Kill a Watt® Energy DetectorLightbulb

The Thomas Memorial Library has been given four Kill a Watt® Energy Detector took kits that may be borrowed for a one week loan period. The monitors simply plug into an electrical outlet and allow a consumer to plug in any appliance to obtain a reading on how many kilowatt hours the appliance
is drawing. The kits are provided as part of a state®-wide community outreach campaign by Efficiency Maine, a program of the Maine Public Utilities Commission.

The educational tool kits include a home energy savings tips brochure and energy tips bookmark which patrons may keep.

Tips for Using the Monitor

  • • Do not exceed the maximum rating of the device.
    • Try using a plug strip or a grounded extension cord for ease of use.
    • Read the device before unplugging.
    • Test for 1 hour; press the purple button to read the kWh. Multiply the kWh reading by $.17 to find the cost to operate for the hour (or fill out this form provided by Lewiston Public Library to do the calculations for you!)

Reserve a Kill a Watt® Energy Detector Kit: This link will take you to the catalog record for the kits. Click on the Request button and input your name and library card number to reserve one of the kits.

Download complete instructions for using the Kill a Watt® Energy Detector (PDF): These instructions are included with the Kill a Watt® Energy Detector kits, but you may download your own copy here if you like.

Efficiency Maine Calculators: The instructions for the kit include a worksheet for calculating the cost of the kilowatt hours used by each appliance. The Lewiston Public Library has created this handy form that will do the calculations for you!

Customer Survey: After you have used the Kill a Watt® Energy Detector, Efficiency Maine asks that you complete this brief survey about your experience.

See It in Action!

Click here to view a video on the Maine Public Broadcasting Network's website of how the Kill a Watt® energy detector works with a coffee maker and a fan.

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