How to Install an Omnimeter Pulse v.4 Submeter on a Single Phase 120/240V 3-Wire Electrical System
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- Опубліковано 13 лип 2024
- This video provides one example of how to install a v.4 Omnimeter. It also describes how to read the meter with a computer with a direct connection, how to make meter settings, how to setup a wireless connection to read the meter remotely, and how to install the EKM Push gateway for cloud based data over the internet. Be sure to click the "Show More" tab for links to the products used in the video.
Video Parts:
Part 1 - The Products
• How to Install an Omni...
Part 2 - Enclosure Installation
• How to Install an Omni...
Part 3 - Testing, Pulling Wires, and Labeling
• How to Install an Omni...
Part 4 - Fuse Installation and Wiring the Breaker Panel
• How to Install an Omni...
Part 5 - Preparing the Meter
• How to Install an Omni...
Part 6 - Installing the Meter and Current Transformers
• How to Install an Omni...
Part 7 - Setting Up the USB Converter
• How to Install an Omni...
Part 8 - Making Meter Settings
• How to Install an Omni...
Part 9 - Installing 485Bee Radios and the EKM Push Gateway
• How to Install an Omni...
Part 10 - Software Options
• How to Install an Omni...
Products Used:
Omnimeter Pulse v.4:
www.ekmmetering.com/ekm-omnime...
2x SCT-013-200 Current Transformers:
www.ekmmetering.com/split-core...
UL Watertight Enclosure:
www.ekmmetering.com/ul-waterti...
2x Fuse Holders with 1A Fuses:
www.ekmmetering.com/ekm-inline...
EKM Push:
www.ekmmetering.com/ekm-push-c...
2x 485Bee Zigbee Radios:
www.ekmmetering.com/ekm-485bee...
EKM Blink USB Converter:
www.ekmmetering.com/ekm-blink-...
Sticker Label Sheet:
www.ekmmetering.com/sticker-sh...
CAT5e Cable:
www.ekmmetering.com/4-twisted-...
Here are a couple links to the EKM Widget, displaying data for the meter that was installed:
widget.ekmmetering.com/EKM2/?r...
widget.ekmmetering.com/EKM2/?r...
Feel free to contact us at info@ekmmetering.com if you have any questions about this video, or about our products and services.
Thanks again for watching!
This was so helpful, made understanding install so much simpler!
I learned enough to buy EKM brand. I know that I do not want to insert a small wire, 22 or 14 or 12 or even 10 gauge, into a 50 amp breaker. Simple. A separate 15 amp breaker is no better for 22 gauge, but 15 amp breaker in panel with a 7 amp fuse in nearby EKM box is decent by all considerations. Yes, do put the fuse holder in the dedicated EKM box. The distance is very short, so a 7 amp fuse would keep the 15 amp breaker from melting the 22 gauge wire. Smaller gorilla, bigger dumpster.
good job
Thank you thank you thank you!!!
So am I correct in my understanding that the omnimeter can be powered by a standard three-prong power cord (wired into the correct ports on the omnimeter), then wrapping the CT around the cable to be metered (the CT being wired into the corresponding ports on the omnimeter)...and that's it? I don't need to tap into any wiring in the panel (as long as there is an outlet nearby to supply power to the omnimeter). Is this correct? Obviously, I'll wire the USB dongle into the omnimeter. I'll also make sure there is a fuse between the power cord and the omnimeter.
I'm trying to make the system as non-invasive as possible since I'm the tenant and don't want to mess with the landlady's panel. I've been tasked with monitoring my own usage and will most likely take the setup with me when I move.
Yes the Omnimeter could be powered this way but in order to accurately meter electricity the voltage reference wire(s) that are connected to the meter need to be matched up with current transformers (CTs) that are installed on the same phase(s). The Omnimeter is powered by the electrical system that it is metering. Depending on the electrical system the Omnimeter will have 1-3 voltage reference wire connections. If you know what phase your 3 prong outlet is on then powering the meter this way would work to meter electricity. You would just need to install the CT on a wire of the same phase.
