We sell a range of plug-in power meters to help you check and measure your electricity usage.
This is our guide to using the Powertech Plus Mains Power Meter With LCD (MS6108).
1) Setting The Date & Time
- Press SET to enter the time and date setup mode.
- Use the up and down arrows to adjust the current setting that is flashing.
- Press SET to advance to the next setting.
2) Entering Your Electricity Tariffs (& CO2 Emissions)
- Press SET for two seconds to enter the electricity tariff setup mode.
- Use the up and down arrows to adjust the current (flashing) setting.
- For the most straightforward setup, turn off cost tracking by setting PRICE 1 to 0.00 when you reach that step.
- For basic cost tracking, enter the same value for PRICE 1 and PRICE 2. If you are unsure what to enter, use $0.35 (cost per kWh).
- For the most advanced setup, you can enter separate tariffs and start times for the two prices.
- At the end of the setup sequence, you can enter a value of kgCO2e for greenhouse gas emissions. The default value of 1.00 (kg/kWh) is representative of an electricity grid powered mainly by fossil fuels like coal and gas.
3) Using The Power Meter
Now that the time and tariffs are programmed, you can start measuring your appliances.
Use the MODE button to switch between the following options at the top of the screen:
- COST ($) - cost per hour (at the present power usage)
- POWER (W) - power consumption in watts
- POWER (VOLT) - voltage in volts
- POWER (AMP) - current draw in amps
- CO2 (KG) - carbon emissions per hour in kilograms
Use the TOTAL button to change between the following options in the middle of the screen:
- TOTAL WEEK - cumulative total for the week (in cost, kWh, or kg - depending on which measurement is active at the top).
- TOTAL MONTH - cumulative total for the month.
- TOTAL YEAR - cumulative total for the year.
4) Resetting The Power Meter
You can clear the current cumulative totals by pressing TOTAL and UP for two seconds.
To clear all settings, including your tariffs, press the master reset button with the tip of a pen or toothpick.
5) More Information & Options
If you'd like to delve deeper into the functions of this power meter, please refer to the user manual (PDF).
Read our guide on How To Check & Measure Your Electricity Usage for further tips and advice.