Allow expansion on expansion module?

[kk07]

I have the base module and expansion pack. 8 sensors on the expansion pack got used pretty quickly. I didn’t “waste” any sensor, meaning I only put one sensor for each of my dual pole circuit (and set the multiplier to 2 in the app).

I am still short. I have 12 circuits I want to monitor. I am leaving out 4 circuits.  I see in the app that there are some loads, but I can’t trace it down because the load is coming is from the other 4 circuits that are not monitored. That’s pretty annoying. I could switch around the sensors, but there will always be 4 circuits that will be missing out. This is my main load panel. I am guessing a lot of folks would have more than 8 circuits in their load panels that they want to monitor.

Can I add additional 50A clamps to expansion via another expansion module? or What’s the Emporia plan on this in the near future? I see that there is a plan to combine circuits in the app (software level). But what about at the hardware level? I’d prefer to have individual clamps for each circuit if possible. But I am limited to 8 only at the moment.

Thanks.

• This topic was modified 4 years, 8 months ago by kk07.

[Jim @Emporia]

Hey @kk07, there is currently no way to add more than 8 individual 50A sensors to a Vue. Neither is there a way to add more than one expansion module to the Vue. Of course, you can have as many Vues as you want under one account, and each Vue can support 8 circuits.

We have new hardware in development that will allow for more than 8 sensors, but there will still be a limit. Additionally we have smart outlets in the works as well, so you can monitor any electronic plugged into your home.

[kk07]

Are you saying that if I want to add more sensor to my main load panel, I need to get another base model and expansion pack? That’s a lot of clamps and wires. I don’t think there is enough space for all the wiring. It was already quite difficult to put the big clamps on my service mains (due to clamp size and positions of service main cables). I don’t think I can put another pair of big clamps on the service mains though. There is literally no space there anymore.

[Marty @Emporia]

Hello @kk07,  currently the maximum capacity of each Vue is 8 sensors and yes a purchase of a second device would be needed.   In our efforts to deliver the most functionality with the best possible price this is where we landed.   We do understand there are many customers like yourself who would like to monitor more, but don’t have the room or do not want to purchase an entire new unit.

Hope you can understand our desire to balance between capacity and cost.

 

[dwrede]

So, if you purchase a second Vue with the additional 8 port expansion. Do you still have to put the second set of big clamps on the main also, thus monitor the mains twice? (or, is this just required for each Vue to work). Just trying to reason out the installation of two Vues and with two expansion units. Could the large clamps of the second Vue be used for another high amp circuit? ie my electric car, welder….

You mentioned above new hardware in the works with more circuit monitoring, but that would be for first time buyers right? . Since we have already purchased one Vue with an expansion unit, would that work for us? Adding a second Vue with 8 port expansion as our only option.

[Marty @Emporia]

@dwrede you do not need to install/use the 200A clamps for the Vue with Expansion to work and as you pointed out the 200A sensors can be used to monitor another circuit. Some things to keep in mind when using the 200A clamps to monitor circuits rather than the Mains.

Each 200A sensor is accurate with high resolution between 2A – 250A (240W – 30kW @ 120V). When you go that rang, the Vue system filters out this so you’ll see no load when the sensors are 96W per 200A main sensor (192W total for both mains).

The Main inputs (1 -3) are combined in their usage and do not show up individually.

The “Other” measurement is determined by what is left over from circuits 1-8 less the main. So, if you are using the mains on an individual circuit it is most likely that other will be less than 1 or a negative %.

[nahchetay]

I am in the same situation as @dwrede in needing 2 vue systems based on the number of circuits needing to be monitored.  I have solar as well, could the 2 200A CT’s be used on the solar wires?  Would it correctly show what is being generated?   Also I have read that right now 2 vues in the same panel cannot be combined as one panel, does it total everything up from a whole house perspective?

• This reply was modified 4 years, 7 months ago by nahchetay.

[Marty @Emporia]

Hello @nahchetay,

You can use the solar 200A CT’s to monitor your solar.   I will show usage correctly, just follow the steps during set up and select that you are going to measure solar.   Currently we are not able to combine multiple Vue’s usage into a total load.   This is currently on the roadmap and we hope to have it later this year.

 

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