My first post – apologies if this has already been covered (I didn’t see it) or the post is less than “Polished”. I’m learning – be gentle.
For those who want to cut to the chase -
SmarthomeScene Review of Single Clamp Meter
Single Channel Directional CT on AliExpress
2 Channel Bi-directional CT on AliExpress
I have used both of the above, and both work nicely. The 2-channel is a few dollars more expensive, but provides 2 CTs, bi-directional capability, and “summed” energy consumption. In my mind, it’s far more flexible. Possibly a solution for those with PV systems.
IF YOU PURCHASE THE 2 CHANNEL CT MONITOR: Make sure you select the option with 2 CT’s. I mistakenly ordered the default, which is 1 CT on a 2 channel device. If purchased separately, the CT’s cost more than the device + CT.
Pluses:
- Devices pair easily to Home Assistant Zigbe2MQTT. No need for a separate Tuya app.
- Devices and Clamps are physically small. You can fit multiple devices in a single J-box.
- Only easy way that I’ve seen to get hardwired device power data into Sense.
Minuses:
- These devices provide a LOT of data. My AC condenser is basically idling at around 20Watts. The sensor is updating ~ every 12 seconds. This update rate and thresholds are not currently adjustable.
- Once you have the data in Home Assistant, you need to send it to Sense. Again this is a lot of data, particularly if you have many Emulated devices. I am currently Emulating 18 devices. Most have a slower sample rate. I’m sure there’s a limit to the data transfer. Not sure what that limit is.
- Devices are specified for the current range of 0.2 to 80A. They are not intended to monitor small loads.
Background:
I have a home full of “problematic” devices for Sense. After researching the options, I purchased the Sense Flex with the additional CT’s. I dedicated one CT to my Grundfos 3-phase variable speed well pump, and the other to my Oven. I’ve been using the system for a couple of months. I am happy with the system accuracy and data presentation. I am less satisfied with the device detection, but then I suspected that this would be the case.
Emulated Kasa Devices:
Using Home Assistant + Emulated Kasa integration allowed me to pass data to Sense. I currently have 18 devices being Emulated using a combination of Zwave and Zigbee power monitors. The devices include TV’s, Computers, Refrigerators, Microwaves, Washer/Dryer, and Dishwasher.
The Emulated Kasa integration also allows me to inform Sense when lights are activated – my garage lights consume 211 watts when on. Since I can tell sense what is on/off, my other category is very low.
My issue was with hardwired devices that did not lend themselves to monitoring with power plugs. My multistage/variable speed furnace and multistage/ variable speed condenser needed a different approach.
Tuya ZigBee CT Monitor:
The Tuya CT monitors install easily at my electrical panel and allow me to monitor my hardwired devices. I installed the devices in a plastic J-box adjacent to my panel.
Single Channel CT in HA:
Single channel CT Entities
Single Channel CT Data – note the non-cumulative Energy. Read the SmartHomeScene article to get around this.
Dual Channel CT in HA (only using one channel)
Dual Channel CT Entities
Dual Channel CT Data – Provides cumulative Energy data
