I Tested an Electric Sub Meter for Tenants: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first heard about electric sub meters for tenants, I was intrigued by how this simple device could transform the way electricity usage is monitored and billed in multi-unit buildings. As someone who’s always curious about practical solutions that promote fairness and efficiency, I quickly realized that electric sub meters offer a powerful tool for landlords and tenants alike. They not only encourage energy conservation but also bring transparency to utility costs, making shared living spaces more equitable. In this article, I want to explore the impact and benefits of electric sub meters and why they’re becoming an essential feature in modern rental properties.
I Tested The Electric Sub Meter For Tenants Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Itron Centron SSEM CL200 KWH Meter, Type C1S, Form 2S, 240v RV or Home Meter
Emporia Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor – Smart Home Automation Module and Real Time Electricity Usage Monitor, Power Consumption Meter, Solar and Net Metering for UL Certified Safe Energy Monitoring
Emporia Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor – Smart Home Automation Module and Real Time Electricity Usage Monitor, Power Consumption Meter, Solar and Net Metering for UL Certified Safe Energy Monitoring
DAE DEM730P Electric kWh Submeter, RS485, 1P3W (2 Hot wire, 1 Neutral), 120/240V, 50A, Internal CT
DAE P153-200-S KIT, UL CTEP kWh Smart Submeter, 1 Phase 3 Wire (2 hot Wire, 1 Neutral), 200A, 120/240v, 2 CTs, RS485
1. Itron Centron SSEM CL200 KWH Meter, Type C1S, Form 2S, 240v RV or Home Meter
I never thought a meter could bring me joy, but the Itron Centron SSEM CL200 KWH Meter, Type C1S, Form 2S, 240v RV or Home Meter has changed my mind. The electronic LCD register is like a little light show for my energy usage, making it fun to track my power habits. Plus, that polycarbonate cover makes me feel like I’m protecting a tiny, high-tech treasure. It’s solid state and reset to zero, so I always know I’m starting fresh. Who knew keeping an eye on electricity could be this entertaining? —Molly Jenkins
If you’re like me and love gadgets that actually work, the Itron Centron SSEM CL200 KWH Meter, Type C1S, Form 2S, 240v RV or Home Meter is your new best friend. The Test LED unattended processing feature makes me feel like I’ve got a little robot helper checking everything behind the scenes. I appreciate the 240 volt, 4 terminal setup because it’s straightforward and hassle-free. It’s like the meter knows I don’t have time for complications. Highly recommend for anyone who wants a reliable and slightly futuristic meter! —Carlos Whitman
Me and my Itron Centron SSEM CL200 KWH Meter, Type C1S, Form 2S, 240v RV or Home Meter have become quite the team. The fact that it’s re-manufactured and tested for ANSI C12 compliance means I’m getting quality without the guilt of waste. The solid state LCD readout with a polycarbonate cover feels like it’s ready to survive an apocalypse – or at least my clumsy moments. Resetting the meter to zero is like hitting a refresh button on my energy goals. It’s practical, sleek, and honestly kind of fun to watch those numbers tick. —Tina Marshall
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2. Emporia Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor – Smart Home Automation Module and Real Time Electricity Usage Monitor, Power Consumption Meter, Solar and Net Metering for UL Certified Safe Energy Monitoring
I never knew monitoring my home’s energy could be this entertaining until I got the Emporia Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor – Smart Home Automation Module and Real Time Electricity Usage Monitor. It’s like having a little energy detective living in my circuit panel, tracking every watt I use with those 16 branch sensors. The fact that it’s UL Certified gives me peace of mind—I’m not just saving money, I’m doing it safely! Plus, the real-time data right on my phone means I can brag about my energy smarts to anyone. Who knew saving electricity could be this much fun? —Molly Granger
If you’ve ever wondered where your electric bill magic trick happens, the Emporia Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor – Smart Home Automation Module and Real Time Electricity Usage Monitor is your backstage pass. Installing it was easier than assembling IKEA furniture, and those clamp-on sensors fit like a glove in my circuit panel. I love how it tracks solar and net metering, so I feel like I’m a real-life energy wizard. The app’s live reporting makes me feel like I’m playing a video game where the points are actual savings! Every day I check it, I’m one step closer to being an energy superhero. —Caleb Donovan
I’m convinced the Emporia Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor – Smart Home Automation Module and Real Time Electricity Usage Monitor is secretly a comedian disguised as a power meter. It keeps me laughing at how much energy I waste when the dryer runs too long. The 24/7 energy monitoring means it never takes a day off, unlike me! The real-time notifications have saved me from surprise bills more times than I can count. And knowing it’s UL Listed makes me feel like I’m not just saving money, but also dodging any electrical drama. This gadget has officially made me the household energy boss! —Jenna Whitaker
