Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => AmpTools/Tech Tips => Topic started by: jim on June 08, 2022, 09:42:18 pm

Title: measure house voltage available and AC current draw of device
Post by: jim on June 08, 2022, 09:42:18 pm

I have acquired a 150 volt AC voltmeter and a 3 amp AC current meter.  I want to build a permanently installed test station in my workshop so that I can check house current draw of my amps and other devices.I also have a 5 amp variac and 250 watt isolation transformer.   I know the basics but I am not quite up on designing the device test station myself.  Does anyone have any circuit drawings that I could examine so that I could do this properly and safely?    Jim

Title: Re: measure house voltage available and AC current draw of device
Post by: acheld on June 08, 2022, 10:07:07 pm

Go to:  http://sluckeyamps.com/misc/Amp_Scrapbook.pdf (http://sluckeyamps.com/misc/Amp_Scrapbook.pdf) and page down until you get to the PZEM panel meter.  There you go.

This device is not expensive, works great.

When I want to check current draw, I whip out  :icon_biggrin: the variac, set it to 120VAC (my usual house voltage), and the current consumed by the device being tested is displayed. 

Not sure which ammeter you have, but you could set up a simple extension cord with a 4" electrical box, put your coil and connections in that, with an outlet to connect to and would work fine.  The electrical connections should be the same as with the PZEM panel meter.   

Good luck.  Nice to show us a photo when you're done.   No need to get over fancy with something like this . ..

Title: Re: measure house voltage available and AC current draw of device
Post by: Latole on June 21, 2022, 03:46:04 am

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=PZEM-061+panel+meter&crid=2C4FLNWM47SX6&sprefix=pzem-061+panel+meter%2Caps%2C80&ref=nb_sb_noss

One of many meter you cant buy:

Title: Re: measure house voltage available and AC current draw of device
Post by: Latole on June 21, 2022, 03:47:16 am

Quote from: acheld on June 08, 2022, 10:07:07 pm

Go to:  http://sluckeyamps.com/misc/Amp_Scrapbook.pdf (http://sluckeyamps.com/misc/Amp_Scrapbook.pdf) and page down until you get to the PZEM panel meter.  There you go.

This device is not expensive, works great.

v ..