[ale] Re: Power Meter (Was: Re: [ale] About that firewall machine [Was]Re: [ale] unidentified processes)

Geoffrey esoteric at 3times25.net
Wed Dec 19 12:15:26 EST 2001


jeff hubbs wrote:
> 
> Geoffrey wrote:
> 
> > John Wells wrote:
> >
> >>I'm interested in power consumption as well.  I've
> >>finally got my laptop router working well, but I
> >>really hate to leave it on 'round the clock if I'm
> >>throwing money out the window.
> >>
> >>I'm assuming Radio Shack would be the place to find a
> >>meter like this?
> >>
> >
> > Yeah, but I've not seen a cheap amp meter.  Standard vom meters you can
> > get for $10 at radio shack don't usually handle large currents ac
> > currents.  I've not priced them in a while, but last time I checked,
> > they run > $100.
> 
> Clamp-on ammeters are not going to get you what you need, especially
> since you would have to separate one conductor somewhere to put the
> sensor around.

It's a bit dangerous, but I've done the following:

Strip the ends and the middle of a couple of pieces of 12 gauge wire,
attach them to a standard outlet.  Plug the other end of the wires into
a live outlet, CAREFULLY take your reading. :)


> Call an electrician's
> supply place and ask.  The other thing I'd do is look at Fluke's Web
> site and see if they have anything that will measure power directly.  It
> should be be some kind of RMS meter that accounts for power factor and
> will give you a reading in VA.

Both the electricians supply and Fluke are going to be pricey.

> 
> - Jeff

--
Until later: Geoffrey		esoteric at 3times25.net

"...the system (Microsoft passport) carries significant risks to users
that
are not made adequately clear in the technical documentation available."
- David P. Kormann and Aviel D. Rubin, AT&T Labs - Research
- http://www.avirubin.com/passport.html

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