Energy Monitoring Both Running & Surge Watts

[kh56]

What energy monitoring devices are available that would measure both running watts and surge watts?

 

[Jgb3]

I did running with a $20 sensor (ac side) and surge with my multimeter with inrush current

I don’t know anything that does both I’m sure there is probably something

 

[Hedges]

Not "Monitoring", but measuring ... I got the Harbor Freight clamp DC ammeter, which is handy for checking PV string currents (resolution 10 mA).
It also measures AC amps, and has an "Inrush" function.

Clamp meter

I don't have a clamp meter and will get one primarily for my 24v battery project, with solar maybe later. Will this Tacklife do everything I need to do? ...or, in the circumstances, is Will's recommended Kline CL380 really worth $50 more?

diysolarforum.com

Previously I measured inrush with a current transformer (has resistor, outputs 300 mVrms at 100Arms) and a digital scope.
I logged power consumption with a logging DMM/DAS. That was handy because once a scan list was stored, I could take it elsewhere and capture data standalone.
(Yeah, I do things the most expensive way when I can.)

 

[kh56]

It also measures AC amps, and has an "Inrush" function.

Since the surge watts sometimes last only a split second I assume these devices save the surge data long enough to see it and record it?

 

[Hedges]

The yellow button "Rel/Inrush" corrects zero-offset for DC readings, and sets the meter to store peak inrush current for AC. So the reading is held until cleared.

CM1000A 1000A T-RMS AC/DC Clamp Meter

Amazing deals on this 1000A T-Rms Ac/Dc Clamp Meter at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

My scope shot shows what the surge (and the waveform) looked like:

Is 600w enough

I plan on putting 600w of solar panels on the roof of a small camper. The Panels will be able to tilt so I can get as much power as I can. My main use is to run a 5000 BTU AC tha draws 450w in the summer and a 500w space heater in the winter & a few little items like phones, tablets and led...

diysolarforum.com

 

[Jgb3]

Since the surge watts sometimes last only a split second I assume these devices save the surge data long enough to see it and record it?

Yes you have to get a meter with inrush and if you want to measure things like a fridge you can make a line splitter so you can get the meter around only the positive side

 

[Hedges]

... and if you want to measure things like a fridge you can make a line splitter so you can get the meter around only the positive side

A 2-wire zip cord extension cord would be separated easily. Need a grounding adapter for 3-prong plug.

Or crawl around behind and access the loose wires at the motor, like I just did. Saw about 2.3A from a 2000 vintage upright freezer.

 

[kh56]

Thanks everyone for all your excellent help. I decided to roll over what I've learned into a new thread here.