The Elto EMA-1 is a low cost plug in wattage cost monitor. It records kwh usage and cost. It supports two different rates and day of use settings for night/weekend rate electricity where available. Battery backup retains settings and data when the device is not plugged in. It also displays additional technical indicators: line voltage, current, frequency, power factor.
At least two versions of the meter exist. The manufacturer uses the same model number for both versions
- even though there are significant differences. The version called 'type 2' on this website contains a dedicated metering chip able
to calculate power use more correctly for a wider range of appliances.
The version called 'type 1' on this website is based on a less complex analog circuit design. Find out if you have 'type 1' or 'type 2'.
This website provides instructions for both meter types and many similar models.
Online retailers in NZ include Dick Smith, Mitre10, Jaycar, EcoInnovation, Offline retailers in NZ include The Warehouse and Bunnings.
Wellington City Library has an energy conservation lending program making this meter available to users @$5 for 10 days.
In New Zealand CDB Goldair imports and wholesales the Elto brand. The EMA-1 is manufactured in China by Cixi-Yidong Electronic Co, Ltd.
EMA is an acronym for Electronic Multifunction Analyser.
Technical details
Internal photographs and technical details of the EMA-1 - 'type 1'.
Internal photographs and technical details of the EMA-1 - 'type 2'.
A summary of differences is available here.
The manufacturer gives both devices exactly the same model number and identifier.