Would you guys consider putting together another video that reflects the comments below that pointed out some code violations? I think they are being a bit over dramatic with the potential danger (ILLEGAL, SUPER DANGEROUS BLAH BLAH BLAH) but they are right, and a new updated video would be great if it isn't much trouble! I can make use of the suggestions in the comments and my NEC reference book but a new video would definitely be nice. Thanks!
you might want to redo the video the proper way as it is illegal and even bad practice (if you follow the electrical code) to use 2 different breaker for the 240v sensing current. yes there is a fuse but you show it inside the panel which is even worst. if it blows, you will have a hard time finding the cause until you open the panel. might be easier to put it inside the enclosure and use the proper wire size between the breaker (double pole) and the enclosure. there is enough space inside the enclosure to fit the 2 fuses, the neutral and the 2 CT wiring.
when i installed mine, i did it slightly different.
i placed another electrical box under it which match the 2 holes at the bottom of the enclosure and installed a conduit for the CT and a normal wire for the power and sensing. then i placed the fuses in that box.
This is mostly an informational update to make it right the first time and save you trouble later.
on a side note. if you open a breaker that goes to your meter, you might think you no longer have current but you still have some due to the fact your connected to a different breaker for the other wire.
i had the bad experience of getting shocked by bad wiring from the previous owner of the building here.
i closed a breaker (double pole for heating), i used my electrical meter to valdidate there was no longer current on the heating device... then when i removed it. i got zapped. it was feed through a different single pole breaker...
so be careful how you wire things up and always make sure you follow proper electrical code.
Thanks for the feedback and advise for other installers! You make some very valid points. We agree that the installation could have been better in order to comply with electrical code and best practices. Some rookie mistakes were made by the installer/video creator. This is why it is always best to have the meters installed by a qualified electrician!
Just a bluetooth app from the device would be good. Anyone know where buy?
Why did you piggyback instead of using dedicated break?
Tenants tend to have access to their breaker boxes. Turning off the power to the meter would skew the results. Attaching the meter power to a circuit that the tenant is unlikely to "just go without" is a good idea.
So, after reading some of the comments and your responses, I have a pump house located some distance from my home. The pump house has its own electrical service/meter from power company. I have a wireless link to the pump house. I have a 220V Well Pump and a high pressure pump. Could I use 1 Omnimeter to monitor the Deep Well Pump electrical usage, and the water usage from it going to my cystern? I think I would also like to add a Omnimeter to monitor the High pressure pump electrical and the input water usage. I could connect the unit to a Push and connect that to the network switch in the pump house. Does the system have relay outputs that you can trigger from an event? I ddin't see where you mentioned being able to mix electrical readings and water meter readings.
Hi Larry,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Yes, you should be able us multiple Omnimeters to monitor both well pumps. You can connect up to 50 Omnimeters to a single EKM Push gateway.
I recommend our Omnimeter Pulse v.4 in this case. The Omnimeter Pulse v.4 is our most advanced universal smart electric meter to date. Along with the ability meter any common single or three phase electrical system in the world, it also has the ability to count pulses from up to 3 pulse-output devices, such as our water meters: www.ekmmetering.com/collections/water-meters.
This is described in this video:
ua-cam.com/video/l8oYAUmuBD8/v-deo.html
The v.4 Omnimeter also has the ability to control up to 2 external relays. So you could use them to turn the well pump on/off. However, this is not currently possible with the EKM Push system. We are currently working on the next version of the EKM Push (Push3) which will allow for 2-way communication and control capabilities. We're hoping to have that available at some point in 2019.
