How Do You Monitor Generator Output?

[bdhsfz6]

During a power outage, I'm always concerned about overloading the generator. The one I have is 11KW and it will handle most of what I need but there are times when I'd like to know the actual amp draw I'm using.

There are several products on the market that let you do this with a smartphone. These for example, seem like a good way to do it:

Has anyone tried these products, and if so, how well do they work?

I also considered installing a simple ammeter on the generator and monitoring it with a security camera. That way, I could check the load via my home security camera system.

I suppose the best approach is to get a generator big enough to handle every appliance I own, but that isn't an option for me.

Do you monitor your generator output, and if so, how do you do it?

 

[workinonit]

One of those breakers would work fine.

 

[ptsg]

On my 10kw diesel generator, I installed 3 of those cheap volt/amp/HZ meters. One per phase. Might not be exactly what you need though. They also flicker a little bit when recording a video of those, but still perfectly readable.

 

[EarPlug]

Emporia Vue 3 Home energy monitor. Just get the "Monitor Only" version for $99. Clamps on the mains and monitors real time energy usage. Smartphone app.

Emporia Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor

The Vue Energy Monitor automates, controls, and manages connected Emporia devices like smart plugs, EV chargers, home battery systems.

shop.emporiaenergy.com

 

[DarkBlack]

You’ll want two amp meters, one for each hot leg, if you want to know actual amps, assuming you have some 120v loads.
I have a pretty good feel of the voltage and frequency drop vs amp load for my portable 5k generator.
I just occasionally check an outlet with my DVM when I hear it working hard. Most $25 multimeters will read Hz on AC as well as the voltage. I know from actual clamp on current measurements previously made, about what the load must be.
You’re probably looking for something more exact though

 

[bdhsfz6]

Emporia Vue 3 Home energy monitor. Just get the "Monitor Only" version for $99. Clamps on the mains and monitors real time energy usage. Smartphone app.

Emporia Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor

The Vue Energy Monitor automates, controls, and manages connected Emporia devices like smart plugs, EV chargers, home battery systems.

shop.emporiaenergy.com

I looked at this product on Amazon but was unable to find it's operable temp range. I need to put it in an unheated barn.

The link you provided gave me that info. Thanks!

 

[grsthegreat]

i use Genmon on my generac whole house.

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and for the shop, i use a set of chepo meters on the manual start switch.

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[steve tym]

I built my own panel with amps, Hz, volts for both A phase and B phase, street and gen power. It's nice, because I know when street power comes back on.

 

[EarPlug]

I looked at this product on Amazon but was unable to find it's operable temp range. I need to put it in an unheated barn.

The link you provided gave me that info. Thanks!

You will need a good WIFI connection in the barn.

 

[bdhsfz6]

You will need a good WIFI connection in the barn.

I added a WiFi extender for other devices I use in the barn. It provides a good strong signal.

 

[DarkBlack]

My cable internet often goes out with the electricity, so even though I power up the house with my generator, my internet is still down, other than cell data on my phone.

Something to consider when you buy these Chinese WiFi “smart” widgets like the breakers you posted… they normally don’t allow your phone or computer to simply directly communicate with the device.
You’re actually communicating over the internet, usually with a required app, to their data handler, then back over the internet, through your router, to the device. You think you’re directly connecting to your device 30 feet away, but you’re not.
Makes you dependent on the internet working, and for what it’s worth… giving your info to china.