Current and Voltage Meter - Best?

[carlyai]

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.

[Crossy]

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.

 

[carlyai]

@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. 🙂

[carlyai]

Just ordered one of these.

[carlyai]

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?

 

[Crossy]

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?

 

 

[carlyai]

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?

[Crossy]

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.