Here is a bit more info about the v.4 Omnimeter:
This is truly a universal meter and can be used to meter any electrical system that is commonly in use in the world (as well as collect data from water and gas meters). Meters systems from 120V, single-phase, 2-wire, to 480V, 3-phase, 4-wire, both 60Hz and 50Hz. There is not an electrical system in common use that this meter will not support, other than 3 phase 3 wire (no neutral) over 415 volts specifically. Accurate to 0.5% (Class 0.5).
We also have a UL/cUL Listed, and ANSI C12.1 and C12.20 certified version of this meter.
This document compares our four Omnimeter models: documents.ekmmetering.com/Omnimeter-and-Communications-Comparison-Chart.pdf
We have received accuracy certification from the California Department of Weights and Measures for revenue grade metering, also known as California Type Approval. This is an accuracy standard that many other states look to for their revenue grade requirements.
The Omnimeters are powered by the electrical system they are metering, or by 120V when being used for pulse counting only. kWh and pulse count data will be retained in the meter, even if it loses power, for up to 10 years.
This meter uses external CTs (Current Transformers) and will not function properly without them. The CTs measure the electrical current in the wires being measured. Which CTs are right for your will be determined by your type of electrical system, the maximum Amperage of your system, and the diameter of the wires being read. Solid-core CTs are less expensive but are a bit more difficult to install, they require that you disconnect or cut the wires being read and slip the CT over the wire. Split-Core CTs are more expensive but they simply clamp around the wires being read, making them much easier to install.
Use 1 CT for single phase 2-wire systems (one hot (110V to 415V) and one neutral, with or without ground).
Use 1 CT for 2-wire systems (two hot wires (110V to 240V) and no neutral)
Use 2 CTs for a 120/240V three-wire system (two hots and a neutral, with or without ground).
Use 2 CTs for 3-phase 3-wire systems. (without neutral, up to 415V)
Use 3 CTs for 3-phase 4-wire systems. (with neutral, up to 480V)
We have CTs that can meter up to 5000 amps in stock. The CT ratio is selectable inside the meter. Here is our selection of CTs: www.ekmmetering.com/collections/current-transformers-cts
We highly recommend our cloud-based meter communication system, the EKM Push - if you have internet access. The EKM Push works in conjunction with our Omnimeters by handling all of the meter communication, parsing the meter data, and inserting the reads into our cloud database. This completely eliminates all of the configuration issues of firewalls, dynamic IP, and having a computer running all the time to make the communications happen. Data is available seamlessly and immediately from your EKM Push account. Once the data is in the cloud you can read your meters over the internet from anywhere in the world via one of these software options or our Open API. Up to 50 Omnimeters can connect to a single EKM Push gateway in a daisy chain configuration. If you need to go short range wireless, you can wirelessly bridge the hardwired RS-485 network at any point using our 485Bee wireless mesh. The entire system has been designed to be a robust, scalable, metering system, with an easy plug-and-play installation with FREE access to your meter data.
You can get a WiFi Bridge at you local home electronics store and plug that into the EKM Push to wirelessly get the data to the internet via your WiFi network.
Taking advantage of the EKM Push system, and it's cloud data, is encompass.io/, our free online meter management platform that is currently in beta.
Similarly, our EKM Widget displaying live EKM Push Data: widget.ekmmetering.com/EKM2/?reads=500&key=MTAxMDoyMDIw&meter=3500000900&scale=realtime&bar_graph_field=kwh_tot&total_field=kwh_tot&kwh_tot_cost=.15&kwh_currency=USD&timezone=America~Los_Angeles&historical=Green&prev_scale=realtime&prev_reads=500
You can also connect the meter to a computer directly using one of our EKM Blink USB converters.
We also have our EKM Dash software (PC, Mac, Linux) that you can download from our website (30 day free trial, $30 registration)(www.ekmmetering.com/pages/meter-software). Our software will let you log meter use, schedule monthly email and spreadsheet reports, visualize usage data, make meter settings, and more. The reports that you generate could be used to bill your tenant for their usage, for example. If you're counting pulses from water or gas meters then Dash will also allow you to monitor these by first converting then to cubic feet, gallons, cubic meters, etc.
