ITTSB.EU Blog Forum
Electrical Applications | Basic Power Analysis | Accessories | PSU | UPS evaluation | Battery analysis | CCTV camera system troubleshooting => Power Analysis accessories (Test leads, Active & differential probes) => Topic started by: Kiriakos GR on September 10, 2023, 10:29:21 AM
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Intro:
When using AC bench-top Power meter (direct input shunt) and or an Oscilloscope with BNC current probe, golden rule this is the AC current measurement to be performed at the side of Neutral wire.
Current measurement at the side of Neutral wire, for a BNC current probe, this assists to measure a lower level of noise line peak-up (cleaner waveform).
Current measurement at the side of Neutral wire when using AC bench-top Power meter (direct input shunt), this assist in favor of more accurate measurement of very low current at range of 10mA and lower.
Voltage input at power analyzer this always cause a minimum of current flow, due power meter impedance due input resistance.
Now when the shunt this is connected to phase instead of neutral wire, additional loading caused because a tiny amount of energy this return to ground wire.
And so, and in both cases it is recommended us to have awareness of which is the neutral wire.
Especially for power meter analyzer, we should also be able to verify that Earth-Ground wire this is active at the side of the DUT.
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Since the year 2022 and later there is available a new generation of Smart voltage detector Socket.
New LCD screen with graphical representation about the status of all three wires (Phase, Neutral, Earth).
Along double volt meter, first for AC line voltage, and the second for neutral to earth wire voltage.
And these gadgets also include RCD testing at 30mA of test current.
Due the fact that all these gadgets along of Pen type (Phase, Neutral) detectors, both using double AAA alkaline, few more aspects they should be reviewed other than their actual electrical functionality.
AAA alkaline battery this is prone to battery liquids leakage.
Pen type (Phase, Neutral) detectors, they should have waterproofing along of drop proof specification.
Socket type Smart voltage detector, this should include an easy way replacing the AAA batteries.
This period of time I am exploring entire market about both gadgets, this technical innovation now comes from China mainland, and there is much to be discovered.
a) Which products has true CE compliance and or approval for export?
b) Which products was designed with shielded battery compartment against battery fluid leakage?
c) How much drop-proof is the socket type?
d) Is there a true waterproof pen type voltage tester?
e) Are these gadgets designed for professional use?
According my personal views, all answers must be found first and before someone demonstrate trust at using them.
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Usually the treasures of mainland China, they are 6$ USD worth items, these sold at Alibaba or AliExpress.
The source of these testers are brands which manufacture the low-end of digital multimeter.
I strongly doubt that they follow any IEC and or CE certifications for these gadgets, when they do not do that either for their multimeter.
True electricians does not need these socket testers. ;)
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There is the term (ATE) = Automatic Test Equipment.
These socket tester (if they was a reliable solution) they add a bit of automation at AC wall socket quick inspection. :)
Especially in our times that Schuko female plug might include safety protection cover for the pins.
At large factory we are unable to install RCD protection, and therefore these gadgets does not offer much of help to us.
After this incident https://www.ittsb.eu/forum/index.php?topic=825.0 now I am more cautious about anything battery powered.
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Yes I do understand, two small AAA alkaline these to kill an 30 EUR purchased tool, it is a painful experience.
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Well I decided to cancel any further research about these gadgets.
Especially when such product sources, they feel so confident about their work, at the level of not delivering any product samples. ;D
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If I was not a real electrician, then I would advice you to go DIY... ;D
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If I was not a real electrician, then I would advice you to go DIY... ;D
I was ready to go DIY, because eBay pricing this is now tremendously hostile. :P
At approximately 10 EUR (price+VAT+shipping) you can get ANENG AC09D.
I do consider it as better than nothing.
https://www.sunsky-online.com/p/TBD0601985902/ANENG-Backlight-Digital-Display-Socket-Ground-Wire-Voltage-Tester-Specification-AC90D-EU-Plug.htm (https://www.sunsky-online.com/p/TBD0601985902/ANENG-Backlight-Digital-Display-Socket-Ground-Wire-Voltage-Tester-Specification-AC90D-EU-Plug.htm)
The fancy revision with large screens and batteries, they are now priced as to was made of gold. ???