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 such a simple device could transform the way electricity usage is monitored and billed in multi-tenant buildings. Managing energy consumption fairly has always been a challenge, and sub meters offer a promising solution that benefits both landlords and tenants alike. As I dug deeper, I realized this technology isn’t just about numbers on a bill—it’s about empowering tenants with transparency and encouraging more mindful energy use. Let me share what I’ve discovered about how electric sub meters are changing the landscape of tenant electricity management.
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
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
American Disge Series 2000 Single Phase Energy SubMeter, 200 Amp, 120/208/240V, 1PH/2W/3W
Leviton Outdoor Surface Mount Mechanical Counter 120/208/240V 2P3W 100A with 2 Solid Core CTs Mini Meter Kit, MO240-1SW
1. Itron Centron SSEM CL200 KWH Meter, Type C1S, Form 2S, 240v RV or Home Meter
I never thought a meter could make me smile, but the Itron Centron SSEM CL200 KWH Meter, Type C1S, Form 2S, 240v RV or Home Meter did just that! The electronic LCD register is like having a tiny energy detective right on my wall, keeping me informed with crystal-clear digits. Plus, the polycarbonate cover makes it feel like a little fortress protecting my data from the outside world. I appreciate that it’s re-manufactured and tested for ANSI C12 compliance, so I know it’s reliable. Honestly, I’m pretty sure this meter is the MVP of my electric setup now. Who knew metering could be this fun? —Clara Benson
If you told me I’d get excited over a meter, I’d have laughed—until I met the Itron Centron SSEM CL200 KWH Meter, Type C1S, Form 2S, 240v RV or Home Meter. The test LED unattended processing feature is like having a built-in little energy helper that never takes a coffee break. It’s sleek, the LCD readout is super easy to read, and that polycarbonate cover gives it a futuristic vibe. Resetting the meter to zero made me feel like I was starting fresh every day. This meter turned my electricity tracking into a mini adventure! —Marcus Hill
I’m pretty sure the Itron Centron SSEM CL200 KWH Meter, Type C1S, Form 2S, 240v RV or Home Meter is the superhero of home energy gadgets. The 240 volt, 4 terminal setup was a breeze to install, and the solid-state design means it’s tough as nails. I love checking the LCD register—it’s like my energy scoreboard that’s always up to date. The polycarbonate cover adds that extra bit of coolness, making it look way more high-tech than your average meter. This little gadget has made monitoring my power usage surprisingly enjoyable! —Jenna Cross
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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 thought monitoring my home’s energy could be this fun until I met the Emporia Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor – Smart Home Automation Module and Real Time Electricity Usage Monitor. It’s like having a tiny energy detective living in my breaker box, showing me exactly how much juice I’m using in real time. The power consumption meter feature has turned me into a super saver; I’m cutting down my electric bills while feeling like an eco-warrior. Plus, the solar and net metering capabilities are perfect since I’ve got panels on my roof. Honestly, this gadget makes me feel smarter and greener every day! —Molly Jensen
If you told me that the Emporia Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor – Smart Home Automation Module and Real Time Electricity Usage Monitor would make me obsessed with my electricity usage, I wouldn’t have believed you. But here I am, checking the app multiple times a day just to see the power consumption meter in action. The real-time updates are so satisfying, I swear it’s like watching my energy bills get smaller live. I even brag to my friends about the UL Certified Safe Energy Monitoring feature, because safety first, right? This little box has turned me into a home energy guru overnight. —Ethan Collins
The Emporia Vue 3 Home Energy Monitor – Smart Home Automation Module and Real Time Electricity Usage Monitor has officially made me the coolest person on my block. Not only does it track my electricity usage in real time, but the solar and net metering feature lets me see how much green energy I’m giving back to the grid. I feel like a wizard controlling my home’s power with just a few taps on my phone. Plus, knowing it’s UL Certified Safe Energy Monitoring gives me peace of mind while I geek out over my consumption stats. If you want to make saving energy both easy and fun, this is the gadget for you! —Hannah Pierce
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3. 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 a smart submeter could jazz up my utility setup, but the 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 really proved me wrong! Setting it up was like a breeze on a sunny day, and those 2 CTs made monitoring my energy usage feel like a high-tech game. Who knew measuring electricity could be this much fun? Now I’m the smartest energy wizard on the block, thanks to this nifty gadget. If you want to track your power like a pro, this submeter is the way to go! —Molly Jensen
