Physical Installation
At 1:49 in
Get To Know Your Energy Use With The Sense Energy Monitor!
What happens here
The presenter provides a detailed view of the physical installation of the Sense Home Energy Monitor inside the main electrical service panel, specifically a Square D Meter Main panel. The orange Sense module is shown connected to a dedicated circuit breaker, which supplies its power. Two current transformer (CT) clamps, part of the Sense system, are installed by wrapping them around the two main electrical service lines (referred to as A and B phases) that feed into the circuit breaker. These clamps are crucial for inductively measuring the current flowing through each line. The presenter advises that while the installation is straightforward for experienced DIYers, a licensed electrician should be hired due to the inherent dangers of working with high voltage inside an electrical panel.
Goal: Connect the Sense monitor and current clamps within the electrical service panel.
Tools and materials
- Current Transformer — Inductively measuring current on main service lines
- Dedicated Circuit Breaker — Providing power to the Sense monitor (typically 2-pole, 240V)
- Electrical Service Panel Square D — The housing for circuit breakers and electrical connections
- Insulated Gloves — Protecting hands from electrical shock
- Screwdriver — Opening and closing the electrical panel cover and securing connections
- Sense Home Energy Monitor Sense — The main unit for energy monitoring
- Voltage Tester — To confirm power is off before working in the panel