Choosing an Energy Monitoring or Control Device
Compare IoT hardware for South African projects.
Do I need current monitoring, load control, a socket or relay, or thermostat control?
Choose among 14 energy-monitoring and control products by deciding on the electrical role first. CS01 models monitor current and power-consumption trends; LC01 is a smart relay, LC03 is a smart socket, LC04 provides four low-voltage control channels, and the thermostat product is for stated 24 VAC HVAC configurations. Monitoring does not imply load switching.
Start with monitor versus control
Who is this guide for?
Use this guide when the project must observe current or machine operation, switch a stated electrical load, control a socket or low-voltage output, or manage a stated 24 VAC HVAC configuration. Start with that role before comparing connectivity or price.
Current and power-trend monitoring
CS01-LB and CS01-LS state machine-running monitoring, power-consumption trend analysis and support for up to four current sensors. They are monitoring choices; their stated function does not establish load switching.
Current transformers are selected components for CS01. Confirm the required current rating, conductor aperture and connected-sensor arrangement separately from the CS01 main unit.
Relay, socket and low-voltage control
LC01 states a smart-relay role for an 80 to 275 V AC, 15 A resistive load. LC03 states a smart-socket role with the same stated voltage and resistive-load current. LC04 states four low-voltage control channels over 8 to 28 V, with a stated maximum of 200 mA per channel.
These control arrangements are different. Select only the exact electrical role and ratings that fit the circuit, and use an appropriately qualified installer where required.
Thermostat control is a separate decision
The thermostat product states LoRaWAN, a 24 VAC HVAC role and several listed heating and cooling configurations. Confirm the actual HVAC configuration and wiring before treating it as suitable; do not substitute a relay, socket or current monitor for that control role.
Decision table
| Required role | Products to investigate | Stated distinction | Confirm next |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current measurement and operating trends | CS01-LB or CS01-LS | Up to four current sensors; battery or solar power arrangement differs | Current transformers, conductor size, LoRaWAN and installation |
| Relay/load control | LC01 | Smart relay for stated AC voltage and resistive-load current | Load type, ratings, wiring and installation |
| Socket control | LC03 | Smart socket for stated AC voltage and resistive-load current | Socket/load arrangement, ratings and installation |
| Low-voltage multi-channel control | LC04 | Four stated 8 to 28 V control channels | Channel count, 200 mA-per-channel limit and wiring |
| HVAC thermostat control | Thermostat | Stated 24 VAC HVAC configurations | Exact HVAC configuration and wiring |
Common questions
Does a CS01 switch the load it monitors?
Do not assume that. Its stated role is monitoring machine status and power-consumption trends through connected current sensors. Choose a separately stated control product when switching is required.
When should I investigate LC01 rather than LC03?
Investigate LC01 for its stated smart-relay role and LC03 for its stated smart-socket role. Confirm the exact load arrangement, voltage, current and installation before selecting either one.
What must be selected with CS01?
Confirm the number of current channels and select compatible current transformers for the required current rating and conductor aperture. Confirm the exact CS01 power arrangement as well.
When is the thermostat relevant?
Use it only for a project whose HVAC system matches one of its stated 24 VAC configurations, after confirming the exact wiring and control requirement.
What should I compare?
- Choose current measurement when the requirement is to observe machine status or power-consumption trends without assuming a switching function.
- Choose a relay, socket or low-voltage control product only when its exact stated voltage, current and channel arrangement matches the load or control circuit.
- Treat the thermostat as a separate HVAC-control role and confirm the stated 24 VAC configuration against the system.
- For CS01, include compatible current transformers selected for the required current and conductor aperture, but do not treat those components as standalone monitoring devices.
- Confirm LoRaWAN availability, exact power arrangements, electrical installation requirements and the selected SKU before ordering.
How do the options differ?
CS01 products are monitoring devices: they state machine-status monitoring, power-consumption trend analysis and support for up to four current sensors. LC01 controls a stated resistive load through a relay, LC03 provides a stated smart-socket role, and LC04 provides four stated low-voltage control channels. The thermostat serves a separate 24 VAC HVAC-control role. A monitoring function must not be treated as permission to switch a load.
A practical decision path
- Write down whether the project must measure current, switch a mains load, control a socket, drive low-voltage control channels or manage a stated 24 VAC HVAC configuration.
- Shortlist only the product role that performs that job; do not infer switching from CS01 monitoring or monitoring from a control product.
- Check the exact current-sensor arrangement, voltage, current, channel count or HVAC configuration stated for the shortlisted model.
- Confirm LoRaWAN availability, power, wiring, installation responsibility and the exact SKU before requesting a quote.
Compare products
View up to 14 products for this guide.
| Compare | Thermostat | CS01-LB | CS01-LB2 | CS01-LS | CS01-KS-GE | CS01-KS-1T | CS01-KN-GE | CS01-KN-1T | SCT013G-D-100 | SCT024-300 | SCT036-600 | LC01 | LC03 | LC04 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary function | Energy Control and Monitoring | Energy Control and Monitoring | Energy Control and Monitoring | Energy Control and Monitoring | Energy Control and Monitoring | Energy Control and Monitoring | Energy Control and Monitoring | Energy Control and Monitoring | Energy Control and Monitoring | Energy Control and Monitoring | Energy Control and Monitoring | Energy Control and Monitoring | Energy Control and Monitoring | Energy Control and Monitoring |
| Connectivity | LoRaWAN | LoRaWAN | LoRaWAN | LoRaWAN | LTE CAT 1 | LTE CAT 1 | LTE CAT 1 | LTE CAT 1 | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | LoRaWAN | LoRaWAN | LoRaWAN |
| Power | Not stated | 8500 mAh battery | 19000 mAh battery | 8500 mAh battery | a solar panel and 3000 mAh Li-ion battery | a solar panel and 3000 mAh Li-ion battery | 1000 mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery | 1000 mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated |
| Measurement range | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | voltage: 80 to 275 V | voltage: 80 to 275 V | voltage: 8 to 28 v |
| Price | R 1 571,15 | R 2 046,48 | R 2 210,63 | R 2 217,20 | R 2 677,99 | R 3 318,18 | R 2 537,29 | R 3 177,48 | R 255,84 | R 490,34 | R 511,68 | R 691,78 | R 648,16 | R 745,71 |
What should I do next?
Move from this decision guide to the most relevant application, family, comparison or enquiry path.