Hardware Installation

DO NOT CONTINUE WITH THE HARDWARE INSTALLATION OF THE EYEDRO ELECTRICITY MONITORING SYSTEM UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION SECTION OF THIS GUIDE

Materials You Will Need

  • Eyedro Electricity Monitor box contents
  • Approved bushing or connector (not included)
  • Labels (optional – not included)
  • Two (2) #8 (4.2mm) pan head, round head or button head mounting screws (optional – not included)
  • Tie wraps (optional – not included)

Tools You Will Need

  • Screwdriver
  • Flashlight
  • Pliers

Install Current Sensors

Current sensors are installed on the individual line (live/hot) wires only. This must be done inside the electrical panel or junction box where the electrical connection is separated into the individual line, neutral and ground wires.

  • Do not install sensors on neutral or ground wires.
  • Do not install sensors on extension cords, appliance cords or sheathed cables.
  • Do not install sensors on wires exceeding the max rating of the sensor.
Shock warning icon

CAUTION: Even with the main breaker in the ‘OFF’ position, the service entrance wires will still be electrified (before the breaker). Extreme caution should always be taken while working around electricity during hardware installation.

  1. Turn off the power by disengaging the main disconnect switch or turning off the main breaker.
  2. Carefully remove panel cover(s) to expose service entrance wires.
  3. Carefully remove a ‘knockout’ on the side of the panel and add an approved bushing or connector to protect the wires that will pass through it.
  4. Install one current sensor over each line conductor. Use the figures indicated in common circuit types as guidance.
    • IMPORTANT: If installing over a single conductor of a parallel feed, ensure the ampacity of a single conductor (i.e., total ampacity / feeders) does not exceed the rating of the sensor.
  5. Optionally, use tape or other label to uniquely identify each sensor at the end of the wire nearest the connector (i.e., “Sensor 1”, “Phase A”, etc.).
  6. Route sensor cables through the bushing/connector so the plug ends are on the exterior of the panel.
  7. If provided (sold separately), install panel mount power supply or step-down transformer prior to replacing the panel cover(s) and route the low voltage side through the bushing/connector so the plug is on the exterior of the panel.
    • IMPORTANT: Electricity monitoring devices must be powered by a circuit or receptacle that is downstream of the panel where the current sensors are installed
  8. Replace panel cover(s).
  9. Turn on the power.

Parallel Feeders

High ampacity services and feeders are often installed with conductors in parallel to reduce pulling tensions and for easier handling.

Parallel feeders are conductors of the same length, same material, same circular mil area, same insulation, and terminated in the same manner. In theory, the current flowing through each conductor will be the same and can be determined by the total ampacity divided by the number of feeder conductors i.e., 1600A / 4 conductors == 400A per conductor.

The most accurate way to measure would be with a single large sensor around all the parallel conductors. However, if you want to use a single smaller sensor to monitor you must ensure the following:

  1. The per conductor ampacity does not exceed the rating of the sensor.
  2. The number of feeders is noted and set as the current multiplier during setup in the MyEyedro software.

Common Circuit Types

The most common application of Eyedro Electricity Monitoring products is for monitoring of the electrical service entrance of a building. However, there are other common applications where Eyedro Electricity Monitoring products are often used. The following sub-sections provide a brief overview of some of the common and less common applications.

To use Eyedro Electricity Monitoring products in one of these applications, follow ALL instructions and precautions from the Service Entrance installation procedure but substitute step 4 to install the sensors on the line conductor of your desired circuit.

3-Phase Wye Monitoring

3-Phase Wye Sensor Installation

3-Phase Delta Monitoring

3-Phase Delta Sensor Installation

Note: The sensor position is the same for Delta, High-Leg Delta or Corner Grounded Delta systems.

Split (Single) Phase Monitoring

Split Phase Sensor Installation

Single Phase Branch Circuit Monitoring

Branch circuits are typically used for lighting and receptacles throughout the building. These circuits can be identified by a single-pole breaker in the electrical panel. Cabling typically consists of black (line) and white (neutral) conductors with a bare copper (or green) ground conductor.

One (1) sensor is required for monitoring branch circuits. The sensor should be installed on the line wire of the circuit (typically black).

