Best Sub Meters for Electricity Monitoring You Can Buy Online
Answering your search for reliable sub meters, this guide highlights five solid options for landlords, property managers, RV owners, and DIY electrical setups. These meters help allocate exact energy use to tenants, monitor solar flow, or track consumption in sub-panels. Best suited buyers include rental-property owners needing fair billing, RV park operators, and small-shop owners upgrading electrical panels.
| Product | Best For | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| Aituzero Digital Electric Sub Meters for Landlords | Rental units and small commercial spaces | Sub-metering with Modbus, clear LCD, and easy 2S form installation |
| DAE DEM730P Electric kWh Submeter | Property managers needing cloud integration | RS485, TOU billing, optional CC2030 gateway for cloud metering |
| EKM Metering Single Phase kWh Meter | Residential and light commercial | Flexible wiring (2-3 wire), versatile voltage support |
| Aituzero Digital Electric Sub Meters With Modbus | RV parks and rental units with remote monitoring | RS485 IR communication, ANSI 2S plug-in form, submetering ready |
| Baomain Single-Phase 3-Wire DIN Rail KWh Meter | Electrical panels and control cabinets | Class 1.0 accuracy, compact DIN-rail form factor |
Aituzero Digital Electric Sub Meters for Landlords
The Aituzero digital sub meter is designed for easy installation in standard form 2S sockets, making it ideal for RV parks, garages, and small rental upgrades. It supports a 120/240V single-phase system and wires quickly into a breaker panel or sub-panel. It features labeled terminals, a bright LCD, and an ANSI 2S 4-jaw fit for rapid snap-in installation. The meter supports pulse output and Modbus communication for straightforward system integration, and it retains data with EEPROM memory during outages. It’s best for landlords or small business spaces needing straightforward, verifiable energy data for each tenant or circuit. A limitation is that advanced cloud features may require additional hardware or configurations depending on site infrastructure.
Key features include:
– Sub-metering for fair billing across tenants or separate circuits
– Pulse output and Modbus for simple integration
– Bright LCD for easy on-site reading
– EEPROM memory to retain readings during power loss
Best for: Rental homes, garages, and small commercial units where quick, reliable submetering and basic data access are needed.
DAE DEM730P Electric kWh Submeter
The DAE DEM730P is tailored for rental portfolios and buildings where real-time monitoring and cloud reporting are valuable. It supports RS485 connectivity and can pair with a gateway (CC2030) to push data to the cloud. Landlords and property managers can access real-time usage, monthly kWh, and billing reports for tenants, plus Time of Use (TOU) reporting options. It adheres to IEC61036 as a standard reference and can be integrated into larger systems with wireless adapters when needed. A potential limitation is the need for compatible gateway hardware to enable cloud features.
Key features include:
– RS485 communication with optional cloud gateway
– Real-time and monthly kWh reports for tenants
– TOU billing capabilities
– Compatibility guidance for wired or wireless integration
Best for: Property managers seeking scalable, data-driven billing and remote access to meter data.
EKM Metering Single Phase kWh Meter
The EKM Metering unit is a versatile single-phase option designed for 120/240V operation with 2 or 3 wires, suitable for homes or small commercial installations. It supports either 120V or 208-240V configurations and is adaptable to various wiring schemes. This meter is chosen for buyers who require a flexible, easily integrated option that can be wired into a main panel or sub-panel. A caution is that specific wiring configurations should follow local electrical codes and the meter’s documentation.
Key features include:
– Flexible 2- or 3-wire single-phase configurations
– Supports 120V and 208-240V options
– Simple integration for sub-metering and billing infrastructure
Best for: Homeowners or small businesses needing a straightforward, configurable metering solution.
Aituzero Digital Electric Sub Meters With Modbus
This Aituzero model targets RV parks and rental setups needing robust submetering with Modbus communication. It is a plug-in 120/240V device that supports RS485/IR-style communication for remote reading and data collection. The meter is built for ANSI Form 2S plug-in installation, ensuring ease of use in tight spaces like RV hookups or sub-panels. The data stream supports more advanced monitoring scenarios than basic meters. A limitation is that it may require compatible software or hardware for full Modbus data utilization.
Key features include:
– Modbus communication for system integration
– Easy plug-in installation in 2S form factor
– Bright display and accurate kWh readings
Best for: RV parks, rental units, and small-scale installations where remote monitoring and modular integration are priorities.
Baomain Single-Phase 3-Wire DIN Rail KWh Meter
The Baomain DIN rail meter provides a compact, Class 1.0 accuracy device for precise energy measurement in 110V/220V split-phase systems. Its 10(100)A current range and 60Hz operation make it suitable for residential use and light commercial panels. This meter is a practical choice for panel builders, electrical contractors, or installers who need a sturdy, space-efficient solution. A limitation is that it’s primarily designed for panel mounting and may require additional wiring considerations for specialized installations.
Key features include:
– Class 1.0 accuracy with 10(100)A range
– DIN rail mounted for easy panel integration
– Clear LCD readout and pulse output for external monitoring
Best for: Electrical panels and control cabinets where space efficiency and accuracy are essential.
Buying Guide
What should you consider when choosing a sub meter?
- Voltage and phase compatibility: Most residential meters are 120/240V single-phase. Ensure the meter supports your supply and wiring arrangement (2-wire or 3-wire).
- Communication method: Choose between pulse output, Modbus, RS485, or IR depending on whether you need real-time data, remote access, or integration with building management systems.
- Installation style: Plug-in form factors (2S) simplify quick installs; DIN rail meters suit control panels and electrical cabinets.
- Billing needs: If you bill tenants, consider meters with TOU reporting and data export capabilities to streamline invoicing.
- Data retention and reliability: EEPROM memory and robust data logging help ensure readings aren’t lost during outages.
Why pick a sub meter for a rental property?
Submeters enable fair, transparent utility billing by tracking actual consumption per unit or circuit. They also help identify high-usage appliances, support energy management strategies, and improve overall property value by offering detailed consumption data to tenants.
How to plan installation?
Map circuits you want to meter, decide whether you’ll need cloud or local data access, and verify compatibility with existing panels and wiring. For complex setups or outdoor installations, consider professional electrical support to ensure safety and compliance with local codes.
FAQ
- What is a sub meter used for in rental properties?
A sub meter records electricity usage for a specific unit or circuit, enabling per-tenant billing and better energy management.
- Do these meters require special tools for installation?
Many are designed for plug-in form 2S or DIN rail mounting, but some installations may require basic electrical tools and adherence to safety guidelines.
- Can sub meters connect to cloud services?
Some models support RS485 with gateways to cloud platforms for remote access and reporting, while others are read locally via LCD or pulse outputs.
- What should I know about accuracy and compliance?
Look for meters with clear LCD readouts and standard-compliant wiring options. Class 1.0 accuracy is common among DIN rail meters, suitable for residential and light commercial use.
- Is a subscription or online plan required for data access?
Cloud-enabled meters may require an account or gateway; traditional meters provide data through local displays or direct connections.