Figure 1. KillAWatt meter plugged into an outlet. The screen displays the voltage reading of the outlet. (Photo by B. Sanders)

A KillAWatt meter is a consumer level tool typically used when performing an Energy auditW. This device is capable of measuring volts (Figure 1), amps, watts, and Phantom loads as well as evaluating the cost of running an appliance. The KillAWatt meter allows the user to understand the numerical and monetary values of the energy used to power everyday electronics. This information makes the consumer aware of what is using the most electricity and helps them make an informed decision on what they can do to save money and energy. 

What appliances can be used with the KillAWatt meter?[edit | edit source]

The KillAWatt meter can be used with any 110v appliance. Depending on the appliance, the KillAWatt meter may need to monitor energy usage for a longer period of time than another appliance. Due to the nature of some appliances, this extended monitoring period is needed to get more readings of energy usage throughout the day in order to accurately reflect how much energy is being used. Also, some devices draw so little current (such as an idle phone charger) that monitoring one for a short period of time will produce smaller measures of electricity than the smallest measurable value of the KillAWatt meter. The following section is intended to explore the different types of appliances and how they use electricity.

How do different appliances use electricity?[edit | edit source]

Appliances use electricity in many ways. For example, not all appliances that are plugged in are using electricity (such as a refrigerator), an appliance may turn on and off throughout the day as a normal part of its function (Figure 6). Similarly, when an appliance is turned off it still may be using electricity; this amount of electricity may be very small but it is multiplied by the number of these devices that are plugged in your home over time. These appliances can be classified as cycling appliances and leaching devices.

Figure 6. A refrigerator is an example of a cycling appliance. A fridge cycles on and off in order to maintain a set internal temperature. (Photo by: [https://www.auntiekate.wordpress.com/2009/01/27/theres-nothing-on-my-fridge/ Autie Katie

Cycling Appliances[edit | edit source]

Cycling appliances are always plugged in but not always using electricity. A RefrigeratorW is an example of a cycling appliance (Figure 6). A refrigerator only uses energy to cool the fridge and ice box. The amount of energy a refrigerator uses to cool itself depends on the temperature difference between the ambient temperature outside the fridge and the desired temperature inside the refrigerator. Once a set temperature is reached the refrigerator turns off until the compartments warm again. Other examples of cycling appliances are snack machines, heaters, and air conditioners.

Leaching Devices[edit | edit source]

Leaching devices are also know as "wall warts", draw small amounts of electricity, even when not charging or turned on. These small amounts of energy are multiplied by the number of devices plugged in and add up over time. These devices are essentially "leaking" electricity when the device is switched off. These devices sometimes draw so little electricity that the KillAWatt will not be able to read the current drawn. Idle phone chargers, computers on stand-by, game consoles, internet routers and curling irons are examples of leaching devices.

Guidelines for Measuring Cycling and Leaching devices[edit | edit source]

Since cycling appliances and leaching devices use electricity in different ways, there are a few guidelines to remember when assessing these types of appliances. The following sections include recommendations on how to assess cycling or leaching appliances.

Assessing a Cycling Appliance[edit | edit source]

Since cycling appliances run in a continuous loop of turning on then off again, assessing several cycles will give more accurate values than assessing fewer cycles. If a refrigerator was monitored for a few hours on a cold morning the energy usage would be less than the 24-hour cycle which the fridge experiences several changes in ambient temperature. Monitoring a refrigerator for a 24-hour period will record energy usage as conditions change within that time period.

Assessing a Leaching Device[edit | edit source]

To see the impact of these devices, plug several leaching devices into a power-strip then plug the power-strip into the KillAWatt meter (see Figure 7). These devices draw little energy individually, but as a group or throughout a household the energy savings may be worth unplugging the device after using it.

Figure 7. Several charging adapters, also known as "wall warts", plugged into a surge protector. To see the impact of several devices as shown in this image, plug the surge protector into the KillAWatt meter. (Photo by [http://www.willstech.com/wall wart tails.html Wills Tech

How to use the KillAWatt meter[edit | edit source]

Figure 3. The KillAWatt meters function buttons: menu(Blue), up/down(Pink), set(Red). These buttons are used to scroll through the different reading functions and program $/kWH. (Photo by B. Sanders)

Plugging in your KillAWatt meter[edit | edit source]

To assess an appliance's energy use the KillAWatt meter must be plugged into an outlet (Fig. 2). The KillAWatt meter will display the outlet voltage once powered on(Fig. 1). The meter is now ready to take readings of an appliance. Take the power cord of the appliance and plug it into the KillAWatt meter(Fig. 2). The KillAWatt meter begins reading once the appliance is plugged in. Several of the meter's functions, such as reading voltage and amperage can now be read. The cost of running an appliance requires your cost($)/kWH to be programmed into the KillAWatt.  The following section is a short instruction on how to program your rate of $/kWH.

