Best Electrical Sub Metering Devices for Property Owners
Answering the need for precise, affordable sub-metering across rental units, workshops, and small commercial spaces. This guide highlights five reliable options that fit common electrical setups and help allocate power costs fairly. Ideal buyers include landlords managing multi-tenant buildings, DIY installers, and facility managers seeking clear energy data without complex systems. The summary table below compares key features to aid quick decisions.
| Product | Voltage/Phase | Submeter Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aituzero Digital Electric Sub Meters | 120/240V, Single Phase | Plug-in ANSI 2S | Rental units and small shops | Pulse/Modbus; LCD readout; easy install |
| Universal Electric kWh Meter – Omnimeter I v.3 | 120–480V, 1/3 phase | Direct/CT-based | Diverse loads; web-readout | Wide voltage/amps; 0.5% accuracy |
| Leviton S8120-32 VerifEye | 3×2 phase configuration | Multiple loads in one device | Large multi-tenant buildings | TC/tenant metering ready |
| Dioche Electrical Metering Devices WiFi Smart Energy Monitor | Residential/office use; WiFi | Bidirectional, 2×200A CTs | Smart homes and offices | App control; real-time tracking |
| Adfaga 3 Phase DIN Rail KWh Meter | 3 phase, various CT ranges | DIN rail mounted | Industrial sub metering | Professional-grade accuracy; transparent case |
Aituzero Digital Electric Sub Meters
The Aituzero unit is designed for quick installation in standard 2S socket bases, making it suitable for RVs, garages, and small workshops. It operates at 120/240V single-phase and wires into a panel or sub-panel without specialized tools. Labeled terminals simplify connections for line, load, and neutral, providing immediate kWh readings on a bright LCD. The device supports sub-metering across tenants or separate circuits and offers pulse output and Modbus for system integration. Best for landlords with compact setups or DIY installers seeking clear energy data. Caution: ensure compatibility with your sub-panel’s form factor and wiring scheme.
Why it’s selected: straightforward installation, clear digital readings, and sub-metering capability make it a practical choice for tracking individual circuit or tenant usage without a full-scale energy management system.
Universal Electric kWh Meter – Omnimeter I v.3
The Omnimeter I v.3 is a versatile submetering solution supporting a wide voltage range (120–480V) and high current options (100–5,000A). It works with 1-phase and 3-phase systems and can read results over the web. With an accuracy specification around 0.5%, it accommodates diverse loads and a broad selection of CTs. Best for houses with mixed electrical systems or facilities upgrading to a central monitoring approach. Choose this if you need one meter to cover multiple voltage configurations; avoid if you require a compact, single-app device for a small tenant unit.
Leviton S8120-32 VerifEye
The Leviton VerifEye S8120-32 supports building automation integration and tenant metering. It consolidates multiple electric loads into one device, enabling centralized monitoring and potential hardware savings. This makes it well suited for larger multi-tenant properties or facilities pursuing streamlined submetering with scalable installation. Best for property managers seeking consolidated metering and future-ready tenant data. Limitation to note: installation and wiring complexity may be higher compared with plug-in sub meters; plan for DIN rail or panel space accordingly.
Dioche Electrical Metering Devices WiFi Smart Energy Monitor
The Dioche meter provides bidirectional energy monitoring with two 200A CTs and WiFi app control via Tuya or SMART LIFE. It supports monitoring energy use from solar generation and grid consumption, making it useful for homes or offices with solar backfeed or complex load patterns. Best for energy-conscious users who want mobile visibility and the ability to track generation alongside consumption. Limitation: dependent on app ecosystems and WiFi reliability; plan for network coverage in the installation area.
Adfaga 3 Phase DIN Rail KWh Meter
This three-phase DIN rail meter offers professional-grade accuracy with multiple current ranges (5(30)A to 30(100)A) and a clear LCD backlit display. The transparent housing allows visual inspection, and the 35mm DIN rail mount supports quick installation in electrical cabinets. Best for industrial sub metering or commercial buildings where precise phase-level monitoring is required. Caution: ensure DIN rail space and wiring harness compatibility with your panel design.
Buying Guide
What should you consider when choosing a sub metering device?
- System voltage and phase: Ensure the meter supports your building’s voltage (single-phase vs. three-phase) and the expected CT/DT configuration.
- Installation method: Plug-in meters are quick for temporary or small setups; DIN rail and panel-mounted meters are better for permanent, scalable installations.
- Accuracy and data access: Look for meters with clear LCDs or web/app access. Higher accuracy is essential for billing; consider meters with data logging or memory during outages.
- Communication: Pulse output, Modbus, or WiFi app support can simplify integration with a central energy management system or property-management workflows.
- Tenant metering vs. whole-building submetering: Decide whether you’ll bill individual tenants or allocate based on circuit-level usage.
- Safety and compliance: Choose devices with proper certifications and enclosure ratings for your environment (residential, commercial, or outdoor use).
FAQ
- What is a sub meter and why do I need one?
A sub meter records electricity consumption for a specific circuit, tenant, or area, enabling accurate billing and energy management separate from the main utility meter.
- Can these meters be installed by a non-professional?
Some plug-in meters are designed for DIY use, but many submeter installations require electrical knowledge and adherence to local codes. Consult a licensed electrician if unsure.
- Do these meters track solar generation?
Some models, like the Dioche unit, support bidirectional tracking to monitor both grid consumption and solar production. Check each product’s features for confirmation.
- What connectivity options are common?
Options include LCD readouts, pulse output, Modbus, and WiFi app access. Choose based on how you want to collect and analyze data.
- Can one meter cover multiple phases or tenants?
Some meters are designed for 3-phase or multi-load configurations. For many buildings, a combination of meters tailored to each circuit or tenant is preferred.