Packaging: blister pack - I do not like them, but they are common and fast open with scissors. Just be aware that you do not cut on the sharp edges.
Content: Energy cost-measuring instrument with 2 button cell batteries and instructions..
Review:
- The battery compartment is screwed normal with 2 small screws (my fine tool screwdriver would have been too small, I can not speak of to small screws and they were not firmly slammed as well in others). In addition, the lid came after loosening the screws immediately opposed and there is also a slot for the fingernail ... Apparently was touched up here. The much reported problems with the battery compartment, I can not confirm. Batteries were there, but I have ordered them a pack of 10 for 1.62 including shipping.
- The manual is short but contains all the necessary information. In the manual actually is / kWh although obviously cents / kWh is meant. You can select and increase each of the four locations individually. For other devices, you have to click down into individual steps probably tedious 99.99. Here it goes fast. Good enough for me completely.
- Display: Yes, in fact it turns every now and then too quickly (not plugged in!) From, even if you have just pressed a button, but it's also just as quickly to. Readable, it is quite good, but would be interesting by illumination (eg during the measurement process), but I do not miss. During long-term measurement, the display itself should already off better, here is not the case.
- Measurement: The power can be measured from 0.2W unlike many other cheaper devices. But since just standby power consumption from 0 to 5W are, to me was very important. After a few seconds, the value has stabilized and is readable. Likewise, the current consumption in mA.
- Accuracy: In the low power range, the accuracy is not optimal. So I have determined at three devices with one single measurement per 2W, 2W and 1,3W, all three devices together indulge in noisy measurement but only 4,8-5,1W instead of the expected 5,3W. For my purposes, and the price of the device but that is absolutely sufficient.
- Memory: All counters run when inserted automatically high as long as a load is connected. After unplugging the appliance, the values are retained and can be accessed at rest. But I use currently primarily the rapid display of wattage.
- Long-term measurement: I have not tested, will still use it but for different devices (freezer, laptop, washing machine, dryer ...).
- Will you have to reset the counter to the easily accessible reset switch (with a pen / pencil) button. Then you must reenter the price of electricity as needed (takes about 10-20s) and away you go. For me, the current power consumption were initially relevant, this I need no electricity price.
Result: I quickly debunked 15 potential standby power guzzlers and eliminated through simple power strips with switches. Also Funksteckdosen I consider to use in places where you have to consider that these (for the remote control) may also have a standby power of 0.5 to 1.5W.
All the sites identified Stromfresser contract about 45W permanent power. Considering the disconnection (eg 18h per day) I went through about 2-3 hours effort a potential of about 350 kWh and found about 100 a year. The acquisition costs are therefore purely taken very quickly, even though I'm not even gone through all devices.
I can recommend it to anyone with such a device after power guzzlers to search. Here, the measuring range is important from just 0.2W. Other devices only start at 4W or 5W display something and are therefore for standby power "blind".
There were some surprises:
- A bedside lamp with "Touch" function, for example, draws 1.3W when switched off, so that the housing is minimal under stress ... These are just 3 of the year, but that could be 20 coin cells. ;)
- I have two LED lights for night lighting. This draw about 17W when they light up, much better than a 300W ceiling lamp. However, the transformer pull even when switched off respectively 2W, 4W together so permanently. Remedy: Switchable multiple socket.
- More energy guzzlers found: Surround systems, TV, PC, Monitor, all equipment with power supply, devices with touch function or remote control, home appliances with time ...
With the certainty that the next electricity bill will be lower, I can now "turn off" in peace :)