List of Meters to Measure Standby Power
Most consumer-grade meters can’t safely measure more than about 1300 Watts, so avoid measuring portable space heaters, induction stovetops and other large, heat-generating devices.
Here are some watt-meters. The list isn’t comprehensive nor do we endorse any specific unit. Devices capable of making measurements complying with IEC 62301 are the most accurate (and more expensive). Some of the challenges to measuring standby are described at Tektronix.com. A growing number of smart plugs and power-strips also measure energy consumption.
Meters to Measure Standby Power Use
- International P4460 Kill A Watt EZ Electricity Usage Monitor
- Poniie PN2000 Plug-in Kilowatt Electricity Usage Monitor Electrical Power Consumption Watt Meter Tester
- TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip HS300
- Chroma 66205 Digital Power Meter, 30A
- UniSource HPM-100A Datalogging Standby Power Meter
If your home has a smart meter, then it’s sometimes possible to measure whole-house standby power use. The requirement is a period where no major appliances are operating. This might occur at, say, 3 am, for short periods when the refrigerator compressor is not working. The measurement is susceptible to overestimates because it is easy to overlook the operation of a light or a small fan/pump.