Is EHU metering a good investment?

Does it have to be wired into the circuit in order to measure usage?

Yes.  I will take the cable from the 16 ampere EHU inlet to the fuse box and fit meter into it.  Just the same as in a domestic installation.  (  To save off-topic posts, I do have qualifications to do this.  )

I wondered if that would be the situation. I seem to recall similar devices that measure the incoming amps which is useful abroad where they can range between 4 and 16 amps. I am glad you mentioned the qualification bit as well because I imagine it's not a DIY job unless you are competent with electrics.

David

We have also installed a metering device, though it sounds different to what  Nav has purchased.

Ours has been in place about 10 years, at that time you could get ones that you clamp round the cable, or ones that go in the circuit like the ones you can plug in at home to measure what an individual appliance uses.

The one we use is of the latter type, the incoming EHU cable goes first to an additional consumer unit with MCB and RCD (see below *) , then to a socket into which the meter is plugged.  The continuing EHU cable is then plugged into the meter and goes  to the van's original consumer unit.

The metering device can then easily be removed if required.

*    I had to fit an additional MCB and RCD as, according to our dealer's electrician, the incoming EHU cable must not be cut and a plug and socket used before it enters a consumer unit with the required protection,  in case someone unplugged the meter and plugged something into the EHU directly.    He would not sign the service sheet otherwise.

As I said not a fair test.

I agree, CS. It's a non-facility site so those visiting it will, by that very nature, usually be using more electric than on a full facility site with heating water for showers etc, and not using the dishwashing sinks. Along with the already implemented price rise this would most likely see a reduction in the number that use the site and so I think that this is a way for the club to have an excuse to close yet another of those type of sites.

a socket into which the meter is plugged. The continuing EHU cable is then plugged into the meter and goes to the van's original consumer unit.

I wonder if this arrangement is limited to the usual domestic socket maximum of 13 ampers or can cope with the full 16 ampere load usually possible on a caravan site.

If it is operating on a metered basis then those that are self-sufficient both in electricity and don't use facility blocks might be more attached to them if the price is right. If CAMC want to charge more for less then, I agree, it will probably kill it off.

If CAMC want to charge more for less then, I agree, it will probably kill it off.

Particularly as currently the increase from 2 adults to 3 at both Clachan and Altnaharra is the same on both an EHU pitch and non EHU. That makes no sense, as 3 are bound to need more water heated than 2.🤔

I don't think it really matter where a trial is carried out, the Club should be able to deduce the effects from previous average occupancy. That is where SQ may be at a disadvantage because it will be a total revamp and so many changes could effect occupancy.

I would have thought a trial may be more about its operation rather than any effects on occupancy.

peedee

No, not limited to 13amps as these are 16amp continental socket and plug.

I would think trying to get any accurate trial data this year could be flawed. 

With the cost of living crisis, the price of club sites etc. I can see that folk who traditionally use club sites either going elsewhere or reducing how often they do go away. That is not going to be easy data to compare with previous years usage.