The good news: yesterday I had a dedicated circuit put in to my stall in my shared condo garage - wahoo! The bad news: it turns out that the '120/240' part of the EKM '120/240 kWh meter' I had bought to document my electricity usage does NOT mean that it can be used with 120 or 240; turns out it can be used with 240 only and I installed 120. ☹️ My electrician ordered a replacement meter for me. In the meantime, if anyone wants one, i have a new kWh meter for sale cheap!
Part number? I'd like to read up on it. The refurbished service meters I bought from an RV supply shop (Hialeah Meter Co.) came configured for 240V, but could easily be changed to 120V. If it was advertised for both voltages, but cannot actually do one of them, then consumer protection laws pretty much force them to accept a return.
I wouldn't say it was advertised for both voltages, it's just called "120/240 Volt Pass-Through kWh Meter" on the website. I assumed that meant you could use it with either. Anyway, this is the one: Basic kWh Meter 100A 120/240-volt, 3-wire, 60Hz EKM-25IDS Somebody more electrically knowledgeable than myself probably wouldn't have made the same mistake.
I'm no electrician nor have I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express but it sure looks compatible for 120v to me. If it's not, I would have made the same mistake.
The webpage of the product he linked clearly shows otherwise: "Standard North American household current. Most commonly a white neutral, a black hot and a red hot wire, 200V to 252V between the hots, 110V to 126V either hot to neutral. This meter will not work on a 120 volt 2 wire system, for this you will need our EKM-15IDS or EKM-15E meter." [emphasis added] But yes, top line labeling should have been more clear to not snag the non-experts.
"This meter will not work on a 120 volt 2 wire system, for this you will need our EKM-15IDS or EKM-15E meter". as quoted from the website
You beat me to it. I was all set to copy & paste the same thing. Agree with @fuzzy1; it should not requite digging in to the installation instructions to find out the application information. Edit to add: If it was me, I'd go with one of these, but I'm a cheapskate: Single Phase Watt Hour Meters
I have to agree that 120/240 vac should mean it reads both 120 and 240 volts. I do not think there was any malice by the seller. The FAQ's are very good and explain in detail how the meter works. Let them know what happened and see if they will swap you a 120 volt model.
When my electrician discovered my mistake he ordered a replacement - I don't know the manufacturer, but don't think it is an EMS meter. I"ll find out in a couple days when he comes back to install it. In the meantime I'm chomping at the bit to try out my new outlet, but I told the condo I wouldn't start charging until the meter was in place. Oh, and I sent an email to EMS to see if they will let me return it. We'll see.
That is exactly where I got several, to monitor a minisplit heat pump, a heat pump water heater, and a clothes dryer. And to use and monitor my home PV solar system for the couple weeks from when it was turned on until the electrical inspector could approve it and the utility could plug in their own production meter. Some assembly and hardwiring required, so this route is not for those unqualified with electricity.
Check the specifications sheet. It specifically calls out for a different model for 120 VAC. Contact the seller and explain the problem. I have no doubt they'll be happy to swap the unit. GOOD LUCK! Bob Wilson
Yes, thanks, I sent an email. I think they'll take it back. I'll only be out the shipping costs. And some time and face lost!
Actually the unit does work with 120, but only in 3-wire installations, not 2-wire. It does say 3-wire in the main description. I'm not sure what else the seller could have done, they described it accurately in the heading, then knowing that not everyone will notice the distinction they spell out which applications that it does and does not work for in the product details. But yes an easy mistake to make if not watching for it.
It also says: "200V to 252V between the hots, " I.e. from that wording, it must have both sides of the 240V split phase. It is not rated to work if one half of that is missing.
If I ever want to buy another electrical device online I'm coming back to you guys to approve the purchase first! The meter has been put into the mail back to the company.
