttons on the front for navigating through its various functions and settings. The casing is made of durable white plastic that should withstand regular household use. It also comes with plastic reset tools that can be used to clear accumulated data and restore factory settings if needed.
Setup and Ease of Use
Setting up the Upgraded Watt Power Meter is straightforward. Simply plug it into a wall outlet and then plug your appliance into the meter. The device powers on automatically and immediately begins displaying real-time power measurements.
One important setup step that shouldn’t be overlooked is adjusting the overload protection setting. The device comes preset to 3680 watts, but the manufacturer recommends reducing this to 1800 watts (the standard maximum for a 15A circuit at 120V). This adjustment is simple but necessary for safe operation.
To customize the cost calculation feature, you’ll need to input your electricity rate (cost per kilowatt-hour). This information can usually be found on your utility bill. The process requires holding down one of the buttons and using the up/down controls to set the correct value, which is intuitive once you’ve done it once.
The backlight can be configured to stay on for different durations: 10 minutes (default), 1 hour, 4 hours, 8 hours, or continuously. This flexibility allows you to balance visibility with energy efficiency.
Features and Functionality
The Upgraded Watt Power Meter offers seven display modes, accessible by pressing the function button. These include:
- Power (Watts): Displays current power consumption in real time
- Energy (kWh): Shows cumulative energy consumption
- Cost: Displays the estimated cost based on your preset electricity rate
- Voltage (V), Current (A), and Power Factor (PF): Shows electrical characteristics
- Minimum Power Draw: Records the lowest power consumption (above zero)
- Maximum Power Draw: Records the highest power consumption detected
- Timer: Tracks how long the meter has been monitoring the connected device
Having all these metrics available in one compact device provides valuable insights into your electrical usage patterns. The meter’s ability to track minimum and maximum power draw is particularly useful for sizing generators or backup power systems, as it reveals the startup power requirements of appliances like refrigerators that may briefly pull significantly more power when their compressors kick in.
The timer function deserves special mention. Unlike standard clocks, this timer only accumulates time when the connected device is actively drawing power. This is useful for appliances that cycle on and off, like refrigerators or HVAC systems, as it allows you to determine the actual running time versus idle time.
Accuracy and Performance
The accuracy of the Upgraded Watt Power Meter appears to be quite good for its price point. Many users report that it provides readings consistent with more expensive professional equipment. One reviewer noted that when testing a device labeled “900-1100W,” the meter read 1100W, indicating good accuracy within manufacturer specifications.
Some users have conducted thorough tests of the meter’s accuracy by comparing it with other brands. One user mentioned that their readings were approximately 5% lower than an original Kill-a-Watt brand device. For most household applications, this level of accuracy is more than sufficient.
The meter’s ability to measure power factor is particularly valuable for those who need to size generators correctly. As one detailed review explains, household electric meters typically only measure resistive power, while generators need to supply both resistive and reactive power. This meter allows you to calculate the total power requirement by dividing the displayed wattage by the power factor—essential information when planning backup power systems.
During testing across various household appliances, the meter consistently provided realistic readings that matched expected power consumption values. For most common household applications, its accuracy is more than adequate.
Real-World Applications and Benefits
The versatility of this power meter makes it useful in numerous scenarios:
- Identifying Energy Hogs: Users have discovered surprising insights about their appliances’ power consumption. Some found that LED grow lights consumed significantly more power than expected, while others learned their washing machines used much less energy than anticipated.
- Planning Backup Power Systems: The meter has proven invaluable for sizing generators and power stations. One user discovered why their refrigerator wouldn’t run properly on a specific power station—the starting wattage peaked at 1,290 watts, well above the power station’s 800-watt capability, even though the refrigerator only used 145 watts during normal operation.
- Calculating Operating Costs: By entering your electricity rate, you can determine exactly how much it costs to run specific appliances. One user monitored an old upright freezer for a week and calculated it cost about $6 per month to operate, helping them decide whether an upgrade to a more efficient model would be worthwhile.
- Evaluating Energy Efficiency Claims: The meter allows you to verify manufacturers’ energy efficiency claims and compare the actual performance of different models or brands.
- Monitoring Solar Power Production: Some users have employed the meter to track energy production from small solar setups, helping them assess the return on investment for their renewable energy systems.
- Tracking Total Energy Usage: For those building custom computers or monitoring specific circuits, the cumulative kWh tracking provides valuable data over time.
Limitations and Drawbacks
While the Upgraded Watt Power Meter performs well overall, it does have several limitations:
- Physical Size: The bulky design can block adjacent outlets and may not fit in tight spaces. Some users have resorted to using extension cords as a workaround.
- Lack of Connectivity: Unlike more modern (and expensive) alternatives, this meter doesn’t offer WiFi connectivity or smartphone integration. You cannot remotely monitor or log data beyond what the device itself stores.
- Reset Tool Design: The meter comes with small plastic reset tools that are easy to misplace. Many users wish it had a standard button instead of a recessed reset hole requiring a special tool.
- Limited Decimal Places for Cost: Some users have noted that the meter only allows two decimal places when entering electricity costs, which may not be precise enough for those wanting exact calculations.