Figure 2. Plug the KillAWatt meter into any 110v outlet. After plugging in the KillAWatt will automatically power on. (Photo by B. Sanders)

Programming your price per kilowatt hour (kWH) into the KillAWatt[edit | edit source]

Before using the KillAWatt to measure any devices, the proper rate ($/kWh) must be input. (This rate can be found on your monthly energy statement)

  1. Hold down the pink 'Set' button until the screen begins to flash the rate currently programmed into the KillAWatt.
  2. Use the 'Up' and 'Down' keys to set the rate to your price per kWH.
  3. Once the proper rate has been input, press the set button to save.

You are now ready to use your KillAWatt meter.  In the next section the cost of running of a laptop for one year is used as an example of one of the KillAWatt meters functions.

Example of How to use the KillAWatt Meter[edit | edit source]

Using the KillAWatt to measure the cost per year of a laptop computer[edit | edit source]

  1. Plug the KillAWatt meter into an outlet (Fig 1). The meter should turn on and display the voltage of the outlet (actual voltages typically range from 110v to 120v)
  2. Now plug the electronic to be tested into the KillAWatt's outlet (Fig 4).
  3. The meter can now display several types of information measuring the energy usage and efficiency of the electrical device. The cost per year to run this device can be found by pressing the 'Menu' Key once, followed by the 'Down' key (see Fig. 2). The displayed cost will change depending on the amount of time you leave an electronic device running (Fig. 5).
  • Scrolling with the up and down buttons will display the Voltage (v) and Frequency (Hz) of the outlet and the Amperage (A), Wattage (W), Volt-Amperes (VA), and Power Factor (P.F.) of the electronic (Fig 2).
  • Scrolling with the Menu button displays total cost (measured in increments from hourly to yearly), rate ($/kWH), kilowatt hours (kWH), and the elapsed time the KillAWatt meter has been running (Fig 2).

See also[edit | edit source]

Discussion[View | Edit]

you should add the category - Category:Queens Green IT

Holly Leopardi's Peer Review[edit source]

Holly.leopardi Name of Editor:Holly Leopardi Contact Information: hfl2@humboldt.edu Names of Writers: Phillip Chapot and Brent Sanders

Writing Issue Comment here and discussion tab 1. Who do you feel is the target audience for the writing in this document? Suggest a change if you think the writing is not appropriate for this audience. A person looking for specific, step by step instructions on how to use a KillAWatt Meter. 2. Is the information presented easy to navigate? Can you find the necessary information easily? How would you improve the layout? The step by step instructions in the Programming Price and Using a KillAWatt Meter to find yearly running costs are very clear and straight forward. It would have helped if I had a Meter and was trying to use it, however I believe that is the target audience so the information is easy to read based on that. 3. Are headings used successfully? Are enough headings used? If so, are they specific enough? Are the headings in logical order? If not, would the document be easier to follow with more headings? Level two headings? If so, suggest some headings. The headings are successful, the level two headings describing the two sections help make the page more clear. 4. Is there a clear topic sentence for each paragraph? Do all following sentences relate to that topic sentence? How could topic sentences of the paragraphs be improved? Suggest improvements for specific paragraphs. Each paragraph has a strong topic sentence. 5. Is the writing objective? Remember this is a technical communication. Make suggestions to avoid bias or opinion in sentences. (For example: eliminate adjectives/adverbs: very, many, large, etc) The writing is highly objective, all information is presented in a technical and precise way. 6. Is each figure or photograph easy to understand? How could the figures be improved? Can you suggest another figure presents the information in a clearer manner? The photographs are useful in showing the specific parts of the meter that are being discussed in the section and the step by step photos are very nice as they include a description and a visual of each step. 7. Does the writer refer to the figure(s) in the text using figure numbers? Is each figure well described in the text and are the sources cited? Do the figures have captions? Make suggestions to better incorporate figures. The text in the paragraphs of the webpage does not refer to the pictures and there are no citations of the photos, these should be added. The captions under every figure are very descriptive and aid in the readers understanding of the figure and also the figures aid in the understanding of the information. 8. If this is a RCEA page have the writers clearly presented the bottom line (predicted money and carbon dioxide emissions saved versus actual money and carbon dioxide emissions saved) in a table or graphical format? Suggest improvements to make this comparison easier for the reader to understand. 9. Are there any questions you have about the topic that are not addressed? Are the sources of the information clearly presented under “References”? There is no reference section. Maybe a list of common electronics that are very costly to run could be included, as well as a section of how exactly the KillAWatt meter works, as opposed to just an explanation of what it does. 10. Does the author provide links to related sites? Are there enough or too many? Are they technical enough or too technical for the audience of the document? Is the relevance of each site clear? Is there a summary of references? The link to the phantom power page was very helpful, perhaps more of this information could be included somewhere on your webpage. A few more links on the subject, some relating to costs of kilowatts per hour in different places in the world, or where a person can find a KillAWatt Meter. 11. Is the document too long or short? (It should be between 2-3 pages). If it is too long, what should be taken out? If it is too short what remains to be addressed? The document is very short. It accomplishes the ‘How To’ aspect, but I would like to see more links about cost and the product itself, as well as an explanation of how the KillAWatt meter measures energy use. 12. Does the page have the “ENGR 115: In Progress” banner? Does the page have the correct categories (ENGR 115 and RCEA if applicable) at the end of page? Yes, the page has both.


