This review dives into the Refoss Smart Energy Monitor, a device designed to provide detailed home energy consumption data. We cover the unboxing experience, detailing the included components and the quality of the unit's construction. The installation process, including the crucial safety precautions and step-by-step guide, is thoroughly examined, highlighting both the ease and potential challenges. We also assess the functionality of the Refoss app and its integration with Home Assistant, a popular home automation platform.This comprehensive review explores the strengths and weaknesses of the Refoss Smart Energy Monitor. We discuss the accuracy of the data collected, noting any inconsistencies encountered during testing. The review also delves into the user experience, covering both the mobile app and the Home Assistant integration, highlighting any issues encountered and potential solutions. Ultimately, we offer a balanced assessment of the Refoss Smart Energy Monitor, weighing its pros and cons to determine its overall value and suitability for the average homeowner.
Pros And Cons
- Monitors incoming power and 16 breakers.
- Uses magnetic inductance for readings.
- Wi-Fi enabled (no ethernet required).
- Includes clamps for easy installation.
- Solid user manual.
- Home Assistant integration (though may require firmware update).
- Home Assistant integration may be in early stages (auto-detection issues reported).
- Requires careful installation (working with breaker panel involves high voltage electricity).
- Some clamps may have incorrect polarity markings.
- Home Assistant's energy dashboard may not provide desired live analytics.
Read more: AMI Meter Reading Guide: Understanding Your Smart Electricity Meter
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Refoss Smart Energy Monitor arrived in a well-packaged box. Inside, I found the main unit, sixteen smaller clamps for individual breakers, two larger clamps for the main power feed, wire nuts, and jumpers. The manual was surprisingly comprehensive, a welcome change from the usual sparse documentation.
The main unit itself is compact with a clear controller board visible. The connectors for the clamps are standard 2 and 3.5mm headphone jacks, a convenient design. There's a reset button, a Wi-Fi antenna slot, and a power connector visible as well. The quality of the components felt solid and well-constructed.
The difference in size between the main clamps and individual breaker clamps was immediately apparent. The large clamps are clearly designed for the substantial wires of the main power feed. It’s clear that Refoss paid attention to the practical aspects of installation.
Installation Process and Safety Precautions
Before beginning, I strongly emphasized the importance of safety. Working with electrical panels requires caution and knowledge. If you’re uncomfortable, hire a qualified electrician. I shut off the main breaker before opening the panel, but even then, I avoided contact with the main power lines.
Opening the breaker panel involved removing screws and carefully lifting the cover. The installation process requires attaching the large clamps to the main power lines and the smaller clamps to the selected breakers. The clamps use magnetic inductance to measure current, eliminating the need to directly touch the wires of most breakers.
I carefully followed the manual’s wiring instructions, paying close attention to the color-coded wires and their respective connections. The included wire nuts and jumpers proved very helpful for connecting the unit to the panel. Proper grounding and secure connections are critical for safe and accurate operation.
Home Assistant Integration and App Functionality
The Refoss app was straightforward to use. After connecting the device to Wi-Fi, the app quickly found and configured the energy monitor. The app provides a clear overview of power consumption data. The integration with Home Assistant was initially problematic due to VLAN issues.
After resolving the network configuration, the integration with Home Assistant was seamless. I created a custom dashboard to display the real-time energy usage data, but the native Home Assistant energy dashboard is still under development and needs improvements for live analytics. I did have to manually add sensors.
I also experienced issues with some clamps being labeled incorrectly, despite ensuring proper polarity. This seems to be a minor labeling issue, but it affects data accuracy. Refoss should address this in future firmware updates.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
The Refoss Smart Energy Monitor is a powerful tool for home energy monitoring. The installation, while requiring some technical knowledge, was relatively straightforward. The accuracy of the data is excellent once the minor labeling and network issues are addressed. The app is easy to use and provides a good overview of the energy data.
The integration with Home Assistant, while initially challenging due to VLAN conflicts, works well once configured correctly. The lack of a robust live analytics dashboard in Home Assistant is a limitation, but it doesn’t diminish the value of the Refoss device. The Refoss device offers a compelling solution for home energy monitoring at a reasonable price.
Overall, I highly recommend the Refoss Smart Energy Monitor. Despite a few minor shortcomings, its accuracy, ease of installation (with proper precautions), and solid Home Assistant integration make it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about monitoring their home's power consumption. Addressing the minor labeling issues and network compatibility will further enhance its appeal.