There is a lot more information available in our online Knowledge Base: help.ekmmetering.com/support/solutions
If you have any other questions, I encourage your reach out to us again at support@ekmmetering.com
Thanks again!
Is it okay if the split core CT sits loosely on the Line 1 and Line 2 wires? The first one installed greatly, fit nice and tight. The second panel I metered the wires for Line 1 and 2 were a bit smaller so they can slide around a little bit. Is this okay?
Yes, the CTs can be loosely fit on the wires. Their ability to measure amperage is not affected by a tight fit or a loose fit.
Gross violation of North American electrical code (US or Canadian), those fuse holders are not legal concealed inside the electrical panel. Those particular breakers are not rated to have more then one wire terminated on the lugs, that bad practice is known as "Double Tapping" in the trade, and in all but a few cases, is illegal. Double tapping is dangerous because it creates a potential high resistance situation (HOT wiring. fire), due to to differential thermal cycling of the wire and terminal under load, which eventually becomes loose. There was an unused double-pole-breaker position in the panel which could have been used for the voltage sense/power lead connections by simply removing the 30 amp breaker and replacing it with a 15 amp double pole breaker to provide a dedicated feed to the EKM meter (as it should be). Additionally, this installation as exampled, poses a potential electrocution hazard by offering a path for power to flow via the meters power supply from one circuit which is still "on" to the other which may be supposed to be "off" during maintenance activity. It could also result in fire since this energy would be forced THROUGH the meters power supply, which is not designed to carry, tens, hundreds, or thousands of watts. The CTs should also be immobilized on the cable so they cant slip down on top of the live bus terminals. The zip ties, ever so popular with the installer, could have been employed in such capacity by placing them on the service wire, one on each side of the CT.
yep
I want to monitor KW usage on a 240V / 30A electric water heater only. Do I simply place the CTs on L1 and L2 feeds that come out of the 30A breaker inside the electrical panel?
Yes. You can meter individual circuits by installing the CTs on circuit wires where they exit the breaker in side the panel. Everything else would be the same.
Will EKM Supply the Clear from Box if I put the order in for V4 and the Push service? If not please let me know where you got the box?
All of the products shown in this video, including the enclosure, are available for purchase in our online store. You can find the enclosure here: www.ekmmetering.com/ul-watertight-enclosure-172711.html
Are the cts included with the purchase of the v4 meter?
I'm planning on using the Omnimeter Pulse v.4 only to read 3 pulse water meters. It's not going to be installed anywhere near the electrical panel. Is there a way just to wire it to a standard electrical plug or AC adapter and plug that into the wall?
Sure! If you're just counting pulses from the water meters, and aren't planning to meter electricity, you can power the Omnimeter with a 110V outlet by cutting the female end off of a power cord, striping back the positive and neutral wires, and routing them to the correct ports on the Omnimeter (Port 7 for the hot, port 10 for the neutral). You can then plug the male end of the cord into a wall outlet and the Omnimeter will power up. Then it's just a matter of connecting the three water meters to the v.4 Omnimeters and you're counting pulses.
Using this meter can you break down how much of a load each breaker is pulling or just the total from the whole phase?
The Omnimeter Pulse v.4 dataset includes Watts on each line and Total Watts (all lines together), as well as kWh on each line and Total kWh (all lines together). This meter model allows you to separately meter up to 3x 120V breakers, or it can be set up to meter the whole panel.
The last page of the meter's spec sheet lists all of the data that the meter provides: documents.ekmmetering.com/EKM-Omnimeter-Pulse-v.4-Spec-Sheet.pdf
The meter in our store: www.ekmmetering.com/collections/all-products/products/omnimeter-pulse-v4
Is there a big difference if someone is using this on a 3-phase system? Or is there just a third CT monitor? Thanks for this great video
There is no difference in terms of the meter model but yes there is a 3rd CT and voltage reference connection for 3-phase 4-wire (with neutral) systems. However, there are only 2 CTs needed for metering 3-phase 3-wire (no neutral) systems. In other words:
Use 2 CTs for 3-phase 3-wire systems (without neutral, up to 415V).