13. List the strengths of document - (Be sure to address how the Appropedia page looks at this time.) Strong use of technical writing and a very clear first paragraph describing the instrument. The step by step instructions are very clear and precise and the photographs help the reader visualize the process.


14. List areas for improvement – (Be sure to address how the Appropedia page looks at this time.) This is a very short webpage, and it had no reference section. I would like to see some more external links to different sites with other information and maybe a more elaborate explanation of what common electronic devices use high amounts of KWh. Maybe something that could be added is the push that is occurring right now to develop devices that are more efficient, and also an explanation of how the meter calculates energy used and cost.


15. Overall comments – (Any feedback for the authors) The information is very clear and consice and would aid someone looking for instructions on how to use this instrument. It would be helpful to me to have more information and explanation on the instrument itself. Holly.leopardi


David Colvin's peer review[edit source]

Name of Editor: David Colvin Contact Information: dcolvin@humboldt.edu Names of Writers: Phillip Chapot and Brent Sanders

Writing Issue Comment here and discussion tab 1.Who do you feel is the target audience for the writing in this document? Suggest a change if you think the writing is not appropriate for this audience. The page appears to be address to home owners / consumers.

2.Is the information presented easy to navigate? Can you find the necessary information easily? How would you improve the layout? I would suggest a short “general use” of the meter before going straight to programing in cost. The cost per year of a laptop should be an example but not the whole “how to.”

3.Are headings used successfully? Are enough headings used? If so, are they specific enough? Are the headings in logical order? If not, would the document be easier to follow with more headings? Level two headings? If so, suggest some headings. The headings work, but I would suggest another heading for additional uses of the meter. (like measuring the volts or amps)

4.Is there a clear topic sentence for each paragraph? Do all following sentences relate to that topic sentence? How could topic sentences of the paragraphs be improved? Suggest improvements for specific paragraphs. Yes for the intro and price setting. But for the cost per year of a laptop, the other functions of the meter are just thrown in. (Another section should contain that information)

5.Is the writing objective? Remember this is a technical communication. Make suggestions to avoid bias or opinion in sentences. (For example: eliminate adjectives/adverbs: very, many, large, etc) Very good, writing is short and concise. 6.Is each figure or photograph easy to understand? How could the figures be improved? Can you suggest another figure presents the information in a clearer manner? The green on the first picture is very hard to read (but labeled in caption). Close up pictures of the screen would be helpful. 7.�� 8.Does the writer refer to the figure(s) in the text using figure numbers? Is each figure well described in the text and are the sources cited? Do the figures have captions? Make suggestions to better incorporate figures. No, not referred to in text. Not labeled with figure #s. But good use of captions to explain whats going on. 9.If this is a RCEA page have the writers clearly presented the bottom line (predicted money and carbon dioxide emissions saved versus actual money and carbon dioxide emissions saved) in a table or graphical format? Suggest improvements to make this comparison easier for the reader to understand.

10.Are there any questions you have about the topic that are not addressed? Are the sources of the information clearly presented under “References”? No “references” section. (I don't know if you need one though) I would like to see more information on on the screen displays. (pictures of the screen display would probably be good enough) You mention it measures the appliance's efficiency, how? Is that just how much it cost per year or something else?

11.Does the author provide links to related sites? Are there enough or too many? Are they technical enough or too technical for the audience of the document? Is the relevance of each site clear? Is there a summary of references? Uses two links, and they are both useful / relevant. More could be used, (perhaps for volts, amps, if they exist)

12.Is the document too long or short? (It should be between 2-3 pages). If it is too long, what should be taken out? If it is too short what remains to be addressed? It borders on too short. The information is there, but somethings could be better explained. (like more about volts and amps. Also general uses, maybe make suggestions on what types of things to use it for or what things to check for phantom loads. 13.Does the page have the “ENGR 115: In Progress” banner? Does the page have the correct categories (ENGR 115 and RCEA if applicable) at the end of page? Yes.


14.List the strengths of document - (Be sure to address how the Appropedia page looks at this time.)

