Good Watt Meter for Generator Circuit

[jonny1982]

So, when I do a portable generator hook up to back up whole house, I usually use an interlock kit for the main and 30 amp generator breaker and then install a watt meter to monitor usage during an outage. For years, my go to was the reliance MB75 and it has never let me down. They seem to be becomming obsolete as the price has nearly trippled to an outrageous price, and thats if I can even find it online. Does anyone have any recomendations for a good watt meter to monitor the 30 amp main of a portable generator that I can mount next to main panel and can be used during an outage? Maybe like a nice digital option?

Thanks, and Merry Christmas!

 

[hillbilly1]

Seeing a lot of digital ones under $20, but they have only one CT. 0-100 amps, so plenty of range.

 

[SceneryDriver]

If you can wait, $60 seems like a good price:

Reliance Controls MB75 30-Amp Indoor Wattage Meter

Buy Reliance Controls MB75 Direct. Check the Reliance Controls 30-Amp Indoor Wattage Meter ratings before checking out.

www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com

SceneryDriver

 

[ptonsparky]

If you can wait, $60 seems like a good price:

Reliance Controls MB75 30-Amp Indoor Wattage Meter

Buy Reliance Controls MB75 Direct. Check the Reliance Controls 30-Amp Indoor Wattage Meter ratings before checking out.

www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com

SceneryDriver

I’ve never looked at one, but are they really watt meters or just an amp meter with scale labeled in watts?

 

[winnie]

Per https://www.electricgeneratorsdirect.com/manuals/mb75125installinstructions.pdf

The meters connect to the CTs, no voltage sensing. So these are really amp meters scaled in watts.

On the other hand, given that most small residential generators are current limited, this probably makes more sense than a true power measurement.

-Jon