Efergy E-Max

[Crusader]

My Efergy E-Max kit arrived today. One day earlier than expected. Here are some thoughts, but be aware that my knowledge regarding electrical stuff is minimal at best.

The E-Max comes with a DC to USB wire which you can plug into any USB power adapter (not supplied). The item listing didn't state this so I was worried it might have been an optional extra. Thankfully this was not the case.

I have 3 phase power which I hadn't considered, so I need 2 more clips to actually measure all three phases. Just to test the device and CT clip I tried the clip on a normal extension cord lead. Which didn't work. (I'm guessing it needs only a live wire to be able to measure the Amps. Smarter people can correct me).

I then decided to try to measure the power from the main distribution box. At least I would be able to measure one phase while I wait for the other clips to arrive (in 2-3 weeks). First phase I tried seemed to have a base load of 400W, but didn't show any difference when devices were switched on (I'm guessing this might be the geyser). Second phase didn't show any load at all. Not sure where that one goes. The third one seems to be the one that handles all the plugs and lights in the apartment, which is what I want to measure. So as interim, I'm going to be monitoring just that phase.

Setup:
Setup was quite easy, if finicky. The CT clip seems to be very finicky and I'd be worried of damaging it with frequent clipping/unclipping. The E-Max display itself was easy to set up, although instructions could be clearer and it does require loads of button presses to adjust things like time/voltage/pricing. Pairing worked fine. No issues there.

General thoughts:
Viewing angles are atrocious, so it's not advised to view the screen at an angle.
CT-clip seems a bit flimsy. But seems to work, and in all likelihood you'll only install it once.
The E-Max screen can take 3 x AAA batteries if you want it mobile. The transmitter takes 3 x AA batteries.
Signal strength seems very good. The E-max is in my room and is picking up the transmitter located in the main DB on the outside of the building about 20 meter away and shows full bars.

Questions:
I set the voltage to 230V. Is that correct for SA power?
The manual says you have to plug the CT-clip in before adding the batteries to the transmitter. Would it be damaged if you 'hotswap' the clips?
Does the CT-clip need to be orientated in a certain way? There are no arrows indicating direction or mention made of it in the quick start guide.

I'm going to have to wait for the other clips to arrive to get a more accurate reading, but so far so good.

And since I can't seem to take a decent pic of it, here's the product page image:

 

[W@P]

Yes the CT clip is a bit flimsy. But it's not something one uses every day. Set and forget sort of.

 

[Crusader]

Yes the CT clip is a bit flimsy. But it's not something one uses every day. Set and forget sort of.

Do they need to be applied in a certain direction?

 

[W@P]

Do they need to be applied in a certain direction?

No, not afaik.

 

[neoprema]

Mine are not in any direction just whichever way I could squeeze them into the db board to close it. The screen is rubbish, but it’s also not meant to be anything fancy for what you need. It works well

 

[Crusader]

Mine are not in any direction just whichever way I could squeeze them into the db board to close it. The screen is rubbish, but it’s also not meant to be anything fancy for what you need. It works well

Good to know that any direction should work. Less to worry about.

The screen is definitely not the best, but it does was it should. Most annoying thing is that you can't just turn the backlight on/off as you like, but need to set it on a timer. They have the hige light button, why couldn't they just use it as an on/off switch?