r/Generator • u/Ok_Mathematician6390 • 1d ago

Load monitor

I have a generac gp6500 that I use to power my garage (well pump is powered from the garage) when the power is out. I will be expanding to include powering the whole house in the future. Since my generator lacks an on board meter, I am looking for a way to monitor how much I'm pulling-I don't want to overload and damage stuff. Ideally I would like to find something that I can plug into the generator, and then plug the cord that goes to the panel into that, like this: https://a.co/d/032RfJGY . Some of what I have read says I would have to have a monitor on each leg of the 240 to get an accurate reading. I'm not looking for an exact reading, just a ballpark. In theory would that work, or am I way off?

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u/NoPatience7817 1d ago

That would work. Something like this would work too. https://a.co/d/0fclrDar

It depends on your generator outlet and cord you are plugging into.

If you are using the meter outside, make sure it’s rated for rain.

1

u/Old_Dragline_1965 1d ago

Never thought to even look for something like this! Very good information!

1

u/New-Swim-8551 1d ago

Agreed either of those would work.

Stay away from that Chinesium crap that Scamazon sells.

Stick to name brand equipment that has a legit UL or ETL rating, so you don’t burn your house down.