What is Balance?
In the Emporia Energy app, Balance represents the difference between the total energy usage recorded by your main sensors (200A CTs) and the combined usage measured by your individual circuit sensors (50A CTs). Essentially, it accounts for the energy consumption that is not being directly monitored by your 50A sensors.
How is Balance Calculated?
Balance is determined using the following equation:
Balance = Mains Usage − Sum of Circuit Usages (Circuits 1–16)
Mains Usage: The total energy consumption measured by the 200A main sensors.
Sum of Circuit Usages: The combined energy usage of all circuits monitored by the 50A sensors.
This calculation helps identify any un-monitored energy usage within your system during the same period.
Understanding Balance
A Balance value is neither inherently good nor bad; its significance depends on your energy monitoring objectives and how your sensors are set up. If all circuits are monitored within a system, an ideal Balance would be close to zero however there may be minor discrepancies (< 4% of total) between sensors that can cause low amounts of Balance to appear even when all circuits are monitored.
Troubleshooting Balance Issues
If you believe the Balance displayed in the app is incorrect or unexpected, please refer to our Troubleshooting Guide for assistance. Accurate installation and configuration of your sensors are crucial for reliable energy monitoring.
Example: Normal, Consumption Only System (partially monitored)
Scenario:
You have a typical household without solar panels or any energy production systems. You are monitoring several key circuits with 50A sensors, but not all.
Measurements:
Mains Usage: 50 kWh (total energy consumption measured by the 200A main sensors)
Monitored Circuits:
Circuit 1 (Air Conditioning): 15 kWh
Circuit 2 (Refrigerator): 5 kWh
Circuit 3 (Washer/Dryer): 10 kWh
Sum of Monitored Circuits: 30 kWh
Balance Calculation:
Balance = Mains Usage − Sum of Monitored Circuits
Balance = 50 kWh − 30 kWh = 20 kWh
Interpretation:
The Balance of 20 kWh represents the energy consumed by un-monitored circuits, such as lighting, small appliances, and other devices not connected to 50A sensors. This helps you identify areas where additional monitoring might be beneficial.
Feedback and Suggestions
Our goal is to provide you with comprehensive information to help you better manage your energy consumption. If this article wasn't helpful or if you need further clarification on any points, please reach out to our Customer Support team. Your feedback is invaluable, and we are committed to improving our guides to better serve your needs.