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💬General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: lviper on January 05, 2011, 11:55:11 AM

Title: Measuring Amps of a device
Post by: lviper on January 05, 2011, 11:55:11 AM

I have one of those inductive meters that can measure the amps of a circuit by looping the inductive clamp over the load wire. This works great at the breaker panel where the hot leads are accessible. Problem is I want to measure the amps for a certain device on the circuit, not the whole circuit. And there isn't an exposed hot lead to clamp around. So I wondered if this would work.

Take a heavy 3-wire extension cord and open the outer insulation exposing the 3 wires. Then I could plug this cord in between the device and the outlet allowing me to clamp the inductive ring over the hot lead. Would this show me just the amps being drawn by the device?

Title: Re: Measuring Amps of a device
Post by: Brian H on January 05, 2011, 12:30:05 PM

Yes it should.

Title: Re: Measuring Amps of a device
Post by: Brandt on January 05, 2011, 12:42:06 PM

Couldn't use something like a Kill-a-watt on the individual device?

Title: Re: Measuring Amps of a device
Post by: lviper on January 05, 2011, 01:45:31 PM

Quote from: Brandt on January 05, 2011, 12:42:06 PM

Couldn't use something like a Kill-a-watt on the individual device?

Yes, but I don't have one. I plan on ordering one but need to check a few devices now.

Title: Re: Measuring Amps of a device
Post by: Brian H on January 05, 2011, 02:15:55 PM

Should work fine for your immediate needs.

I used one at work to test machines on initial start up.
Mine was a five conductor one. Three Phase Lines, Neutral and a safety ground. As the machines where movable and plugged into a 208 three phase wall socket.

Title: Re: Measuring Amps of a device
Post by: lodtrack on January 06, 2011, 07:59:37 AM

For $20.00 I bought a plugin device made by "Blue Planet" (Canadian Tire) It shows,amps,volts and calcs watts. It records peaks of each ,can be set to trip connected load at specific load etc. If you input electricity unit price, it will track accumulated costs for the connected load. For a small cost it is a great device for snooping out electrical equipment etc.

Title: Re: Measuring Amps of a device
Post by: Brian H on January 06, 2011, 10:49:05 AM

Nice.
I have a Kill A Watt Meter myself.
It also does VA; Line Frequency and Power Factor. Along with Volts; Amps and Watts.

Title: Re: Measuring Amps of a device
Post by: Knightrider on January 07, 2011, 08:32:28 AM

FYI:

Kill-a-watt and Kill-a-watt EZ have both made it to the shack.  I picked up mine for $30.  I have also seen them at Lowe's for $29.xx.

Title: Re: Measuring Amps of a device
Post by: lviper on January 07, 2011, 09:13:29 AM

Kill-a watt at newegg for $16.99 plus $2.99 shipping.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882715001&cm_re=kill-a-watt-_-82-715-001-_-Product (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882715001&cm_re=kill-a-watt-_-82-715-001-_-Product)

Title: Re: Measuring Amps of a device
Post by: Knightrider on January 07, 2011, 09:43:29 AM

*DOH*   B:(

Title: Re: Measuring Amps of a device
Post by: Tuicemen on January 07, 2011, 10:05:04 AM

Quote from: Knightrider on January 07, 2011, 09:43:29 AM

*DOH*   B:(

Don't feel to bad I got stung for $80 +
They figured I needed it for my solar setup. Need I didn't, but it has saved me hours of power! rofl