Device to split wires in cord to measure current

[WVBrady]

Hi guys: I don't know what the device is called, but I want to measure the current to my MaxJax. Harbor Freight used to have a device that you could plug into a wall socket and then plug the extension cord into it. It split the load into two parallel paths so that you could measure the current with a clamp on ammeter. I couldn't find it on the HF site, and when I searched on Google I couldn't find it either. I used various names and descriptions, but didn't know the proper name for the search.

Anyone know the proper name or where I could get one?

 

[slow]

Google "ac line splitter"

 

[Mickey O]

http://www.all-spec.com/Catalog/Tes...fYjQwDyHXzEIaMF7Y390tNDE1ZgbVEVBG3RoC49fw_wcB

 

[ddawg16]

Make a pig tail.....

One male plug.....one female plug.....wire them using stranded wire. Only needs to be about 12" long

 

[matt_i]

Also, you could get a clamp-meter and figure out what the draw is. Then you have a tool for many other things.

 

[WVBrady]

Thanks for all the quick replies. ac line splitter brought up several responses. Evidently HF no longer carries it.

It always helps to know the correct name, instead of saying "that thing that ...".

 

[ard]

Make a pig tail.....

One male plug.....one female plug.....wire them using stranded wire. Only needs to be about 12" long

This.

Heck, three pieces of #12 THHN....wrap around the plug and twist tight...turn breaker off and jamb into the plug. Breaker on, clamp on, fire it up.

(Disclaimer- I can do this- nobody else should take this advice...)

 

[DHCrocks]

fluke lca-10?

its a standard 5-15 plug that has an inline lead on the hot line you plug into your meter. it's only good for upto 10A or your meters capacity. you simply plug it into the wall and then plug the thing you want to monitor into it.

its not a clamp meter but will use your meters current function. it good for quick testing.

 

[R.Anderson]

Also, you could get a clamp-meter and figure out what the draw is. Then you have a tool for many other things.

Guessing you never used a clamp meter or you need to read the OP's first post. You can not get a reading when you just clamp the cord. You need to split the lines and clamp only on one of em.

 

[Angelfire]

Guessing you never used a clamp meter or you need to read the OP's first post. You can not get a reading when you just clamp the cord. You need to split the lines and clamp only on one of em.

after clamping just the cord on AC: "Damn, this thing is so efficient....it's not using any current at all!"

 

[mnoeltne]

I took one of those short 12 ga cords that has three outlets on the end, and just removed the outer sheathing for about 10".

If your draw is less than 15 amps you could just put a kill-o-watt inline.

 

[American Locomotive]

Also keep in mind that clamp meters and most inline multi-meters cannot tell the difference between real or apparent power.

Apparent power is useful for sizing circuit breakers, wiring etc..., but you only get billed based on real power - unless you're in a commercial/industrial building.

Those cheap "Kill-A-Watt" plug in power measurements devices can however tell the difference between real and apparent power, as well as tell you your power factor.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Guessing you never used a clamp meter or you need to read the OP's first post. You can not get a reading when you just clamp the cord. You need to split the lines and clamp only on one of em.

was gonna say the same thibg last night but decided to go to bed instead.

 

[DHCrocks]

here's the fluke LCA-10




easy to use and more accurate then a clamp on meter. just plug it in the meter current settings and then plug it into an outlet. then plug in your device you want to meter. simple way to get current readings. no need for an expensive clamp meter if you only want to measure plug in devices.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

here's the fluke LCA-10 easy to use and more accurate then a clamp on meter. just plug it in the meter current settings and then plug it into an outlet. then plug in your device you want to meter. simple way to get current readings. no need for an expensive clamp meter if you only want to measure plug in devices.

That really depends on the brand/model of multimeter and clamp meter

 

[galwayn]

here's the fluke LCA-10
easy to use and more accurate then a clamp on meter. just plug it in the meter current settings and then plug it into an outlet. then plug in your device you want to meter. simple way to get current readings. no need for an expensive clamp meter if you only want to measure plug in devices.

DHCrocks -- Do you have any ideas where to find one of these LCA-10s? I'm not finding them online, even at the fluke site - like they are now obsolete. I got an "altered" one in a batch of equipment, but they had cut off the 3rd prong & the black "jackets" around the probe tips, so I'd really like to get a NOS one if possible, so its like it should be.

 

[DHCrocks]

sorry galwayn, no idea. I must have bought mine 20 years ago. I highly recommend you get one with the banana plug shrouds in place for safety reasons. don't want to be accidentally shorting the outlet.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

theyre obviously no longer made, discontinued and very hard to find.

i assume u dont have a clamp meter....otherwise buy a line spliter....

 

[sberry]

This is mine for simple work.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

This is mine for simple work.

nice. whatever works

Often times the cheapest tools are the best.

Whenever i need a paperclip to reset network equipment(to push the small pin on the back) I often joke that its the most expensive tool in a network techs tool chest.

 

[nadogail]

I was not aware that a competent technician would have difficulty cobbling such a device together.

Go for it, you won't be the first person to whip up one of those.

 

[tymbo]

kill a watt

https://www.circuitspecialists.com/...R__Ubs2YEEeqOtN0ShgTViWhrfIWl4jiO0aArc98P8HAQ