watt monitor for a 20 amp machine

[yaksen]

I looking for a way to monitor the power usage of a 20 amp machine. i would love if there was something simple , just plugin device.i guess i need something stronger then an item designed for a lamp.
any ideas? thanks guys
i found on amazon
Poniie PN2500 Professional NEMA 5-15 for $49.99
would it work for 20 amps ?i am getting confused reading the amazon description. not sure if its chinese junk or a good device?

 

[Avo Mk8]

There are lots of energy monitoring products out there.
How simple/complicated did you want it to be?
Do you just want an indication of consumption in real time on a display?
Do you want it to log power used?
If so do you want to be able to download the data to a phone/tablet/computer?

If you don't want fancy features, and are prepared to wire something up, you could go for a current transformer (CT) type, which clips round the hot wire to measure current, eg:

https://www.amazon.com/Amperage-Voltmeter-Multimeter-Transformer-Multi-Function/dp/B07JB9B2QL/ref=sr_1_2?

The one you mention will do the job, but your machine should surely not have a NEMA 5-15 plug (max 15A) on it if it takes 20 Amps! None of the "plug-in" types I've seen use heavy 20A or above connectors. That's why I think a current transformer type would be better.
Try googling "CT energy monitor (or 'meter')

Another possibility: https://www.amazon.com/Electricity-...equency-Multimeter/dp/B094F98PYF/ref=sr_1_15?

 

[yaksen]

There are lots of energy monitoring products out there.
How simple/complicated did you want it to be?
Do you just want an indication of consumption in real time on a display?
Do you want it to log power used?
If so do you want to be able to download the data to a phone/tablet/computer?

If you don't want fancy features, and are prepared to wire something up, you could go for a current transformer (CT) type, which clips round the hot wire to measure current, eg:

https://www.amazon.com/Amperage-Voltmeter-Multimeter-Transformer-Multi-Function/dp/B07JB9B2QL/ref=sr_1_2?

The one you mention will do the job, but your machine should surely not have a NEMA 5-15 plug (max 15A) on it if it takes 20 Amps! None of the "plug-in" types I've seen use heavy 20A or above connectors. That's why I think a current transformer type would be better.
Try googling "CT energy monitor (or 'meter')

Another possibility: Amazon.com - https://www.amazon.com/Electricity-Ampermeter-Voltmeter-Frequency-Multimeter/dp/B094F98PYF/ref=sr_1_15?

thanks, i am using it to monitor an outdoor machine. where will the monitor be? near the breaker indoors? or out doors near the machine? can it be kept in the breaker box?
2. the plug in one that i mentioned ... can i try it? is it dangerous?

 

[Avo Mk8]

thanks, i am using it to monitor an outdoor machine.

I'm guessing the outdoor machine does not have a NEMA 5-15 plug on it already, but is hard wired?

If the machine is indeed hard-wired outdoors, it makes sense to have the monitor indoors, next to or in the breaker box if that is allowed by code.
With the type of CT current monitor I mentioned, a convenient place to put the current transformer (sensor) would be in the breaker box.

2. the plug in one that i mentioned ... can i try it? is it dangerous?

Unless your machine already has the NEMA 5-15 connector on it, I would not suggest fitting one in order to try the plug in monitor you found. You say the machine uses 20A, and the connectors on that monitor are only rated at 15A.
Depending on how well or badly the connector pins mate, they could get hot or possibly lead to a fire, and if anything goes wrong, it would all be your responsibility!