Seasonic Power Angel Review

How we happened upon this product to review is interesting. While reading other computer reviews I happened across one about the Seasonic Power Angel Review kit. The kit is specific to power supplies and allows the user to determine power supply output measurements at varying load values. Well this puppy was just what the Doctor ordered for this writer, no more guessing at load values when reviewing power supplies. The device would allow consistent measurements and uniformity across the board for all the power supplies I reviewed.

What happened next went something like this; I wrote Shane, Bjorn3d's Managing Editor, who inturn wrote Seasonic requesting one of the kits, which incidentally is only available for members of the press. Seasonic responded that they did not have one of the complete kits in stock at the present time but they did have a portion of the kit, the Seasonic Power Angel monitor which they shipped posthaste. As it turned out "portion of the kit" was a true statement, about 40% to be exact.

Well not being one to turn down a review, well not often anyway, I decided to go ahead and check the product out. Much to my surprise I found out that it had a number of other "real world" uses besides just being a component of the power supply review kit. So today we're going to give you the scoop on what those uses are and how directly or indirectly this tool may help you not only in checking out your computer system's power needs but also almost any electrical device you have, with certain limitations of course.

As the picture in the Introduction shows the Seasonic Power Angel arrived in a plastic encasement somewhat reminiscent in shape of the the state of Rhode Island, or is it Connecticut. Shapes not withstanding, the packaging was more than adequate to protect the cargo it carried within. My first impression was that it appeared to be solid and quite well built. It has a large digital readout with function buttons located just below the digital screen. The device essentially functions to measure the output and many other measurements of a single 110 AC volt connection, or as a conduit between two 110 volt AC connections. It can measure and/or calculate the following :

• Voltage
• Current (V)
• Power (W)
• Power Factor
• VA
• Hz
• Accumulated KWH
• Duration (in time after power on)

    

The front view of the above pictures shows the input for a 110v connection and the rear shows where the Power Angel connects to a 110v connection. The device can be chained in between other devices (i.e.; a power supply connected to the front and a UPS to the rear) as long as a circuit is established. The device doesn't require any batteries as it gets its power from the 110 volt connection(s) it services.

Features

• Help to forecast and manage your electric bill.
• Monitor AC power quality to protect sensitive instruments.
• Choose the correct Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) based on the real VA of your equipment.
• Pocket-sized, light and stylish design.
• Use it anywhere with any 120VAC appliance.
• Easy-to-see large LCD display.
• Single-press buttons for all functions.
• Plug it into the AC outlet, plug in the appliance and start monitoring immediately.
• 8 power measurement functions.
• High power capacity to use with devices up to 1875 watts at 125 volts.
• Suitable for home, school, office or even factory.

Specifications

• Dimension:   133.6 (L) x 70.0 (W) x 39.6 (H) mm
• Weight:   130 grams
• Approvals:   ETL for US and Canada
• Model number:   SSM-1508RA
• AC Input:   115 V, 50/60 Hz
• Maximum Voltage:   125 V, 50/60 Hz
• Maximum Current:   15 A
• Maximum Power:   1875 VA
• Accuracy:   2%
• Warranty:   6 months
• Power Consumption:   10 W max.
• Operating environment:   0~40°C, 80% relative humidity