In the realm of electrical panels, dual and multi-pole circuits represent a unique category, typically comprising two or more lines to supply power to the connected devices or appliances. A common feature of dual pole breakers is a connecting tab that links two breaker switches, ensuring that if one trips, both are affected, enhancing safety and reliability.
Monitoring Options with Vue: Gen 3
The Vue series, including Vue 1, Vue 2, and the latest Vue: Gen 3, offers two distinct approaches for monitoring these specialized circuits, ensuring versatility and adaptability to your energy management needs.
1. Dual Sensor Monitoring: Precision and Clarity
The most effective strategy for capturing comprehensive data from dual and multi-pole circuits involves deploying a sensor (CT) on each line of the circuit.
We've now released a new app update (version 3.4.4) that allows you to merge separate CT's/sensors together within the app via a feature called Circuit Merging. Especially helpful in these types of situations where you're looking for accuracy at the measurement level with an aggregated total from both lines displayed within the app.
Note: For Vue: Gen 3, it's crucial to align the sensor's bottom arrow labeled "Breaker" towards your panel's breakers, directing it away from the appliance load, ensuring optimal functionality (and reversed for Solar/generation circuits).
Above: Two sensors with one CT placed on each leg of the dual pole circuit. No multipliers are required in this scenario.
2. Single Sensor Monitoring with Multiplier Adjustment: Efficiency with Considerations
An alternative method involves utilizing a single sensor on one leg of the circuit and applying a multiplier within the application settings. This approach allows for the conservation of sensors for additional circuits but may introduce some variance in accuracy due to the assumption of equivalent usage across both legs of the circuit. While often this variance is minimal, appliances with a neutral return and sub-panels could exhibit significant discrepancies. Caution is advised when applying multipliers in these contexts.
Above: One sensor attached to a single leg of the two leg, dual pole circuit.
Setting a Multiplier: A Step-by-Step Guide
To adjust the multiplier for a specific circuit within the app, follow these simple steps:
Tap on the Menu icon (☰) located in the top left corner.
Navigate to "Manage Devices" under the "Settings" section.
Select the desired device.
Choose the circuit you wish to modify.
Enter "2.00" in the multiplier field for a dual pole breaker and confirm by selecting "Save."
Below: Highlighted screenshot of settings in App to set multipliers for circuits.
Conclusion: Balancing Accuracy and Sensor Utilization
The choice between using multiple sensors for precision or a single sensor with a multiplier hinges on your specific energy monitoring objectives. The optimal approach is the one that aligns with your goals, providing the right balance between accuracy and sensor allocation.
For Single Phase Systems
Owners of single-phase systems should note that multipliers are typically unnecessary, with the default multiplier setting of 1.0 being appropriate in most cases.
We're Here to Support Your Energy Management Journey
This knowledge base is part of Emporia's commitment to empowering you with the tools and information needed for efficient energy management. Should you have any questions or require further clarification regarding the monitoring of dual pole or larger circuits, the Emporia Support Team is readily available to assist. Your feedback is invaluable in our ongoing effort to enhance our resources and support. If you have suggestions or need additional information, please don't hesitate to contact our Customer Support team.