Internet enabled AND power switching! With all the capabilities of the .Net, the Smart Circuit 20 is specifically designed for permanent hard-wired applications for 100v - 250v, 20 amp, 50/60 Hz circuits. It is ideal for sub-metering, remote monitoring, and automatically reducing electricity consumption. A built-in web server allows data to be accessed via the internet. Simply connect the Smart Circuit to the public internet (via home or office network) and the Smart Circuit will automatically output live data (see below for operation on private networks). Smart Circuits can send data as fast as every second.

Smart Circuit 20 provides active energy savings. With an internal switching relay, the Smart Circuit can turn off power to the end load based on user configurable rules. Rules can be based on single or multiple Smart Circuits. These rules and their associated application include:
      

• Reduce Costs Effective when your utility has TOU (time of use) rates, where they charge a higher rate during peak times. Smart Circuits can automatically "load shift" so loads are used during off peak times.
•  Reduce Peak Charges Commercial accounts are charged a "peak charge", which is based on the maximum amount of kilowatts used during the month, even if it was only for half an hour. Lowering your peak usage directly lowers your monthly bill. Smart Circuits can automatically "shed loads" to keep your peak usage under a threshold. For example, connect 25 Smart Circuits to your account, and configure our website to automatically turn off specific loads when the total power across all 25 Smart Circuits exceeds a threshold you designate.
•  Lower Consumption Many utilities now have tiered pricing rates, where higher usage is billed at a higher rate. This often happens toward the end of a billing cycle, which might be daily, weekly or monthly based. Smart Circuits keep track of total consumption and can automatically turn off non-critical loads once the high rate tier is activated.
• Manual on/off For security reasons, rebooting servers, or while on vacation.

Smart Circuit's are installed similarly to 'circuit breakers', but don't involve the safety aspect. In other words, our Smart Circuit controllers will typically be installed in a panel enclosure box, similar to the enclosure that houses circuit breakers (the "ears" snap off in this case and din rail is used). Or, a Smart Circuit can be installed in a double gang box (blue plastic box available at Home Depot and Lowe's) and wired to an existing outlet to control specific loads, such as a window air conditioner. Regular switch covers can be attached to the "ears". Smart Circuits are ideal for lighting circuits, outlet circuits with lots of vampire or leaker loads, large hard-wired appliances such as electric hot water heaters, washer/dryers, HVAC systems, pumps, blowers, and refrigerator/freezers. Smart Circuits are also ideal for home automation projects where it is important to remotely turn things on or off.

When using a Smart Circuit on a private network, be aware that the Smart Circuit sends and receives data over port 80 but it can't output web pages. It is possible to assign the meter a static IP address, but it is not possible to enter that address into a web browser and communicate directly with the Smart Circuit as many routers and modems do for configuration purposes. The data packet the Smart Circuit sends is a raw data string and needs to be parsed and formatted. Our API specifies the format. Therefore, a web server application is typically used to collect the data and subsequently format the information.