Is this one different (i.e., a different scam)?

[charlie b]

I read this as being a scam, but it seems to take a different approach than many others that have been discussed on this forum recently.
http://www.electrichero.com/index.php

It does have, on all of its pages, a graphic that shows voltage and current wave forms out of phase (poor power factor) and closer to being in phase (better power factor). But it does not claim to do anything to correct the power factor.

They go to great lengths to assure the potential buyer that buying, selling, and owning their device is perfectly legal. But then they go to even greater lengths to distance themselves from any possible illegal use of their device. They will not, they say, be a party to any illegal use. The customer is solely responsible, should the device be used illegally. But they do appear to assert that the utility company cannot discern its presence.

So, my question is, what does this thing actually do? On one page, they seem to be describing it as a ?meter beater.? Does this thing interfere with the proper operation of the meter? Can it really be giving the customer a lower electric bill, and if so, does it achieve that be preventing the meter from giving an accurate reading of the actual energy usage?

My guess is that if this device is installed, and if the electric bill really does go down, then the user is committing theft. Any thoughts? Anyone encountered this one before?

 

[Buck Parrish]

It says "Slash your power bill by up to 50% , Or your money back." Oh and it's proven in 8 countries. It does not say what countries. You may be right some of these other countries. It may be easy to by pass the metering device.
Sounds like the same scam to me.

 

[mikeames]

May be they are using psychology to make the customer think they are getting something special that no one really know about. The customer might think since it possibly illegal it must work.

 

[growler]

My guess is that if this device is installed, and if the electric bill really does go down, then the user is committing theft. Any thoughts? Anyone encountered this one before?

My guess is that the use of this device would be illegal, there are several misleading statements made in the add. Check legal section.

They state that the device is intalled inside the meter housing ( socket) and there is no way for the power company to know of it's use.
You would have to cut the seal to install this device and the power company could call it tampering.

They claim that the meter socket belongs to the customer and this is not really true. The power company often gives out meter sockets and even when they don't it's still under their control ( the seal ).

And they want you to believe that the power company has no say in the meter housing but the POCO has to approve any equipment for use and I don't think meter beater would qualify.:grin:

They really only say that it's legal to buy, sell or own but don't get into use. They do say that it can be used by electrical professionals and for educational purpose ( probably classroom).

 

[480sparky]

...Oh and it's proven in 8 countries. It does not say what countries........

You must have missed this part:

Now it becomes a World Geography quiz.

 

[charlie b]

Any guesses as to what it does? Insert a counter-magnetic field to force the disk to turn slower, or something along those lines? Fake the voltage or current sensors in such a way as to cause the product (V x I = P) to be read as a lower value than is actually being used? They describe the installation as being essentially a plug-in situation. So it has nothing in physical contact with the disk, to cause it to slow down. Yet they claim the user will see an immediate reduction in the disk's speed of rotation.

By the way, there is a local association of electrical professionals (utilities, manufacturers, consultants, etc.) that meets monthly. This item is on this month's agenda. That is the reason for my interest.

 

[480sparky]

Any guesses as to what it does? Insert a counter-magnetic field to force the disk to turn slower, or something along those lines? Fake the voltage or current sensors in such a way as to cause the product (V x I = P) to be read as a lower value than is actually being used? They describe the installation as being essentially a plug-in situation. So it has nothing in physical contact with the disk, to cause it to slow down. Yet they claim the user will see an immediate reduction in the disk's speed of rotation.

What happens when you've got a digital meter?



I wonder if anyone who installs these dons the proper PPE.

By the way, there is a local association of electrical professionals (utilities, manufacturers, consultants, etc.) that meets monthly. This item is on this month's agenda. That is the reason for my interest.

Keep us in the loop!

 

[charlie b]

Now it becomes a World Geography quiz.

Here are my answers:
1. USA
2. Bahamas
3. Cayman Islands
4. Mexico
5. Dominican Republic
6. Jamaica
7. Canada
8. Colombia

I feel so much better, knowing the product has been proven in all these places. :roll:

 

[480sparky]

Here are my answers:
1. USA
2. Bahamas
3. Cayman Islands
4. Mexico
5. Dominican Republic
6. Jamaica
7. Canada
8. Colombia

I feel so much better, knowing the product has been proven in all these places. :roll:

Makes you wonder if they're tested in places like this?

 

[growler]

Read the disclaimer. They practically say it's a novelty device.

http://www.electrichero.com/legal.php

 

[Greg Swartz]

Makes you wonder if they're tested in places like this?

Hey!
Why'd you have to go and post my house like that!
I was gettin' 'round to fixin' it!!!






:grin:

 

[LarryFine]

Makes you wonder if they're tested in places like this?

Also makes you wonder if they offer a quantity discount.

 

[LarryFine]

Read the disclaimer. They practically say it's a novelty device.

http://www.electrichero.com/legal.php

Of note is the incomplete sentence: "Since the Electric company has no way of telling that you are using this unit." :roll:


Is anybody interested enough to chip in and buy one to 'reverse engineer' and see what makes it tick? Ten of us at $20 each? Twenty of us at $10 each?

If the Mod Squad is okay with it, I hereby volunteer to coordinate interest by accepting PM's from interested parties with their suggested contributions.

I also am willing to be the one to purchase one and carefully take pics as it's disected, and draw a schematic if there's a circuit of any interest inside.


Guys?

 

[steelersman]

Of note is the incomplete sentence: "Since the Electric company has no way of telling that you are using this unit." :roll:


Is anybody interested enough to chip in and buy one to 'reverse engineer' and see what makes it tick? Ten of us at $20 each? Twenty of us at $10 each?

If the Mod Squad is okay with it, I hereby volunteer to coordinate interest by accepting PM's from interested parties with their suggested contributions.

I also am willing to be the one to purchase one and carefully take pics as it's disected, and draw a schematic if there's a circuit of any interest inside.


Guys?

I got $10 on it.

 

[LarryFine]

Also makes you wonder if they offer a quantity discount.

I see they do indeed! They're obviously interested in setting up 'disassociated distributors' all over the world. They even have a distributor package and a distributor agreement.

http://www.electrichero.com/buy-1st.php

 

[B4T]

It says "Slash your power bill by up to 50% , Or your money back." Oh and it's proven in 8 countries. It does not say what countries. You may be right some of these other countries. It may be easy to by pass the metering device.
Sounds like the same scam to me.

one percent is "up to 50 percent".. that is how a scammer stays within the law

 

[LarryFine]

Interesting tidbits: do a Google search on their phone number.

It comes up as a San Jose, California area code, and there's also a Nassau Co, NY number.

 

[djcrzysounds@yahoo.com]

Count me in for $20... I love to find out that the $200 I spent on an illegal device would've been better spent on beer and pizza.

 

[LarryFine]

one percent is "up to 50 percent".. that is how a scammer stays within the law

Even a 1% reduction in cost per KWH would be amazing where the POCO doesn't test and charge for poor PF.

 

[LarryFine]

I got $10 on it.

Count me in for $20...

I am keeping track of "pledges" both here and in PM. I presume everyone will want to agree on a same-amount-for-each-person contribution, once we see how many are in, and post the current tally whenever anyone wants to know.