David Warren
New member
Question: When I measure current with a clamp-on amp meter on a three phase load am I reading the KW or the KVA.
Measuring Power
- Thread starter David Warren
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ron
Senior Member
- Location
- New York, 40.7514,-73.9925
Re: Measuring Power
If you are only using a clamp-on meter, you are only measuring amps. Depending on the type of clamp-on, it is either inclusive of harmonic content (true RMS type) or not (averaging type).
If you are only using a clamp-on meter, you are only measuring amps. Depending on the type of clamp-on, it is either inclusive of harmonic content (true RMS type) or not (averaging type).
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
Re: Measuring Power
I agree with Ron. But to address your question, you are reading the amps associated with KVA, not just the amps associated with KW.
I agree with Ron. But to address your question, you are reading the amps associated with KVA, not just the amps associated with KW.
ron
Senior Member
- Location
- New York, 40.7514,-73.9925
Re: Measuring Power
Charlie,
I'm confused. I would say it was amperage associated with both kVA and kW.
Charlie,
I'm confused. I would say it was amperage associated with both kVA and kW.
ron
Senior Member
- Location
- New York, 40.7514,-73.9925
Re: Measuring Power
bob,
I appreciate the reply, although I sorta got that part straight in my head.
My point was that amps is amps whether your calculating kVA or kW. There is just the extra power factor term involved with kW as you properly pointed out.
bob,
I appreciate the reply, although I sorta got that part straight in my head.
My point was that amps is amps whether your calculating kVA or kW. There is just the extra power factor term involved with kW as you properly pointed out.
- Location
- Lockport, IL
- Occupation
- Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
Re: Measuring Power
If you had a measured voltage value, you could take the measured current and calculate KVA. You could not also calculate KW without some additional information. That is why I said the amps were those associated with KVA, not with KW. Perhaps I should have said "not only with KW."
I won't say that your way of putting it is wrong, but I will say that it is redundant. The amps associated with KVA includes the amps associated with KW.
If you had a measured voltage value, you could take the measured current and calculate KVA. You could not also calculate KW without some additional information. That is why I said the amps were those associated with KVA, not with KW. Perhaps I should have said "not only with KW."
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