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Smart Energy Meter & Breaker / Monitoring

What is prepaid kWh or usage-limit cut-off on a smart meter?

Short answer: Some Smart Life meters may allow a prepaid kWh or usage-limit setting, where power cuts off after the set usage is reached. eWeLink meters usually do not have this cut-off function.
Intermediate Last reviewed: 2026-06-26

Explanation

Some Smart Life smart meters may include a prepaid kWh or usage-limit function. For example, you may set 100 kWh, and when the usage reaches that amount, the meter cuts off the output.

This is different from electrical protection such as over-voltage or over-current protection. A prepaid kWh function is based on accumulated electricity usage, not an unsafe voltage or current condition.

eWeLink smart meters usually do not have this prepaid kWh cut-off function, but some eWeLink models are preferred when CSV export is needed for tenant billing. Always check the exact product model and app features before purchasing.

Common mistakes

  • Calling prepaid kWh 'over-energy protection'
  • assuming eWeLink and Smart Life meters have the same functions
  • treating usage-limit cut-off as electrical safety protection.

Troubleshooting / next steps

  • If prepaid kWh cut-off is required, confirm the exact model before purchase. If CSV export is required instead, eWeLink models may be more suitable.

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