oven amperage fluctuates

[dgordon562]

using a clampon ammeter, I notice that the current fluctuates quite a bit, even though the oven was constantly on preheat (and hadn't reached temperature). To add to the mystery, the red and black current were not equal. Red was 12.54, then 10, then 11, then shot up to 21 amps for a second, then down to 12. Black stayed around 8.68 amps. What gives?

 

[LarryFine]

using a clampon ammeter, I notice that the current fluctuates quite a bit, even though the oven was constantly on preheat (and hadn't reached temperature). To add to the mystery, the red and black current were not equal. Red was 12.54, then 10, then 11, then shot up to 21 amps for a second, then down to 12. Black stayed around 8.68 amps. What gives?

Welcome to the forum.

Your readings suggest that it was the line-to-neutral load, i.e., 120v components, that was varying.

Either that, or a poor connection somewhere in that line.

 

[hillbilly1]

You can probably hear clicking as it pre-heats, mine does that. I believe it is the relays controlling the heating elements. Why the manufacturer does this, I don’t know, but that is probably what you are seeing.

 

[LarryFine]

You can probably hear clicking as it pre-heats, mine does that. I believe it is the relays controlling the heating elements. Why the manufacturer does this, I don’t know, but that is probably what you are seeing.

Especially if the numbers repeat.

 

[retirede]

You can probably hear clicking as it pre-heats, mine does that. I believe it is the relays controlling the heating elements. Why the manufacturer does this, I don’t know, but that is probably what you are seeing.

I’d buy that if the current variations were the same on L1 and L2 which is not the case here.