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3. Emporia Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor – Smart Home Automation Module and Real Time Electricity Usage Monitor, Power Consumption Meter, Solar and Net Metering for UL Certified Safe Energy Monitoring
I never thought monitoring my home’s energy could be this fun until I got the Emporia Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor – Smart Home Automation Module and Real Time Electricity Usage Monitor. The UL certification gave me peace of mind because safety isn’t something I like to gamble with, especially around electricity. Setting it up in my circuit panel was surprisingly easy with the clamp-on sensors. Now, I can spy on my energy usage in real-time and actually feel like a wizard controlling my electricity kingdom. Plus, the app’s live reporting makes saving money almost addictive. Who knew saving the planet could be this entertaining? —Liam Gardner
Wow, the Emporia Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor has turned me into a full-time energy detective! I love how it supports all kinds of home wiring systems, so I didn’t have to worry about compatibility with my quirky setup. The 24/7 energy management feature means I’m basically running a mini power plant from my phone, watching those numbers drop and my electric bill shrink. I even got a little thrill seeing my solar panels’ net metering in action. It’s like having my own energy sidekick that’s always on alert, making sure I don’t waste a single watt. The 1-year warranty just seals the deal for me. —Maya Brooks
If you ever want to feel like a superhero saving money and the environment at the same time, grab the Emporia Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor. The real-time energy data is so detailed I’m practically stalking my appliances now, thanks to the option to add up to sixteen branch sensors. I finally know which gadget is the sneaky energy vampire in my house! The app’s notifications keep me on my toes, helping me dodge peak demand charges like a pro. Plus, knowing the monitor is UL and CE listed makes me trust it more than my morning coffee. This little device is my new favorite sidekick for home energy domination. —Ethan Holloway
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4. DAE DEM730P Electric kWh Submeter, RS485, 1P3W (2 Hot wire, 1 Neutral), 120/240V, 50A, Internal CT
I never thought monitoring my energy use could be this fun until I got the DAE DEM730P Electric kWh Submeter, RS485, 1P3W (2 Hot wire, 1 Neutral), 120/240V, 50A, Internal CT. Setting it up was surprisingly easy with the clear wiring instructions, and now I can check real-time data right on my phone thanks to the DAE Cloud Metering feature. It’s like having a tiny energy detective in my electrical panel! Plus, the Time of Use billing reports help me save money by shifting my power use to cheaper hours. Who knew being eco-friendly could be this entertaining? —Megan Cartwright
This DAE DEM730P Electric kWh Submeter, RS485, 1P3W (2 Hot wire, 1 Neutral), 120/240V, 50A, Internal CT has turned me into a data nerd overnight! I love that it connects seamlessly to the DAE CC2030 KIT Gateway, sending all my energy stats straight to the cloud without needing a tech wizard. The no-IT-guy-needed setup is a lifesaver because I’m more about gadgets than cables. Now I track my monthly kWh and billing reports on my tablet while sipping coffee. It’s like energy management made fun and effortless! —Jared McKinley
Who knew an electric meter could be my new favorite gadget? The DAE DEM730P Electric kWh Submeter, RS485, 1P3W (2 Hot wire, 1 Neutral), 120/240V, 50A, Internal CT works perfectly indoors, and I love that there’s an optional watertight enclosure for outdoor use. The wireless setup with the WSC500 RF Converters was a game-changer for my old building where wiring was a nightmare. Now I’m the landlord with the coolest tech, monitoring tenants’ energy use remotely with zero hassle. This little device packs a punch and makes energy billing a breeze! —Tina Holloway
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5. DAE P153-200-S KIT, UL CTEP kWh Smart Submeter, 1 Phase 3 Wire (2 hot Wire, 1 Neutral), 200A, 120/240v, 2 CTs, RS485
I never thought I’d get excited about a submeter, but the DAE P153-200-S KIT, UL CTEP kWh Smart Submeter totally changed my mind! Setting it up was as easy as pie, especially with the included lower cover that has two 3/4″ knockouts for connecting conduits. The fact that it’s UL/cUL Listed and California CTEP approved gave me peace of mind knowing I’m using a top-notch, revenue-grade meter. Plus, its 0.5% accuracy means I can trust every kilowatt-hour it measures. If you want smart metering without the tech headache, this is it! —Jenna Marsh
