Overview
The Refoss Smart Home Energy Monitor is described as a real-time electricity usage monitor and power consumption meter for whole-home and circuit-level visibility. It is described as using a built-in Web UI, Open API, and MQTT for local access, with data intended to stay on the home network and remain usable during internet outages. It is also described as supporting solar net metering and zero feed-in automation for solar-focused energy workflows.
Key takeaways
- It is described as supporting local access through a built-in Web UI, Open API, and MQTT, without relying on cloud services, including offline operation for local control.
- It is described as offering Native Home Assistant integration out of the box and working with MQTT for smart home workflows.
- It is described as monitoring voltage, current, active power, reactive power, energy, and power factor across mains and branch circuits.
- It is described as supporting 2 main circuit sensors (2–200A each) plus 16 branch sensors (1–60A each) with clamp-on installation for circuit panels.
- Buyers commonly mention easy installation and setup, strong Wi-Fi connectivity, and seamless Home Assistant integration.
- It is described as supporting solar net metering and automations intended to use surplus solar power locally (zero feed-in automation).
What the product is designed to do
This energy monitor is described as a system that tracks whole-home power and circuit-level energy use using 2 mains sensors and 16 branch sensors. It is described as providing real-time monitoring for major appliances and delivering circuit-level insights through measurements such as voltage, current, active power, reactive power, energy, and power factor. It is also described as supporting usage targets per circuit and sending alerts when appliances exceed normal consumption.
For smart home use, it is described as providing native integration with Home Assistant and supporting MQTT, along with an Open API that includes MQTT, HTTP, JSON-RPC, WebSocket, and Webhooks for device integration. The local-access emphasis is described as enabling control and data access via browser and local interfaces, with the energy data described as stored locally and accessible without cloud dependency.
For solar-focused setups, it is described as designed for solar homes and as supporting solar net metering, including the ability to monitor solar or wind output in real time and track self-generated power and feed-in energy. It is described as supporting zero feed-in automation intended to redirect surplus solar power to appliances during midday peaks.
Materials, dimensions, and technical details
| Detail | What it is described as |
|---|---|
| Model / part | EM16 (part number EM16; item model number EM16) |
| Color | Orange+White |
| Dimensions / weight | 4.5 x 3.48 x 1.1 inches; 4.27 pounds |
| Electrical / processor | 100–240V~, 50/60Hz; ESP32-D0WDR2-V3 CPU |
| Connectivity | 2.4GHz Wi-Fi + Bluetooth; high-gain external antenna |
| Channels / sensors | 2 mains (max 200A) + 16 branches (up to 60A per branch) |
| Accuracy | 200A CT: ±1% (2–200A), ±2% (1–2A), ±5% (0–1A); 60A CT: ±1% (1–60A), ±2% (0–1A) |
| System compatibility | Single-phase, 2-wire; single split-phase, 3-wire; 3-phase, 4-wire Wye with earthed neutral (TN or TT, no Delta) |
| Included components | Home Energy Monitor; WiFi Antenna Assembly; 200A CT x2; 60A CT x16; insulation plugs; wire nuts; extra wires; wire harness; user manual |
| Certifications | ETL certified; UL 61010 compliant; also described with FCC, IC, RoHS, and CPF |
If you want to see the full kit and interfaces described, this smart home energy monitor is presented as a single system built around mains and branch current transformers with local access options.
Installation and placement notes
The monitor is described as supporting non-invasive clamp-on installation using current transformers and as fitting most home circuit panels. The kit is described as including a Wi-Fi antenna assembly and a high-gain external antenna for stronger Wi-Fi reception, which may influence placement for reception inside or near a panel.
Buyers commonly mention that installation and setup are easy, and they commonly mention the ease of attaching clamp-on sensors to main conductors. Buyers also commonly mention strong Wi-Fi connectivity and describe smooth setup with Home Assistant integration. In reviews, buyers commonly reference planning which circuits to monitor and organizing circuits within the app after setup.
For integrations, it is described as supporting native Home Assistant integration without firmware flashing, and it is described as supporting MQTT and an Open API that includes MQTT, HTTP, JSON-RPC, WebSocket, and Webhooks. This Native Home Assistant integration positioning is presented as an out-of-the-box path for smart home automation and energy visibility.
Performance characteristics described in the listing
Performance is described around real-time monitoring and measurement breadth. It is described as monitoring voltage, current, active power, reactive power, energy, and power factor, and as providing circuit-level insights for major appliances. Accuracy is described as ±1% within stated current ranges for both 200A and 60A current transformers, with additional accuracy figures described at low current ranges.
Data handling is described with local and longer-term views. It is described as storing minute-level data locally for up to 7 days, and it is described as storing daily data up to 5 years and making data exportable. Cloud storage durations are described for daily, hourly, and minute data, and free data export via Refoss cloud is described as supported. If local-first operation is the goal, the built-in Web UI, Open API, and MQTT approach is described as enabling local access without relying on cloud services.
For solar homes, it is described as supporting solar PV monitoring and net metering, including monitoring solar or wind output in real time and tracking self-generated and feed-in energy. Zero feed-in is described as using solar power locally instead of exporting it, with automations described as available through Refoss or Home Assistant.
Review patterns buyers commonly mention
Buyers commonly mention easy installation and setup, seamless integration with Home Assistant, and strong Wi-Fi connectivity. Buyers commonly mention that the device provides insight into power consumption at home and tracks total household electricity usage. Buyers also commonly mention an intuitive interface, including clean design, and they commonly mention the ease of attaching clamp-on sensors to main conductors.
Pros
- Buyers commonly mention easy installation and setup.
- Buyers commonly mention seamless Home Assistant integration.
- Buyers commonly mention strong Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Buyers commonly mention clear insight into home power consumption and household usage tracking.
Cons
- Buyers commonly mention that the app could be more user friendly or better organized.
- Buyers commonly mention that some sensors can show negative readings and that configuration adjustments in the app are used to address it.
- Buyers commonly mention that cable routing can feel messy inside a breaker box and that cable lengths can limit neat placement.
FAQ
Does it work without internet or cloud services?
It is described as supporting 100% local control with Web UI, Open API, and MQTT, with energy data described as stored locally and working offline without cloud dependency.
What smart home systems and protocols does it support?
It is described as offering Native Home Assistant integration and supporting MQTT. It is also described as supporting an Open API with MQTT, HTTP, JSON-RPC, WebSocket, and Webhooks.
What does it measure in real time?
It is described as monitoring voltage, current, active power, reactive power, energy, and power factor, with real-time monitoring described for major appliances and circuit-level insights.
How many circuits can it monitor?
It is described as supporting 2 main circuits (max 200A) plus 16 branch circuits (up to 60A per branch), using clamp-on current transformers.
Is it intended for solar monitoring and net metering?
It is described as designed for solar homes and supporting solar PV monitoring and net metering, including monitoring solar or wind output in real time and tracking self-generated and feed-in energy. It is also described as supporting zero feed-in automation to use surplus solar power locally.
What is included in the box?
It is described as including the home energy monitor, WiFi antenna assembly, two 200A current transformers, sixteen 60A current transformers, insulation plugs, wire nuts, extra wires, a wire harness, and a user manual. For a direct look at the described bundle, this power consumption meter is presented with the mains and branch CT set as included components.