Hi all,
I have a technical question for the electrically gifted out there.
I want to install two AC amp meters to monitor my portable generator load, and my research has shown that there are two types of AC amp panel meters available - those that use a current shunt and those that use a current transformer.
I'm familiar with the workings of each, but I don't know which is better to use in my application.
My initial thoughts were that the CT would be better, as it has no direct connection to the circuit being measured, whereas a shunt is placed in line with the circuit - and that seemed like a drawback,
But the more I read the less I know.
Current shunts have very low resistance and as long as they are used below their maximum rated value they seem to have no problems.
Accuracy is important, I guess, but only in a relative way. I plan on monitoring the current on each leg of the 220 supplied by the generator so I can keep the load balanced and below the generator's max rating.
The current I'll be measuring will be below 20 Amps.
So which is 'best'?
I'm defining best as the one that will cause the least amount of power loss in the line, but there may be other considerations that I'm not aware of.
Thanks,
kpg