New air conditioner installation (How to check consumption?)

[TheItalianJob 12]

Hi,

 

I'm mounting 3 new air conditioners inverter from BEKO... each with one outdoor unit and one indoor unit (mono-split).

 

The advantage of using these conditioners is that have the auto restart when power is removed. I can control the power on/off with a simple relays connected on main power of the air conditioner.

 

I Know that I can control they with the z-wave to IR but I need only to turn on/off the air conditioner and check comsuptions.

 

I thought to use a single relays switch with metering (Aeon labs micro smart energy) and connect to main power (before air conditioner connection)

 

It's a good idea?

 

Any suggestion to control power consumption and turn on/off thee air conditioner?

 

Thank you

[petergebruers 1,268]

A general warning here... Almost all Z-Wave relays are specified for resistive load. Changes are good that your load is either inductive or capacitive. The inrush current of non-resistive loads quickly wear out the small internal relays. Or even welds the contacts. If you happen to find out if the inrush current is somehow limited, then you are good. If not, you'll have to add a (heavy) secondary relay. And then you need an additional device to measure power consumption.

Are you sure the unit was designed to be switched on/off frequently by simply cutting power?