Technology
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is a Wattson?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Anyone who wants to keep an eye of the consumption of electricity around the home will find the Wattson to be a handy device. Designed as a tool to monitor and record fluctuations in home energy usage, the Wattson is a simple and easy to use gadget that displays the level of usage currently taking place. Here is the most common way to utilize a Wattson to get a handle on the reasons for the current level of electrical usage around the home.

The Wattson typically contains two pieces of equipment, the sensor and the remote handheld monitor. The sensor serves as an energy orb and is installed near the source of the home’s power supply, such as near the electrical meter or the fuse box for the dwelling. Along the top of the sensor is a display screen that shows the current rate of consumption for electricity. The remote monitor will also display the same data. Establishing the current amount of power that is being used in the home and using that figure as the average rate of consumption is a key portion of finding out more details about electrical consumption around the home.

Fuses in a fusebox.
Fuses in a fusebox.

By turning various devices on or off, it is possible to determine how much electricity use is needed to operate various appliances around the home. This can help the family to understand how much energy usage occurs when the television is left on when no one is watching it, as well as the amount of power that is consumed when lights are left on in rooms that are not being used. Wattsons can also help identify how much power a computer or television uses even when the devices are not turned one.

Residential electric meter.
Residential electric meter.

Understanding how much power each of the electrical devices around the home actually use sets the stage for determining how much money is being wasted each month. Often, persons are amazed at how much the household could save if small adjustments are made in the way electricity is used around the house. As an added incentive, changing usage habits so that less power is utilized also is a good way to save energy and help the environment.

While the Wattson is a great device, it is not inexpensive. Still, in a household where there is a great deal of wasted energy usage, the Wattson can pay for itself in a relatively short time. After recouping the initial investment, the home will begin to realize significant savings that can be used for more important matters, such as home improvement or a family vacation.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Fuses in a fusebox.
      By: George Kelly
      Fuses in a fusebox.
    • Residential electric meter.
      Residential electric meter.