How to Monitor Power from AC Unit that Can't be Unplugged

Hardware
1

Setting up power monitoring with HA, and would like to monitor our AC power usage, but our AC Unit is hardwired into to our house, directly to the fuse box, so I can’t unplug it and use a smart plug like I am with the rest of my house.

Also I rent, so I can’t go messing with connections in the fuse box like some of the suggestions I’ve found.

Is there like a smart clamp monitor I could clamp onto the AC wire to monitor energy usage and just power with a wall plug?

Thanks!

2

Use something with split CT coils like Shelly Pro EM-50.

1 Like
3

You might want to look at something like this:
6 CH Energy Meter Made For ESPHome | AthomTech

4

Thanks, is there a way to power this from a wall plug or does it have to plug into the breaker box?

Ideally, I want to just clamp it around the AC power wire, and then power it by plugging it into an outlet without messing with the breaker box.

5

For the Shelly. You can do what ever you need to. Place it in a box.Put a line cord and plug on it. Go with wireless or wired networking. Use your imagination.