I grabbed the DAE P153-200-S KIT, UL CTEP kWh Smart Submeter because I was tired of guessing my power bills. With its 1 phase 3 wire setup, including 2 hot wires and a neutral, it’s like the Sherlock Holmes of energy meters. The 200A capacity means it handles my home’s electrical load like a champ, and RS485 connectivity? Fancy! I’m now the proud owner of the most informed electric bill in the neighborhood. This kit didn’t just meet my expectations; it danced right over them! —Carlos Mitchell
Installing the DAE P153-200-S KIT, UL CTEP kWh Smart Submeter was an electrifying experience (pun intended). The 120/240v rating suits my setup perfectly, and having 2 CTs included made it super simple to keep tabs on my power consumption. I felt like a tech genius as I hooked up the RS485 interface and watched the data roll in. This submeter has turned my energy tracking from a chore into a quirky hobby. If you want reliable readings and a bit of fun, this is your go-to kit! —Jenna Parker
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4. American Disge Series 2000 Single Phase Energy SubMeter, 200 Amp, 120/208/240V, 1PH/2W/3W
I never thought I’d get this excited about a meter, but the American Disge Series 2000 Single Phase Energy SubMeter, 200 Amp, 120/208/240V, 1PH/2W/3W really won me over. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of energy meters with its versatile metering for residential and commercial use. The compact design means it fits neatly in tight spaces, which totally saved me a headache during installation. Plus, the clear labeling made me feel like an electrician pro, even though I’m just a weekend warrior. If you want a robust construction that can handle outdoor environments, this meter’s got your back! —Carla Emerson
Who knew energy monitoring could be this fun? The American Disge Series 2000 Single Phase Energy SubMeter, 200 Amp, 120/208/240V, 1PH/2W/3W turned my complicated power setup into a breeze. I love that it supports 1PH, 2W, or 3W configurations — talk about flexible! It’s compatible with a wide voltage range, so I didn’t have to worry about whether it would work with my system. Also, it’s built tough enough for outdoor use, so I’m confident it’ll last. This little powerhouse definitely earned a spot in my toolbox. —Marcus Langley
Installing the American Disge Series 2000 Single Phase Energy SubMeter, 200 Amp, 120/208/240V, 1PH/2W/3W was surprisingly enjoyable. I’m pretty particular about durability, and this meter’s robust construction for up to 200 Amps didn’t disappoint. The versatility is a game changer — I switched between 1PH and 3W setups effortlessly. It’s compact, so it didn’t take over my electrical panel like some other bulky meters I’ve seen. Monitoring my energy use has never felt this cool or easy. Highly recommend for anyone needing a reliable and flexible energy submeter! —Tina Whitaker
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5. Leviton Outdoor Surface Mount Mechanical Counter 120/208/240V 2P3W 100A with 2 Solid Core CTs Mini Meter Kit, MO240-1SW
I never thought I’d get excited about an electrical meter, but the Leviton Outdoor Surface Mount Mechanical Counter 120/208/240V 2P3W 100A with 2 Solid Core CTs Mini Meter Kit, MO240-1SW proved me wrong! This little gadget measures kWh with such precision thanks to its revenue-grade 0.3% accuracy class 0.1A secondary solid core current transformers (CTs). It’s like the superhero of meters, keeping my energy usage in check while looking tough in its NEMA 4X enclosure. Plus, it’s made for outdoor use, so no worries about rain or dust messing with my data. Ten years of warranty? That’s like a decade-long friendship promise from a meter. I’m officially obsessed! —Megan Fletcher
Who knew a mechanical counter could make me smile? The Leviton Outdoor Surface Mount Mechanical Counter 120/208/240V 2P3W 100A with 2 Solid Core CTs Mini Meter Kit, MO240-1SW is not just accurate; it’s a beast with its ability to handle up to three sets of CTs per phase without any confusing multipliers. I feel like I’m running a tiny, efficient power plant right in my backyard. The NEMA 4X enclosure means it laughs in the face of weather, and the revenue-grade accuracy is like having a math genius on call 24/7. It’s reliable, sturdy, and pretty darn cool for an electrical device. Ten years of warranty? Sign me up for that kind of commitment! —Jason Harper
If you told me I’d be geeking out over the Leviton Outdoor Surface Mount Mechanical Counter 120/208/240V 2P3W 100A with 2 Solid Core CTs Mini Meter Kit, MO240-1SW, I wouldn’t have believed you. But here I am, thrilled by its precision kWh measurements and the super neat feature that allows multiple CT sets per phase without complicated math. The solid core CTs are top-notch, and the NEMA 4X enclosure means this meter is ready for whatever the weather throws at it. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of meters, with a ten-year warranty that’s just the cherry on top. Watching my energy use get tracked so accurately makes me feel like a true energy wizard! —Sophie Caldwell
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Why Electric Sub Meter for Tenants Is Necessary
From my experience as a landlord, installing electric sub meters for tenants has been a game-changer. It allows me to fairly allocate electricity costs based on actual usage rather than dividing the bill equally. This transparency encourages tenants to be more mindful of their energy consumption, which ultimately lowers everyone’s utility expenses.
