Potential overload of ring mains

[Callcom]

That's a good idea, thanks!

 

[Callcom]

Had a look at clamp meters, great solution except you can only clamp individual conductors - apart from a Megger model which doesn't seem available any more. Individual conductors are only accessible in the CU, not sure if you could get the clamp in there. Splitting cables doesn't seem an easy option?

 

[Callcom]

Maybe the idea is a flexible adapter, a hoop you can unplug and pass behind the conductor and then re-plug, pushing the banana plugs at the other end of the adapter into your multimeter. Not cheap at £100+ though.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Individual conductors available in every socket. on a ring final the same current(ish) will be at every socket.
But there’s usually room for a clamp meter in the CU, One of the line conductors going into the MCB Is the usual place. There’s usually a short loop at that point.

 

[Callcom]

I hadn't thought about the sockets - presumably you'd need a plug-in module with split cables attached? Cheers

 

[Taylortwocities]

No, you won’t get any current there.
Unscrew the socket and access the conductors behind. But better and more accurate inside the consumer unit.

 

[Callcom]

OK, thanks for your help.

 

[DPG]

Take socket front off, clamp meter on live conductor. Don't do it using a 13A plug top as you will only see the current that the plugged in device is using.

 

[shaun1]

Or you can clamp the live meter tail to get total current. And then switch on one circuit at a time to see individual circuit currents.

 

[Pete999]

Had a look at clamp meters, great solution except you can only clamp individual conductors - apart from a Megger model which doesn't seem available any more. Individual conductors are only accessible in the CU, not sure if you could get the clamp in there. Splitting cables doesn't seem an easy option?

I have 1 of those Megger clamps handy bit of kit.

 

[Callcom]

Thanks for the suggestions, some good ones there. CU might be the best bet, though space is a little limited. I also thought you needed to avoid close proximity to other conductors as that might affect the magnetic field. I'll go for the cheap clamp meter off Amazon and experiment - though as I say there's been no tripping at all so far even with the system under reasonably high load (I'm not looking forward to the bill though..)

 

[Pete999]

Thanks for the suggestions, some good ones there. CU might be the best bet, though space is a little limited. I also thought you needed to avoid close proximity to other conductors as that might affect the magnetic field. I'll go for the cheap clamp meter off Amazon and experiment - though as I say there's been no tripping at all so far even with the system under reasonably high load (I'm not looking forward to the bill though..)

This is what you need, might find one on ebay, I still have mine.
http://www.biddlemegger.com/biddle-ug/Flexiclamp_200_UG.pdf

 

[Pete999]

This is what you need, might find one on ebay, I still have mine.
http://www.biddlemegger.com/biddle-ug/Flexiclamp_200_UG.pdf

FLEXICLAMP200 NEUTRAL | Flexiclamp 200 multicore clamp meter | 241-4007 | Welcome to RS Online - http://in.rsdelivers.com/product/neutral/flexiclamp200/flexiclamp-200-multicore-clamp-meter/2414007

 

[GeorgeCooke]

Yes they are Haverlands. I've looked them up and they are thermostatic programmable, very efficient etc etc.

ALL electric heaters are 100% efficient so that is very misleading etc etc.

 

[Taylortwocities]

. I also thought you needed to avoid close proximity to other conductors as that might affect the magnetic field. .)

The single conductor that you measure is enclosed by the meter clamp jaws. So other influences are not a problemo.

 

[Callcom]

Thanks again for the suggestions, I'll have a look at the Flexiclamp.
Yes that's right about the 'efficiency' claims. I got the impression that Haverland were suggesting they could produce more heat per amp, but how you would measure that I'm not sure, without some sort of comparison. They certainly chuck out the heat and no-one's been cold, but as I say we'll see what the elec bill is like before celebrating.

 

[Callcom]

Can't find a Flexiclamp 200 anywhere, even Ebay. I guess one might come up sometime, in the meantime I'll go for the cheapo Amazon one - thanks Taylortwocities for the advice re ohter influences

 

[Pete999]

Can't find a Flexiclamp 200 anywhere, even Ebay. I guess one might come up sometime, in the meantime I'll go for the cheapo Amazon one - thanks Taylortwocities for the advice re ohter influences

Still got mine?

 

[davesparks]

Or you can clamp the live meter tail to get total current. And then switch on one circuit at a time to see individual circuit currents.

Which is a far more sensible suggestion than messing around trying to get a clamp meter into a consumer unit, or measure half the current at a socket!

 

[davesparks]

Individual conductors available in every socket. on a ring final the same current(ish) will be at every socket.
But there’s usually room for a clamp meter in the CU, One of the line conductors going into the MCB Is the usual place. There’s usually a short loop at that point.

There’s an obvious problem with this suggestion, and other methods of measurement are safer to carry out.