DIY 220/240V Power Meter for North America Under $60 CAD

This is a DIY setup you gotta do, unless you’re ready to drop some serious cash on a fancy PDU with similar features. I put together this prototype just for my own use to test things out and see where I can make it better. Honestly, I won’t use it too often, but it’s handy to check new equipment as it arrives. This thing will let you verify the power consumption of your miners and more, depending on which model you pick. So here’s the link that really counts. It’s for the main piece, the Multi-function power meter. There are tons of designs out there, but they all have slight differences in their voltage, current, and frequency ratings. The model I chose can handle way more than what I’ll throw at it. I got a 6-in-1 Digital tester, and mine came with the current transformer. Setting it up was super straightforward, just follow the visual instructions. I went with this model to get readings over 3000 W since I’m expecting to use it with an M20S. Other than that, here’s what else I used that I already had on hand. I’ll find the exact link for what I ordered later. - 12 ft of 12/2 Wire You can adjust the length as needed; I had this lying around and didn't want to trim it for a test. - Controller box Easy to access the cover. - Power cables to make the ends These will depend on what connectors you need for the miner and your power source (PDU or outlet). - A couple of wire connectors. - Not pictured, but it’s a good idea to use an electrical box for safety to hold the cable connections. Or find another way to make sure everything is secure.

Nice idea. I recently was building a diy transformer to pdu.  For running s17's s15's t17's and t15's under 240 volts. 2 parts  not cheap but will do 2 units and drops volt by 11. 242 in 231 out 241 in 230 out 240 in 229 out here are the 2 parts. https://www.larsonelectronics.com/product/149202/1-phase-buck-boost-step-down-transformer-240v-primary-229v-secondary-30-57-amps-50-60hz https://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-EO4501-4-Port-Modular-PDU-Control-Unit-228481-002-UL-Listed-24-AMP/153377266027? I got them for 185 + 29 = 214 it will run 2 s17's and simply reduces volts. so if you have a hot 240 line like I do in my house 239 to 247 is the norm  you will always be under by around 11 volts. say 228 to 236 volts.  It wastes around 20 watts to run 2 units. Would be very nice to link it in  with your meter project.

Thanks, I've been mulling this or something similar for like a year now. After searching every page on the internet I realized no one was going to hand me a plug and play model. I love what you are talking about and I think a lot of people have the same issue as us. You can see on my meter I'm always over 240 and all that gear may have a hard stop at that voltage. I remember you talking about it a few weeks ago and if I didn't have the M20 options to exceed that I'd probably be asking you for the steps to build one now.  By all means if you do a build and create a thread or video let me know I'll link to it all day long. Here and in the First time miners thread. Seeing as some newbies out there in the near future may not have a choice if more gear moves towards a 240 hardcap.

Omg, is it still common in the US to use that kind of old fashion connectors instead of for example the Wago 221 Series connectors? Those old connectors are hazardous as hell..

Yep and  it is why I did not show the construction details for my build. your wago 221's look much better. I ordered these 2 from amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GR8V4SV https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CJR8MH4 I will build it again and do a video. they will be a lot better than these https://www.amazon.com/Electrical-Connectors-Terminals-Connection-Assortment/dp/B01MPXUEPO

Glad to hear Phil , and I would also use a enclosure with strain relief for the cables, to cover and protect the connection junction.

the transformer box has a protected space for that. https://www.larsonelectronics.com/images/product/Manual/149202.PDF this is a photo of it from the pdf above.  I used 10 gauge wire in and out. So I did not like  my wire twist connections. but with the strain relief and the wago 221  it will be much better.

Common and to code up here in CanadUS   . I'm not a fan of them as I don't have the trade tricks for tight spaces, funny you mention the Wago connectors I bought a few packs the other day from the hardware store when I was looking around. I'm probably going to use them inside the box itself, they'll be a dream- much like the first time I discovered push-in receptacles. Never having used them before I went with what I know first.

Nice. I rigged up a similar setup on all the 3-phase lines coming into my hosting before being split to the various shelves so I can monitor realtime loads and keep the phases close to balanced. Didn't have the watts readout, just volts and amps. For the watt-hour meters for hosting customers I went low-tech and bought a bunch of retired house electric meters for like $25 apiece.

I have been illuminated! Thanks

Same! Did not know about these!

note   the 221-412 221-413 221-415     do 12 awg  or  4mm max wire size 24awg min size the 221-612 221-613 221-615   do 10awg or 6mm max wire size  20awg min size I got 221-613 221-615  from amazon since 10awg goes into transformer and out of transformer These should make for a nice safe  s17 and t17  pdu power source always well under 240 volts.

Glad to help you guys, maybe I should become a Wago salesman since it is this easy to get more sales.

It will really make a difference for my build.  Thanks again.

I should be able to put this to use over the next couple days swapping out parts to help my limpy M10 get to full power. I'll find those connectors I bought and check their ratings see if they are up to par and snap a few photos if so. I'm just looking forward to comparing the power draw on the miner before and after. I came across many of those in my search and considered adding one in at my garage panel for kicks, then I realized I have to many actual projects on the go to play around. I did almost buy a few more of these units though just to add them in as I installed more circuits down the road, might still do it in the future but for now, it's nice to just be able to test or confirm specs.