Powersensor is a do-it-yourself install energy consumption and solar generation monitoring product, and our hardwired appliance monitoring sensor is no different.
Once you have installed your main Powersensor kit you can simply add an appliance sensor, this can be at the end of a new kit installation or added to an existing kit by following the steps below.
View our Hardwired Appliance Energy Monitoring Specifications here.
Always think safety first
Before proceeding with any installation around electrical appliances you must ensure that it is safe to do so.
Appliances such as AC systems are often mounted high off the ground or on a roof, unless you are qualified to work at heights you must not attempt to install Powersensor.
Powersensor is a DIY product that attaches to your existing electrical setup without the need to disrupt or make any direct electrical connection to wires. Do NOT disrupt or attempt to attach Powersensor directly to exposed wires.
Visually inspect your appliance for any potential safety issues:
- Does the appliance appear to be in good working order?
- Are there any electrical cables or protective conduits that appear to be frayed or damaged in any way?
If you have any doubts about your electrical installation contact a qualified electrician before proceeding.
Preparing to install an appliance sensor
- Charge the battery of your new sensor before proceeding with the installation
- Familiarise yourself with the appliance you would like to monitor:
- Locate the AC supply cable / conduit used to connect the appliance
- Check that the cable or conduit accessible
- Check your appliance for possible install locations - examples of potential installation are provided here.
Installation steps
Appliance sensors can only be added to an existing setup or after you have completed the setup of a new kit. Before proceeding ensure you have completed your kit installation.
- You can install the appliance sensor by navigating to the ‘Device’ page in the App and tapping ‘Install New Sensor’.
- Follow the in-app directions to pair your appliance-sensor to your account and connect it to your WiFi network. Once the sensor is connected to your WiFi network, it’s time to attach it!
- Before installing it helps to turn your appliance on first, this will become apparent further in the installation process.
- Continue to follow the app instructions by choosing your installation type either ‘hardwired’ or ‘electrical outlet’ and then find the best position to mount the sensor, remembering that one green LED is sufficient.
- Once you have located the best position use the silicone strap or reclosable fastener (as appropriate) to mount the sensor. The silicone strap is typically used to attach onto a conduit or cable.
- The app will guide you through to the ‘Test signal strength’ button in the app to verify the sensor is working in the final position. You should receive three green ticks. Note if the appliance is off the signal strength test may fail as there may not be a signal to detect.
- You should now be able to see your new appliance-sensor on the ‘Devices’ page of the App.
- Now that you have successfully installed your sensor on your appliance, use the appliance so that Powersensor can complete the learning process
Powersensor works by learning about the appliance load. If you do not turn your appliance on Powersensor cannot learn, so when you first install your appliance-sensor try turning your appliance on and off 1 or 2 times each day in the first 2 days and a few more times in the first week. Once it has completed learning you can use your appliance as needed.
Watch the Powersensor Hardwired Appliance Monitoring installation video below!
Have an existing Powersensor solution but looking for installation tips?
See our article Overview of how to install Powersensor for tips on installing your Powersensor solution first.
Don't have an existing Powersensor solution yet?
See our article Buying guide: Which Powersensor solution is right for me.
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