I'm looking for a good way to record the amount of power my PC uses, and I've heard that a Kill-a-watt device is a good way to do it, but I'm not sure on a good one, Can they be used with a UPS battery backup (IE I plug the monitor into the wall, and then the UPS into the Monitor) or would that cause problems with surge protection.
Also do some have a limit to how much power they'll safely pass-through, or will that pretty much tolerate a maxed out circuit(1800w or more?)
 
I'd like something to record electricity usage over the long term too.
 
All this is of course about concerns of high electricity usage from folding, hence why I'm putting it in this forum. (though I guess it might also fit in general hardware)

I've got a kill-a-watt P3.  It says its rated for max 125V @ 15A.  So looks like it will go up to 1800W.
 
I did see some reviews on amazon where after extended use they start to melt around the plug.
I only use mine occasionally and never leave it plugged in, plus it was $25.

i can confirm the melting on the P3 model. the primary resistor gets warm enough under high load load that under extended use tends to melt the plastic.

I have the P3 as well.
I have not seen any issues with it yet, 2 years in, tho I am only pushin ~500w through it.
I have it on the end of a heavy duty short extension cord, and sitting on my desk, then my power strip for the system is on the strip.

Is your UPS a Sinewave output or Squarewave output??
If it is Squarewave, it might damage the Kill-a-watt meter..if on the output side of the UPS.
 
Input side is no problem.

Their are a lots of Kill A Watt P3 models which is the best?
I was looking at this one P3 P4400 Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor
Kind of low "Manufacturer Warranty: 6 months"

I just use the monitoring software on the ups. APC connects via USB and the software can even accept your power cost for a cost estimate.

I got 2 Rosewill RHSP-13001.  They have a nice extension on the LED read out so you can place it on your desk instead of having to look down at the plug.  The display is more than visible from across the room.

     I got the KILL A WATT EZ P3 and it works good.  Max power is rated at 1875 va.  Got it at HomeDepot 3-4 years ago for under $40.00.  It showed me how good my evga 1300 watt psu was as my SR-2 rig with Quad GTX 580'S would run well over1300 watts running benchmarks. 
     When I first got the P3 I had checked electrical draw on almost every device plugged into the wall, lol.
FYI:  1) I will not leave it plugged into anything with a high amperage draw 24/7.  
         2) P3 model is #4460 KILL A WATT EZ

turbomadman
     I got the KILL A WATT EZ P3 and it works good.  Max power is rated at 1875 va.  Got it at HomeDepot 3-4 years ago for under $40.00.  It showed me how good my evga 1300 watt psu was as my SR-2 rig with Quad GTX 580'S would run well over1300 watts running benchmarks. 
     When I first got the P3 I had checked electrical draw on almost every device plugged into the wall, lol.
FYI:  1) I will not leave it plugged into anything with a high amperage draw 24/7.  
         2) P3 model is #4460 KILL A WATT EZ

Are you going to Start Folding again?

We could really use your help.