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I want to build a simple current meter to measure my power usage at home, and have the data sent to my blog's database. (I know there are similar solutions out there, but this project seems engaging for me to try on my own.)

Is the following specific workflow a viable solution?

  1. A current clamp clips around the incoming mains power + in the breaker box.

  2. A small processor nearby receives input from the clamps and determines power usage. (this will be by the breaker, any idea how to get power to it easily? And I'm thinking about using an arduino unless there's a better solution, thoughts?)

  3. This small computer communicates over the home's wifi and sends my blog's database information at regular intervals.

Is there an easier/more effective way to send my blog power usage data from the whole house?

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    \$\begingroup\$ Just curious, what part of getting power to a power distribution panel would be difficult? Can't you just add an outlet to your ring main next to your panel? Also you won't really need two current clamps, since one will be measuring the current into the house and the other back out they will be the same, unless you wanted to check for earth leakage or something but I'm not sure how feasible that would be. \$\endgroup\$
    – user28726
    Commented Dec 17, 2013 at 19:45
  • \$\begingroup\$ @DanNixon I don't know much about utility electricity, just small stuff. I'm sure it's easy, but what is the best way to create an outlet right near a breaker box? And that's a good point about the clamp, I probably do only need one. \$\endgroup\$
    – Josh F
    Commented Dec 17, 2013 at 20:04
  • \$\begingroup\$ You should check this open source energy monitor out: Open Energy Monitor \$\endgroup\$
    – Eric
    Commented Dec 17, 2013 at 21:27
  • \$\begingroup\$ @Brad I just found that and I think I will follow it. Is there a simple way of adding an outlet near a breaker box? Or some other way to plug it in? \$\endgroup\$
    – Josh F
    Commented Dec 17, 2013 at 21:29
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    \$\begingroup\$ Measuring current is not measuring chargable-power by a significant margin. \$\endgroup\$
    – Andy aka
    Commented Dec 19, 2013 at 14:54

3 Answers 3

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If you just want the data (as opposed to doing a project), then other people already have a solution for you:

https://www.flukso.net/

The software is open source and the hardware is available from their shop (current clamp/wifi enabled metering device).

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  • \$\begingroup\$ thanks for sharing that. Not quite what I was looking for since I want to DIY, but I'll vote it up since it's still useful. Oops, since I'm new on the EE site, it won't let me vote yet. Well, thanks! \$\endgroup\$
    – Josh F
    Commented Dec 18, 2013 at 1:41
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That sounds like a great approach.

I did a very similar project using the Arduino Yun.

The Yun is a good choice because it works well with Wi-Fi (e.g. PuTTy terminal on your phone) and the cloud (e.g. Google Drive).

I wrote up exactly how to do it on Instructables. Take a look at Yun based Electricity Monitor with Cloud Support / Temboo and Google Drive.

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I found a few ways to build a current meter one of which was this cool guide.

Maybe check this out too.

Our of all of these I think that this Arduino guide is one of my favorites because its pretty simple and well written.

Maybe you could put these together and it will meet your needs. Happy hacking :)

P.S: Welcome to electronics stack exchange! Just for the future, the guidelines stipulate you should usually try to google around before asking a question. But cool question, thanks for asking.

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