Use 3 CTs for 3-phase 4-wire systems (with neutral, up to 480V).
More info regarding metering both types of 3-phase systems:
help.ekmmetering.com/support/solutions/articles/6000081678-3-phase-3-wire-metering-up-to-600-volts
help.ekmmetering.com/support/solutions/articles/6000081679-3-phase-4-wire-metering-up-to-600-volts
@@EKMMeteringInc funny you respond to this comment but not the numerous comments about the numerous code violations lol
I'm need to purchase a laptop for a customer and I have a question. Is the ekm metering software needy for anything. Such as alot of cpu power or does it require fast memory? Great video
Hi Jody, if your customer is going to be reading their meter with a Push3 gateway (www.ekmmetering.com/collections/all-products/products/ekm-push3-bundle-cloud-data-control-system) then there is no dedicated software required to read the meter. The Dash software, which is used in this video, has been pretty much replaced with online solutions, for EKM Push users.
We now offer a Push Account Portal for making meter settings: help.ekmmetering.com/support/solutions/articles/6000232782-introduction-to-the-account-portal
And Encompass allows you to visualize meter data and generate reports and bills: www.ekmmetering.com/pages/encompass
So long story short, you don't need to worry about cpu power for reading our meters, beyond what is required to run the latest internet browsers.
@@EKMMeteringInc awsome. Thank you for your time. That was very helpful.
So, if we're using this for water heaters we replace the ct1 and ct2 with the valve submeters?
If you are referring to water metering, the Omnimeter Pulse v.4 has separate inputs for counting pulses from water meters. So the Omnimeter can be used to meter electricity and count pulses from water meters at the same time. There is more info about remotely reading water meters in this video: ua-cam.com/video/l8oYAUmuBD8/v-deo.html
Do you have to have a the radios to use the push system?
No you do not need to use the radios. The radios are only needed when it is not possible to hardwire the meter(s) the the EKM Push gateway. When hardwiring, the A port on the meter(s) connects to the A port on the Push gateway. Similarly, the B port on the meter(s) connects the B port on the Push gateway. If you have multiple meters, you can connect up to 50 Omnimeters to a single Push gateway in a daisy chain.
Hi, is this v.4 meter suitable for 3phase 4 wire, 240 system?, what is the difference between v.4 and v.3?
Yes this meter model is suitable for 3-phase 4-wire 240V when paired with 3 current transformers. It is capable of metering up to 480V. The v.3 Omnimeter is also capable of metering the same electrical systems but the v.4 offers a some additional features, like being able to count pulses from water and gas meters. You can see a comparison of our Omnimeter models here: documents.ekmmetering.com/Omnimeter-and-Communications-Comparison-Chart.pdf
can you set up the program to send you the monthly KW usage , so i can forward that to my tenant
Yes, our online Encompass platform can be set up to email you monthly reports or bills automatically. More information about Encompass can be found here: www.ekmmetering.com/pages/encompass
Like to see video of 4 water meters tied to monomer we pulse v.4 and that tied to push and than to the clould
Thanks for the feedback! I'm sure we will make a video like the one you're describing at some point. Up to 3 water meters can connect to a single Omnimeter Pulse v.4 and up to 50 Omnimeters can connect to a single EKM Push gateway. For now you might find this page helpful: help.ekmmetering.com/support/solutions/articles/6000067387-can-i-read-my-water-meter-remotely-
What size/gauge wire is he using to connect from breaker box to meter and CT’s? Is the wire he is using twisted pair for the CT leads?