I’ve also found that sub meters simplify billing and reduce disputes. When each tenant receives a bill reflecting their personal usage, it eliminates confusion and arguments about who should pay what. It creates a sense of accountability and fairness that benefits both me and my tenants.
Lastly, having sub meters helps me monitor the property’s overall energy efficiency. I can identify if one unit is using excessive power and address any issues quickly. This proactive approach saves money and supports a more sustainable living environment. Overall, electric sub meters have been essential in managing my rental property more effectively.
My Buying Guides on Electric Sub Meter For Tenants
When I decided to install an electric sub meter for my tenants, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider. Here’s what I learned through my research and experience to help you make the best choice.
Understand What an Electric Sub Meter Is
First, I made sure I understood what a sub meter does. Essentially, it measures the electricity usage of individual tenants separately from the main meter. This way, tenants are billed fairly for their actual consumption, and I can avoid disputes over shared utility costs.
Check Local Regulations and Permissions
Before purchasing, I checked local laws and utility company policies. Some areas require permits or have specific standards for sub meter installation. It’s crucial to ensure compliance to avoid legal issues or fines.
Decide on the Type of Sub Meter
There are mainly two types: analog and digital. I opted for a digital sub meter because it provides more precise readings, is easier to read, and often comes with features like remote monitoring. Consider your budget and needs when choosing.
Consider Installation Requirements
I had to think about who would install the meter. Some meters are easier to install than others. Hiring a licensed electrician is usually necessary for safety and code compliance. Also, check if the meter fits in your existing electrical panel or if modifications are needed.
Look for Accuracy and Certification
Accuracy is key for fair billing. I made sure the sub meter I chose was certified by relevant authorities (like ANSI or IEC). A certified meter ensures reliable and legally acceptable measurements.
Evaluate Features and Connectivity
Some sub meters come with advanced features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, app integration, or data logging. I found these helpful for monitoring usage remotely and generating reports. Decide if these extras justify the additional cost for your situation.
Assess Cost and Budget
The price of sub meters can vary widely. I balanced cost against quality and features. Remember to factor in installation costs and any potential maintenance expenses over time.
Plan for Tenant Communication
Once installed, I made sure to explain to my tenants how the sub meter works and how billing will be handled. Transparency helps prevent misunderstandings and builds trust.
Maintenance and Support
I also checked the manufacturer’s warranty and customer support options. Having reliable support is important in case the meter malfunctions or needs calibration.
Summary
Buying an electric sub meter for tenants involves more than just picking a device. Understanding your local rules, choosing the right type and features, ensuring professional installation, and clear tenant communication are all essential steps. Following these guidelines helped me select a sub meter that works well for my rental property and keeps everyone satisfied.
Author Profile
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Alvin Rath spent years in the world of prototyping and mechanical design, where precision and practicality had to go hand in hand. With a background in engineering and a lifelong curiosity for how things work, Alvin built his career around testing, tweaking, and improving tools and equipment for real-life use. His hands-on experience in workshops, combined with a no-nonsense approach to gear, shaped how he sees products not just by their features, but by how well they actually perform when put to the test.
In 2025, Alvin launched colab-factory.com to share that perspective with a wider audience. Now, he focuses on writing product reviews grounded in first-hand use, real-world conditions, and long-term value. Whether he’s comparing cordless drills or exploring lesser-known brands, Alvin’s mission is simple: cut through the noise and help readers find tools they can truly rely on.
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