eMonitor Energy Monitor Service Questions and Answers

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Details and More Questions and Answers about the eMonitor Service

Your purchase of the Powerhouse Dynamics eMonitor includes:

  • the eMonitor:  (L) 8.80" x (H) 4.25" x (W) 1.75"
  • two spring-loaded 150-amp sensors for the main power that measure the entire usage (except for the "s" models)
  • a mix of 50-amp and 20-amp CTs depending on size and type of unit, enough to handle almost all installations
  • an AC power adaptor
  • Ethernet cable for connecting eMonitor to your router
  • A very thorough and well-written Installation Guide
  • 2 years energy monitoring and management service from Powerhouse Dynamics (5 year service and warranty also available)
  • (In addition to the hardware listed, it also comes with some handy bits and pieces to help with the install--wire ties, screws, a gasket for the electric box and a tube to organize the wires. The only tool required is a screwdriver.) All of the components are efficiently packaged and well-protected in corrugated material (no plastic).

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is included in the energy monitoring and management service?
A: Specific features of the services include:

  • High quality web user interface with useful graphing and charting, comparison and aggregation
  • FREE access to all new Service features automatically as they become available
  • Ongoing automated diagnostics of your circuits and appliances performance, safety, energy use and cost
  • Actionable recommendations to conserve power/lower costs based on usage by specific appliances/circuits
  • User-configured notifications and alerts (via e-mail or text message) related to safety, usage or cost.
  • Real-time and historical analytics and reporting on:
    • Usage (overall and by circuit/appliance)
    • Cost (overall and by circuit/appliance, including phantom/vampire power)
  • Carbon footprint and other views of the cost of electrical use.
  • Remote control and optimization of:
    • Smart outlets (late 2010)
    • Smart thermostats (Q3 2010)
  • Monitoring of renewable energy sources, including real-time and historical production, usage, and potential problems.
  • iPhone/iPad interface (Q1 2011)
  • Collection, backup, and storage of data to a secure location


Q: Does the system handle net usage vs. generated power reporting (for solar or wind installations)?
A: Yes! The eMonitor accommodates electric generation, such as PV or wind, as long as that generation is brought into the electrical panel and has its inverted power output directly connected to the breaker panel, normally via a double breaker. Channels 3-6 on the eMonitor can all be set as input channels.

Q: I have a sub-panel in a separate location from my main panel. How does the system handle that?
A: You can treat a sub-panel in a separate location from the main panel as a single circuit, or you can purchase the appropriate multiple eMonitor configuration to monitor each individual circuit on both the main and sub-panels.

Q: What if I have a main panel with more than 22 circuits?

A: You have several options. 

  • You can buy the 24 + subpanel configuration
  • You can choose not to measure unimportant circuits
  • You may be able to bundle several circuits and treat them as one
  • Or any combination of the above

Q:  Can you bundle/combine circuits?
A:  Assuming it is physically possible to clamp a sensor around multiple circuits without forcing them together, you can monitor multiple circuits with a single sensor, but only if both circuits are the exact same amperage (e.g. both 20-amps or both 50-amps) AND the same voltage (e.g. 120V).

Q: Can I use eMonitor if my electrical box is outside?
A: The Powerhouse Dynamics (PhD) folks are working on a weatherproof box specifically for the eMonitor. We'll keep you informed as soon as there are specs, pricing and availability. You may also be able to install the eMonitor inside your house via a through the wall installation.

Q: How does the eMonitor connect to the internet?

A: The eMonitor box has an Ethernet port to connect a cable directly to your network router.

Q:  How long are each CT's wires?
A:  6 feet.

Q: Does eMonitor integrate with Google PowerMeter?
A: Powerhouse Dynamics is currently working with Google to integrate eMonitor with the Google PowerMeter widget.

Q: What happens if my router isn't near the electric panel? Can the unit be connected to the router wirelessly?
A: It does not connect wirelessly, so in cases where a long cable won't work, the Powerhouse folks have spec'd and tested a low cost AC Ethernet bridge approach. We're exploring how broad the need is for this, and whether we can leverage some volume buying to keep the cost low. Contact us if this is a need.

Q: Is there an open API?
A: Yes.  Powerhouse Dynamics provides an API in the form of an XML Export Specification which feeds data from the eMonitor to either a home control/automation system, or data capture software, in real-time.

Q: Is there a way to integrate with Home Automation systems such as CQC or MainLobby?
A: The system manufacturer – or an installer with adequate knowledge of the system – is then responsible for formatting the eMonitor data for the system display. Savant has done this integration, and Powerhouse Dynamics is currently working with several additional home control/automation vendors with whom they expect to make announcements in the coming months.

Q:  In this age of security & privacy concerns, is there anything about the eMonitor setup that might effect the security of my home network?
A: The eMonitor is a passive device that sits behind your Internet router/firewall.  The eMonitor accesses the website once a minute acting the same way as a browser accessing a website, and all it is capable of doing is transmitting the power usage data collected. All sensitive information being transmitted within your network would be SSL-encrypted and therefore would be inaccessible to the eMonitor, just as it is inaccessible to the numerous routers it traverses on the internet.  Having the eMonitor on your network is no different than having any other passive device such as a TV, DVR, router, security camera, etc.

Q: I see an antenna on the device. What is that for?
A: The antenna is ZigBee and is for future add-on devices -- displays, smart outlets, smart thermostats, etc.

Q: Can I buy the device separately from the monitoring and management service?
A: No. For Energy Circle customers, we're delivering an exclusive 2 year bundling of the service at no additional cost.

Q: What happens if I choose not to renew the remote monitoring and management service after the 2-year Energy Circle special?

A: After the initial Service period, you can opt not to renew and collect the data from the eMonitor yourself on your own computer; the output is native XML.

Q: If I buy the eMonitor 24 + 24s can I monitor multiple houses?

A: No, the "S" versions can be used only to extend an existing main unit, either within a larger panel, or to separately monitor a remote sub-panel.

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