Has anyone tried The Energy Detective (T.E.D.) for monitoring their electric usage? If so I'd like to hear some real-world feedback about it. A friend showed me their TED unit the other day and on the surface it seems like it would be a good fit for PHEV owners. It says it's compatible with Google Power Meter, which I'd also like to know more about.
I have the TED5000 which I use to monitor my electric usage and my solar production. I find it very useful, however, the system has had a lot of bugs but the company has been very good about updating firmware to correct these problems. There is a company supported user forum that is very helpful. BTW, my name is Jeff and I just purchased a 2004 Prius and have an Enginer 4kWh system on order. I installed my EV mode switch today. Thanks to all for a very informative site.
I just purchased the TED5000 package. I aso have a 7.5 kW Solar System. I have a monitor units for the Solar, the Main House, and the "West Wing" feed. The software will reside on the Solar Monitor Computer I set up for the house. I have not installed TED yet, but I just have to kill the house for a couple of hours to install the current probes! Thankfully they are "Clamp-On". That should simplify the install!!! Once I get the rig running, I will report back!!!
I own a TED model 1000 since a couple of years and it has been working with out a glitch. Installation is a simple task, 2 clamp on probes on the main panel and a monitor device anywhere else.
A- I am an electrician...... B- To do any electric work in a exposed box with out taking PROPER safety precautions is STUPID!!! C- I have been around 57 years because I am not stupid! D- When you work on 220, kill the panel.... or it will KILL YOU!!!
I agree with KK6PD. Even though they are clamp on you still should kill the power. Better save than dead. I don't even like working on live telephone lines. I've done it once and it don't feel good when the phone rings.
So in a nutshell: A: TED is useful B: TED would be good to track PHEV charging usage C: TED should be installed by qualified personnel using generally accepted safety precautions for electrical work.
.. You got it right in the nail head. The TED device is great to track down any electrical power consumption. You install the isolated clamps to any line coming of the breakers on the electrical panel and you do not have to touch any live wire at all. These works like regular AC/DC external Ammeters.
So I take it then to monitor the mains, you really should be pulling the meter to kill power to the main breaker before installing? Which means calling up the utility company. I'm guessing a total of zero people have actually done that.