- Display Limitations: The display can be difficult to read when the backlight is off, and it doesn’t allow customization of which metrics are shown simultaneously.
- Safety Concerns: A few users have raised concerns about the safety certification of the device, noting the absence of UL or ETL certification labels. While the device does display CE certification, some users prefer products with more rigorous safety testing.
- Maximum Power Handling: Some users have reported overheating issues when the device is used continuously with high-power appliances near its rated maximum. For safety, it’s advisable to limit continuous usage to well below the 1800W maximum rating.
Safety Considerations
While most users report trouble-free operation, some have experienced concerning issues when using the meter for extended periods with high-load appliances. A few users reported that the plastic surrounding the prongs became discolored or even melted after several days of continuous use at around 70% of its rated capacity.
Based on user experiences, here are some safety guidelines:
- Always reduce the overload setting to 1800W as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Use the meter primarily for short-term measurements rather than permanent installation.
- Be particularly cautious when measuring devices that draw more than 1000W continuously.
- Regularly check the meter for signs of overheating during use.
- Never leave the meter unattended when testing high-power appliances.
Value Proposition
Priced at approximately $15, the Upgraded Watt Power Meter offers exceptional value compared to the original Kill-a-Watt and similar devices that can cost twice as much. Despite the lower price point, this meter includes features that more expensive competitors lack, such as backlight capabilities and customizable display timeout settings.
The information it provides can potentially save many times its cost by helping you identify energy-wasting appliances or habits. For those planning backup power systems, the insights gained from this meter could prevent costly mistakes when selecting generators or power stations.
Long-Term Reliability
Most users report satisfactory durability with the meter continuing to function well after months of regular use. However, as with any electronic device, especially one that handles power, longevity will depend on how it’s used.
To maximize lifespan:
- Avoid constant use with high-power appliances
- Store the device in a dry location when not in use
- Use it primarily for periodic testing rather than as a permanent fixture
- Handle with care to avoid damage to the LCD display or internal components
Comparison to Alternatives
When compared to the well-known Kill-a-Watt, this upgraded power meter offers several advantages: a backlit display, larger numbers that are easier to read, and typically a much lower price point. The ability to customize backlight duration is another feature that sets it apart from many competitors.
However, higher-end models (typically at much higher price points) may offer additional features such as data logging capabilities, wireless connectivity, or more precise measurements. For basic home energy monitoring, though, the Upgraded Watt Power Meter provides all essential functions without unnecessary complexity.
Who Should Buy This?
This power meter is particularly well-suited for:
- Homeowners looking to reduce energy bills by identifying which appliances consume the most electricity
- DIY enthusiasts planning off-grid or backup power systems who need to accurately size generators or solar setups
- Tech-savvy individuals curious about their devices’ real power consumption versus manufacturer claims
- Budget-conscious consumers who want the functionality of more expensive power meters without the high cost
- RV and mobile home owners managing limited electrical capacity
- Solar power enthusiasts monitoring small-scale renewable energy systems
Instructions and Documentation
One consistent critique from users involves the quality of the included instructions. The manual is often described as brief and sometimes unclear, particularly for first-time users. Fortunately, the basic operation is intuitive enough that most people can figure it out with some experimentation, and there are numerous tutorials available online.
For reference, here are the key button combinations that may not be immediately obvious:
- Hold Function button to set overload protection value
- Hold Up button to set electricity cost
- Hold Function and Up buttons simultaneously to clear accumulated data
- Hold Up and Down buttons together to set backlight duration
Conclusion
The Upgraded Watt Power Meter Plug represents an excellent value in home energy monitoring. Despite a few limitations, its combination of features, accuracy, and affordability makes it a worthwhile purchase for anyone interested in understanding their electrical consumption.
The device enables informed decisions about energy usage, helps identify inefficient appliances, and provides crucial data for planning backup power systems. While it lacks the connectivity features of more expensive smart energy monitors, it delivers the core functionality that most users need at a fraction of the price.
For safety reasons, it’s best used as a diagnostic tool for temporary measurements rather than as a permanent installation, particularly with high-power appliances. When used appropriately, however, it’s a reliable and informative addition to any home toolkit.
Whether you’re troubleshooting high electric bills, planning a solar power system, or simply satisfying your curiosity about how much electricity your devices consume, this power meter provides valuable insights that can lead to more efficient energy usage and potential cost savings. At its affordable price point, it’s difficult to find a more useful tool for home energy management.
Final Rating: 4.2/5 Stars
Pros:
- Large, backlit display with easy-to-read numbers
- Multiple measurement modes provide comprehensive power usage data
- Accurate readings for most household applications
- Excellent value compared to more expensive alternatives
- Helpful for identifying energy-wasting appliances
- Essential for proper sizing of backup power systems
Cons:
- Bulky design may block adjacent outlets
- Safety concerns with continuous high-power usage
- Reset tool easily misplaced
- No wireless connectivity or data logging
- Limited decimal places for electricity cost input
Given its capabilities, limitations, and price point, the Upgraded Watt Power Meter Plug earns a strong recommendation for anyone looking to better understand and manage their home’s electrical consumption.
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