The voltage and neutral reference wires can be 16-22 AWG wire gauges. The CT leads are 22 AWG. The CT leads are twisted because that helps to maintain accuracy if the lead wires run in parallel to other energized wires. It isn't critical that they are twisted but it is best that they remain so if possible.
If I do the CT leads at 22 AWG should I do the red black and white wire at 22 AWG as well? The guy in the video seems to have them all the same size. In fact I thought they were all 18 AWG before you responded to this video. So is it okay if I do the CT Leads at 22 and the red, black, and white wire at 18 AWG? Sorry for all the questions. I recently purchased 2 meters along with all the accessories from the video and none of these wires were listed in the supplies list so I never ordered them as I figured these wires came with the product.
@@julienslefo190 The CTs come with 6 foot leads of 22 AWG wire. The voltage and neutral reference wires do not need to be the same gauge at the CT wires, so 16-22 AWG would be fine for those.
After speaking with my electrician he told me that 14 AWG would be more practical and he said that it appeared that it’s what they were using in the video as well. Will 14 AWG work instead of 16 for the voltage and neutral reference wire?
@@julienslefo190 Yes, if the wire conductor fits into the ports on the Omnimeter then it is ok to use larger wire.
Why didn't you just connect both power leads to the 50 amp breaker instead of going to different sides of the panel?
The voltage reference leads need to be connected to the correct phase. In this 120/240v example there are two different phases, so there are two different voltage references, one for each phase. The connections didn't need to be on opposite sides of the panel but breakers from both phases needed to be used.
Yes, but you connected one lead to a two pole breaker which I assume you turned off to make the connection. Why not connnect both leads to the same two pole breaker whiling you have it off instead of connecting to some random breaker on the other side of the panel. This way you can also turn off power to the meter with one breaker.
You're right, that would have made more sense. We also should have used a dedicated two pole breaker instead of sharing one with another existing circuit... rookie mistake by the installer/video creator.
The reason is because the install was done by a rookie who did not know better. EKM acknowledged this in other posts. This should be truly embarrassing to EKM and after receiving feedback you would think they hire someone to make a new video. Especially when a house fire happens, someone dies, and they can say they followed this video. I have not read all the comments but I'm guessing any number of people also pointed out the double tapping of a wire terminal on the L1 is a super big code no no. No offense meant to the rookie in the video. Everyone is a rookie at some point in time.
Yeah you should ever supply a 240v circuit from 2 different breakers that a big no no and very unsafe no matter what kind of load
This fellow does not know that both power feeds are available on each side of the panel.
7:30
7:31
Don’t talk so much ...since most electricians know about phases. Just do everything correctly instead of talking so much....
I appreciated the commentary, since I am not an electrician -- and noted the comments below to make the installation code-compliant.
Electricians shouldn't have to watch this video, so go back to a proper school and learn more the second time through, so you aren't relying on youtube to do your job as an electrician, who should have learned all that need to be known, to do your job, without resorting to youtube! OMG Millennials! UA-cam is not where you learn a trade! This video is for those who are consumers, not wanting to hire idiot electricians like this guy, making this comment! Yes, Rico...I'm talking about you! If you have a journeyman or Master electrician license, turn it in asap, you are dangerous to the consumer! Yes, this guy doing the video is committing very serious violations of safety and electrical code. That's what you get on youtube, danger, danger, danger! That's why there are real professionals that do these installations, and it definitely also is not the guy that is doing this video! Yes, if you are smart enough to assume all the extremely dangerous misinformation and way he is dangerously doing this installation, you might survive not being electrocuted or burning your house down, and the sub meter will work until that does happen! Doing repairs properly, is not what you are going to find on youtube! UA-cam is full of know-it-all, unsafe, idiot Millennials who think they know everything, and as seen, they know nothing and endanger the safety of millions of others tat watch their dangerous videos, like Rico does! That's why us professionals get paid good money to do thee type of installations properly and safely! We are worth the money we charge to make sure you are safe, and things are done properly! UA-cam can get you killed, as this video proves!