Branch circuit image

Balanced Branch Circuit Monitoring

Balanced branch circuits are common in split-phase electrical services and typically used for large appliances throughout the building. Common examples of balanced loads are electric heaters/baseboards, electric water heaters, air conditioners, heat pumps, pool pumps, etc. These circuits can be identified by a double-pole breaker in the electrical panel. Cabling typically consists of black (line 1) and red (line 2) conductors with a bare copper (or green) ground conductor. Note: these circuits do not have white (neutral) conductors.

One (1) sensor is required for monitoring balanced branch circuits. The sensor should be installed on either line wire of the circuit (typically black or red).

Balanced branch circuit image

Unbalanced Branch Circuit Monitoring

Unbalanced branch circuits are common in split-phase electrical services and typically used for large appliances, split receptacles, and sub-panel feeders throughout the building. A typical split-phase residential service entrance is also an example of a 240V unbalanced circuit. These are circuits with both 120V and 240V components. Common examples of 240V unbalanced loads are stoves, electric dryers, kitchen receptacles, sub-panels, etc. These circuits can be identified by a double-pole breaker in the electrical panel. Cabling typically consists of black (line 1), red (line 2), and white (neutral) conductors with a bare copper (or green) ground conductor.

Two (2) sensors are required for monitoring unbalanced circuits. The sensors should be installed on both line wires of the circuit (typically black and red).

Unbalanced branch circuit image

Mount Eyedro Device

Vertical (wall) Mounting

  1. Write down the 8-digit serial number from the back of the module. This will be required during software setup.
    • The serial number will be in the format “123 – 45678
  2. Find a clear area on the wall beside the electrical panel.
    • Make sure all cables will easily reach the module before securing.
    • Equipment shall not be mounted within 50.8 mm (2 in) in of any live parts including primary conductors, primary terminals, primary lugs. This requirement excludes insulated cables.
    • Equipment attached to the enclosure shall not contact the panel interior insulation.
    • Mounting provisions shall not be attached to any live part.
    • Do not install equipment in any area where breaker arc venting exhaust gasses could be re-directed as a result of equipment installation.
  3. Secure the module using either:
    • Screws (recommended method)
      • Drive the two (2) pan head screws into the wall surface through the flange holes on the sides of the enclosure.
      • Carefully tighten the screws until snug. Do not overtighten or it may cause damage to the flange(s).
      • Ensure secure fit.
    • Double-sided tape
      • Cut several pieces of double-sided tape and place on back of module.
      • Peel tape backing off.
      • Press module carefully but firmly against surface to be mounted on.
      • Hold in place as per tape instructions.
      • Ensure module is held securely in place.

Horizontal (surface) Mounting

Mounting is not required for horizontal installations (i.e., on a desktop or shelf). If added security is desired, follow instructions for vertical mounting using screws or double-sided tape.

Connect Cabling

Important

  • Ensure all connectors and sockets are free from damage prior to mating them.
  • Ensure the retention clip on the Ethernet cable is intact.
  • Never force connectors or apply levering action.
  • Ensure all connections are secure.

Ethernet Installations

  1. Connect sensor cables to the Eyedro module.
  2. Connect one end of Ethernet cable to Eyedro module.
  3. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the router (or Internet access point).
  4. Connect the appropriate end of the low-voltage power adapter to the Eyedro module.
    • Electricity Monitoring devices (with sensors) must use a power supply with a 6V AC output.
  5. Plug the other end of the low-voltage power adapter into a nearby AC wall receptacle.
    • Devices should not be plugged into a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) as they may result in inaccurate/incorrect measurements.
    • Electricity monitoring devices (with sensors) must be powered by a receptacle that is downstream of the panel where the current sensors are installed.
  6. Optionally, secure all wiring neatly with tie wraps (not included).

Wi-Fi Installations

  1. Connect sensor cables to the Eyedro module.
  2. Connect the appropriate end of the low-voltage power adapter to the Eyedro module.
    • Electricity Monitoring devices (with sensors) must use a power supply with a 6V AC output.
  3. Plug the other end of the low-voltage power adapter into a nearby AC wall receptacle.
    • Devices should not be plugged into a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) as they may result in inaccurate/incorrect measurements.
    • Electricity monitoring devices (with sensors) must be powered by a receptacle that is downstream of the panel where the current sensors are installed.
  4. Optionally, secure all wiring neatly with tie wraps (not included).

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