When you're shopping for power meters energy management equipment, the first decision is whether you need a dedicated power quality meter or a whole-panel energy monitor. The General Electric PQM II is a used 3-phase power quality meter aimed at industrial and commercial electrical work. The Smart Home Energy Monitor is a new, clamp-on monitor that tracks real-time usage on individual circuits. The two sit in different price ranges, but the bigger question is what kind of electrical system you're working with.
Quick verdict
Choose the GE PQM II if you need a GE-brand meter for 3-phase power quality monitoring in a facility. Choose the Smart Home Energy Monitor if you want to see live power draw on household circuits and keep the purchase near the lower end of the price range.
Listed price and key differences
| GE PQM II | Smart Home Energy Monitor | |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 506.00 | USD 221.91 |
| Condition | Used | New |
| Phase support | 3-phase system | Single-phase up to 240VAC line-neutral, split-phase 120/240VAC, three-phase up to 415Y/240VAC |
| Best fit | Power quality diagnostics for 3-phase panels | Real-time circuit-level tracking in home panels |
Where each product wins
- GE PQM II: Wins when you need a dedicated 3-phase power quality meter from GE and you're comfortable with a used unit. Its focus is measuring power quality in electrical systems, not household energy tracking.
- Smart Home Energy Monitor: Wins for residential energy visibility. It is new, needs no batteries, and comes with multiple circuit-level sensors for panel installation.
Product notes
General Electric PQM II Power Quality Meter for 3 Phase System - TESTED
The GE PQM II is a used 3-phase power quality meter from GE, built for industrial and commercial settings where power quality on a 3-phase system matters. It is offered as a tested and inspected working unit, with one visible caveat: some buttons do not make a clicking sound. So you're buying a functioning used meter, not a brand-new instrument. If your work involves 3-phase distribution panels or electrical machinery that relies on steady power, the PQM II is the dedicated tool for that job. The trade-offs are its used condition and the button issue, both of which you accept for a focused GE power quality meter.
Smart Home Energy Monitor with 16 50A Circuit Level Sensors, Real-Time Power Usa
The Smart Home Energy Monitor comes in new condition with a black finish. Batteries are not required. The package includes an SEM meter, 16 50A circuit-level sensors, and 2 200A circuit-level sensors. It installs in a circuit panel with clamp-on sensors. It supports single-phase up to 240VAC, split-phase 120/240VAC, and three-phase up to 415Y/240VAC. That makes it a flexible option for a home panel and some light commercial setups. The limitation is scope: it is an energy monitor, not a power quality meter. You get real-time consumption visibility, not deep power-quality diagnostics. If your goal is circuit-level tracking at a lower price, this monitor is the one to choose.
Final choice by use case
For a facility or industrial environment where 3-phase power quality needs to be measured, the General Electric PQM II is the meter to choose. For a home or lighter setup where you want real-time circuit-level power data without moving to the top of the price range, the Smart Home Energy Monitor is the better match. Start with your panel's phase configuration and your need for diagnostics, then let the $284.09 price difference guide the rest.
