Which device is typically used to monitor energy consumption?

An electrical meter is the device specifically designed to measure and monitor energy consumption in a household or facility. It records the amount of electricity used over time, typically expressed in kilowatt-hours (kWh). This allows users and utility companies to track energy usage for billing and energy management purposes.

In contrast, the other devices listed have different functions: a circuit breaker is used for safety, protecting electrical circuits from overloads and short circuits; a voltage regulator maintains a constant voltage level, ensuring that electrical equipment operates efficiently; and an arc-fault interrupter is a safety device designed to detect and interrupt arc faults, thereby reducing the risk of electrical fires. Each of these plays an important role in electrical systems but does not monitor energy consumption.