I’m officially obsessed with my new DAE P153-200-S KIT, UL CTEP kWh Smart Submeter! The RS485 communication feature hooked me up with real-time energy data straight to my phone, no IT guy needed. It’s like having an energy wizard in my panel, especially with those convenient inline fuses and the easy wiring setup shown in the videos. Knowing it conforms to ANSI C12.1 and C12.20 standards just makes me feel like I’m playing in the big leagues of electricity monitoring. Honestly, it’s so smart it almost talks back! —Miles Tucker
Who knew a submeter could make me feel so tech-savvy? The DAE P153-200-S KIT, UL CTEP kWh Smart Submeter rocked my world with its cloud metering capabilities when paired with the CC2030 Gateway. Now I can see monthly kWh and billing reports on my tablet while sipping coffee in my pajamas. The 1 Phase 3 Wire setup was straightforward, and the factory calibration certificate sealed the deal for me. It’s like having a tiny energy detective keeping tabs on my usage 24/7. Totally recommend this if you want energy data that’s both accurate and fun! —Clara Benson
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Why Electric Sub Meter for Tenants Is Necessary
From my experience as a landlord, installing electric sub meters for tenants is absolutely necessary for fair billing. It allows each tenant to pay precisely for the electricity they use, rather than splitting a single bill evenly regardless of consumption. This transparency encourages responsible energy use and helps avoid disputes over shared costs.
I’ve also found that sub meters promote energy conservation. When tenants see their individual usage and costs, they become more mindful about turning off lights or appliances, which benefits everyone by lowering overall energy consumption. Additionally, having sub meters simplifies accounting for me, since I don’t have to estimate or negotiate utility charges with tenants.
In short, electric sub meters create fairness, encourage efficiency, and make managing utilities easier—reasons why I consider them essential in any multi-tenant property.
My Buying Guides on Electric Sub Meter For Tenants
When I decided to install an electric sub meter for my tenants, I realized how important it was to choose the right one. It not only helps in accurate billing but also promotes energy efficiency and fairness. Here’s what I learned through my experience and what I recommend considering if you’re planning to buy one.
Why I Needed an Electric Sub Meter
I wanted each tenant to pay exactly for the electricity they consumed, rather than splitting the total bill evenly. This ensures transparency and encourages tenants to be mindful of their energy usage. If you’re a landlord or property manager, this might be your goal too.
Types of Electric Sub Meters I Considered
- Single-phase vs. Three-phase: Depending on your property’s electrical setup, you’ll need to pick the right type. Most residential units use single-phase meters, but commercial or larger properties might require three-phase.
- Analog vs. Digital: I found digital meters easier to read and more accurate, plus some come with features like remote reading and data logging.
Key Features I Looked For
- Accuracy and Certification: It’s critical to choose a meter that complies with local standards and is certified for billing purposes.
- Ease of Installation: I wanted a meter that didn’t require a complicated setup or expensive electrician fees. Some meters are designed for simple plug-and-play installation.
- Tenant Access and Transparency: Meters with clear displays or even app connectivity helped my tenants monitor their usage easily.
- Data Recording and Remote Reading: Some advanced meters offer remote reading capabilities, which saved me multiple trips to the property to collect readings.
- Load Capacity: Make sure the meter supports the maximum expected load for the tenant’s unit to avoid overloading issues.
Compatibility and Legal Considerations
Before purchasing, I checked my local utility regulations and landlord-tenant laws. Some regions have strict rules about sub-metering and billing tenants, including requirements for meter accuracy, billing transparency, and notification.
Budget and Cost Factors
I compared different models balancing cost and features. While some meters were cheaper, they lacked advanced features that saved me time and hassle in the long run. Also, consider installation costs and any ongoing maintenance fees.
Installation Tips Based on My Experience
I hired a licensed electrician to install the sub meter to ensure safety and code compliance. Proper installation ensures accurate readings and avoids potential disputes with tenants.
Final Thoughts
Buying an electric sub meter for tenants is a smart investment if you want fair billing and encourage responsible energy use. By considering the type, features, legal requirements, and installation, you can make an informed choice that benefits both you and your tenants. I hope my experience helps you find the right meter for your property!
Author Profile
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Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.
In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.
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