Welcome to our site! EDAboard.com is an international Electronics Discussion Forum focused on EDA software, circuits, schematics, books, theory, papers, asic, pld, 8051, DSP, Network, RF, Analog Design, PCB, Service Manuals... and a whole lot more! To participate you need to register. Registration is free. Click here to register now.
Hi was wondering if anybody knows how to measure the current from the mains to a power supply unit physically? What sort of equipment should i be using so it is safe.
A clamp-on meter is certianly a good option. It you used a typical digital multimeter, or an ammeter of some type, you would have to break the circuit and put the meter in series with the line. The safer option is to just use a clamp-on meter.
A clamp-on current meter is by far the safest option. Something similar to this:
Be sure that you put the clamp around just one of the two AC lines (preferably the hot/black wire). If you run both the hot and neutral wires through the clamp-meter loop you'll read 0 amps, because the net flux going through the loop is cancelled out (current in + current out = 0).
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
