I need to do some load tests for my upcoming solar project.

I wish to purchase some current and voltage meters to install in the CU on the incoming 3 phase supply.

There are many available and I would like a recommendation on what brand to buy.

As you have noted there are literally zillions of suitable devices at various prices available on Lazada.

• What do you actually want to measure? certainly V, A, W and kWh
• Do you want it to log usage over time?
• Do you want Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/RS-485 connectivity so you can link it to your PC, smart device (Alexa etc.) or Home Assistant to analyse the results?
• Do you want it DIN mount or in a separate standalone box?

I would go for one that uses current transformers rather than direct connection, easier to wire and fewer joints to fail/get warm.

 

For brands, I've had good experiences with Chint and Tomzn kit as lower-cost units, of course the big names are there too with suitably big prices.

 

@Crossy thanks.

I think I will go for a 3 phase CT meter, DIN mount, WiFi Bluetooth/RS-485 connectivity and logger.

I will have a look at the brands you mentioned. 🙂

Just ordered one of these.

While doing some power rearrangement in my outside CU (re-installing my 4 square MOV's. grrrrrr. to use the power for my Zigbee energy meter), I noticed a discolouration of one of the main cct. breaker links. Should I:

Panic, worry, drink another Leo or beat the wife?

 

It does look like it's got a bit warm but appearances can be deceptive of course.

 

Any indication that that leg has bigger current than the others?

 

 

Thanks Crossy. 

No indication and no breaker drops.

As an aside: I think I will need a heat sensor meter like you bought for you solar stuff. Do you remember the model etc?

Also, eventually, when I install my solar system, I will install the phase to the garage on solar first, (got my pool equipment and EV charger there.)

If I buy a 3 phase solar inverter, but only load with 1 phase first, any problems?

Thermal imager thread.

 

 

Running a 3-phase inverter heavily unbalanced is generally not recommended by most manufacturers, you might be better with 3 x single-phase units configured for 3-phase.