Page looks good. I would suggest more suggestions for using the meter to cut energy use.



15.List areas for improvement – (Be sure to address how the Appropedia page looks at this time.)

Screen display pictures, suggestions for what to use the meter for, information about using volts and amps, figure references, general use of meter instead of just laptop example.


16.Overall comments – (Any feedback for the authors) Good job, short and concise. Doesn't need to be made a lot longer, but some clarification and additional information would be useful.

David.Colvin


Chris Coutinho's Review[edit source]

Chris Coutinho

1. Who do you feel is the target audience for the writing in this document? Suggest a change if you think the writing is not appropriate for this audience. This page is targeted toward anyone interested in learning how to use a Kilowatt meter, and presents that information in a very simple structured manner


2. Is the information presented easy to navigate? Can you find the necessary information easily? How would you improve the layout? Yes, the page is short and sweet, getting to the point and moving on. I loved how going through the page is fast, as well as being able to recite what I had just learned in a vivid way. The last group of photos that demonstrate how to plug the device into the wall worked effectively as well, however you might want to move it between the two paragraphs because chronologically, you need to find the readings before you can decipher what they mean. I think that would make it flow a bit better, but otherwise it flows well.


3. Are headings used successfully? Are enough headings used? If so, are they specific enough? Are the headings in logical order? If not, would the document be easier to follow with more headings? Level two headings? If so, suggest some headings. Headings are very simplified and condensed, which make going through the page very easy to scan. If you’re trying to create girth for your page, you might want to add some information about how the device works and why someone would want to know their KWH rate.


4. Is there a clear topic sentence for each paragraph? Do all following sentences relate to that topic sentence? How could topic sentences of the paragraphs be improved? Suggest improvements for specific paragraphs. Yes, each paragraph is descriptive in listing the steps required to set up the device, and also demonstrates what to do with the data readings one would receive. I would recommend that you maybe include an example solving an equation, which could even be related to your pictures. If you find out the kWh rate of your laptop, that would really make it stick


5. Is the writing objective? Remember this is a technical communication. Make suggestions to avoid bias or opinion in sentences. (For example: eliminate adjectives/adverbs: very, many, large, etc) Yes, the authors seemed sure that they were writing technically, and it showed in the description.


6. Is each figure or photograph easy to understand? How could the figures be improved? Can you suggest another figure presents the information in a clearer manner? The images you used to explain how to use the device work very well. One comment I’d like to make about the first one, though, is that you might want to change the green color font to a darker on. The red one looks fine on the wood background, but the green is not visible until you open the picture up and really concentrate what it says. The last group of photos that demonstrate how to plug the device into the wall worked effectively as well, however you might want to move it between the paragraphs because you need to find the readings before you can decipher what they mean.


7. Does the writer refer to the figure(s) in the text using figure numbers? Is each figure well described in the text and are the sources cited? Do the figures have captions? Make suggestions to better incorporate figures. The figures were actually descriptive enough, that most of the time I didn’t rely on the writing as much as I did on the images. The last group of photos that demonstrate how to plug the device into the wall worked effectively because they used the captions as a means of giving the steps as well as joining it to a picture.


8. If this is a RCEA page have the writers clearly presented the bottom line (predicted money and carbon dioxide emissions saved versus actual money and carbon dioxide emissions saved) in a table or graphical format? Suggest improvements to make this comparison easier for the reader to understand. This is not an RCEA page so this does not apply


9. Are there any questions you have about the topic that are not addressed? Are the sources of the information clearly presented under “References”? I do not have any questions about this device after reading the page.


10. Does the author provide links to related sites? Are there enough or too many? Are they technical enough or too technical for the audience of the document? Is the relevance of each site clear? Is there a summary of references? No, this page has no references. It would increase the authors’ credibility if they cited a source, but because this is a simple procedure it might not need citation.


11. Is the document too long or short? (It should be between 2-3 pages). If it is too long, what should be taken out? If it is too short what remains to be addressed? I didn’t know it had to be close to 2 or 3 pages until I read this question. If indeed it needs to be that long, then the authors might want to expand on concepts surrounding the device. However, I think that the content correctly describes the procedure, and that’s all it’s supposed to do.


12. Does the page have the “ENGR 115: In Progress” banner? Does the page have the correct categories (ENGR 115 and RCEA if applicable) at the end of page? Yes, it has the ‘work in progress’ banner and the correct categories labeled.


13. List the strengths of document: The page is very short, sweet and consise. This is very effective because the procedure is simple and should not be dwelled on extensively.


14. List areas for improvement: Some areas where this page could improve include adding information about how the device works and why someone would want to know their KWH rate.


15. Overall comments: Great project page, I can tell you worked a while on this page and I hope my comments have you some help in improving your page


Chris Coutinho

Comments[edit source]

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