Unbalanced electrical load

[BobRip]

Problem solved. It DOES measure BOTH legs and the balance doesnt change anything.

This photo is courtsey of a fellow member on here, I cant take the credit:

It looks like the two legs go into the current transformer in opposite directions. This way they add the two currents together since the currents are out of phase with each other. Simple and cheap.

 

[jonyyuma]

Hey Hr3, thanks, i like to refresh my memory , and this is a good site. Just look at the interest in this thread.

 

[LD1]

I said 1500 watts not 2000.. That is a number you came up with...

I know. I was just using your "theory", NOT the actual #'s you used.

You seem to be thinking the same as me. You pay for what you use. Nothing more, nothing less.

I was just giving an example to compair to daveomak's theory.

Let me try again.

They way you and I understand it, IF there is a 1000w load on leg 1 and a 500w load on leg 2, we are paying for 1500w correct???

The way daveomack thinks, is that it takes the higher load of 1000w, and "assumes" that leg 2 is the same and bills for 2000w.

Now if we balance leg 2 by adding 500w to it...1000w on leg 1 AND 1000w on leg 2, we would now be paying for 2000w correct?

And in daveomak's theory, adding that 500w to leg 2 wouldnt increase what the meter sees, because it already though leg 2 was @ 1000w.

See what I am saying? I wasnt using your "exact" numbers. Rather your theory of understanding. Which seems to be the same as mine:thumbsup:

 

[LD1]

It looks like the two legs go into the current transformer in opposite directions. This way they add the two currents together since the currents are out of phase with each other. Simple and cheap.

BINGO. And no difference what the 120v load balance is either

 

[beppington]

All I know is I'm goin' home right now to move some wires around in my main disconnect panel so I can start savin' for retirement!!! :thumbsup: :cool2:

 

[LD1]

All I know is I'm goin' home right now to move some wires around in my main disconnect panel so I can start savin' for retirement!!! :thumbsup: :cool2:

Let us know how that works out for ya

 

[hr3]

Now we see the light,,:drink: I see why grsthegreat stayed out of this one.. I should have know better..:laughing:

 

[beppington]

Now we see the light,,:drink: I see why grsthegreat stayed out of this one.. I should have know better..:laughing:

My new status of "independently wealthy" is definitely right around the corner!!

My meter's wheel used to take 60 seconds per revolution - Now it's down to only one minute!!! :thumbsup:

I'm gonna need some investment advice.

 

[BobRip]

:

I'm gonna need some investment advice.

Send me all your money! Best advice you will get.

 

[crazyal]

Another fact about the new digital meters is they can measure and keep track of any power you send back into the system. The wheel meters will just spin backwards.

 

[LD1]

I am not "up" on green systems and alternative forms of energy, BUT....

I have been told that the meters dont actually spin backwards.

And it is usually because a SEPERATE meter.

Some companies will pay or credit you for that amount, others wont. IF they pay you, it is called "net metering". Unfortunatally, my electric company does NOT do net metering. THAT is the reason I have never looked into alternative energy, because the payorr is too long.

For example, a properly sized alternative energy system to attain a $0 bill, you would STILL pull from the grid in high demand times. (AC running, Water heater kicked on, cooking dinner), but the lower demand times, you put back on the grid to make up for it. My electric company would NOT pay me for this. So IF I wanted a $0 bill, I would have to have a large enough alternative system to handle my HIGHEST loads. But that means more $$$. And then when I am not using it to capacity the other 90% of the day, I am giving them free electricity

Another reason the electric companies what a "seperate" system is for saftey. If they have an outage or what not, they typically know where the power is comming from. But if you are tied in, it could energize lines and systems they are un-aware about unless your system is on a seperate meter.

So...IF I just go throw a solar panel on my room and tie into my house, they have no clue about it. Same for generators.

 

[ultrarunner]

I am not "up" on green systems and alternative forms of energy, BUT....

I have been told that the meters dont actually spin backwards.

And it is usually because a SEPERATE meter.

Some companies will pay or credit you for that amount, others wont. IF they pay you, it is called "net metering". Unfortunatally, my electric company does NOT do net metering. THAT is the reason I have never looked into alternative energy, because the payorr is too long.

For example, a properly sized alternative energy system to attain a $0 bill, you would STILL pull from the grid in high demand times. (AC running, Water heater kicked on, cooking dinner), but the lower demand times, you put back on the grid to make up for it. My electric company would NOT pay me for this. So IF I wanted a $0 bill, I would have to have a large enough alternative system to handle my HIGHEST loads. But that means more $$$. And then when I am not using it to capacity the other 90% of the day, I am giving them free electricity

Another reason the electric companies what a "seperate" system is for saftey. If they have an outage or what not, they typically know where the power is comming from. But if you are tied in, it could energize lines and systems they are un-aware about unless your system is on a seperate meter.

So...IF I just go throw a solar panel on my room and tie into my house, they have no clue about it. Same for generators.

My only experience is with the neighbors solar system... he's had it now for 2 years and showed my his electric bills... he did the install himself... permit cost $1800

Each month he pays a $5 standby fee and each month, even in winter, his meter spins backwards... that is why he put in an electric water heater and on the list for a Nissan Leaf...

Power company will not pay him a nickel his excess power... so he needs to use it to realize the most benefit.

His system has a grid safety interlock that required utility power to close a relay... no utility power, no power... he's in the dark till line power is restored.