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Anonymous Poster #1

Power Metering

12/07/2015 2:47 PM

Hello,

Please consider that I need your assistance regarding the following:

Im a consultant working on a project where a power meter of 500A needs to be installed on the main incomer of the main distribution board. The client advised that it is not a common practice to install a 500A meter and he requested to specify 2 Cut out cables protected by 250A each, but he wants to keep one power meter! Is it possible to have one power meter installed on 2 Cut out cables?

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#1

Re: Power Metering

12/07/2015 3:24 PM

Your question makes little in the way of sense so I will not try and decipher what you are asking.

I will say that... normally, such a service would be metered by CTs down stream of the main disconnecting means. The CTS then feed into a regular revenue meter.

Better talk to an Electrical Engineer.

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#2

Re: Power Metering

12/07/2015 3:27 PM

What planet is this project located on?

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#3

Re: Power Metering

12/07/2015 4:29 PM

You'll need to hire a COMPETENT consultant.

You and Fire Pump Selection Boy (and other anons) are poster children for banning anonymous posters.

Pardon the redundicity.

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#4

Re: Power Metering

12/07/2015 7:10 PM

Give your client their money back, you're taking money under false pretences.

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#5
In reply to #4

Re: Power Metering

12/07/2015 7:59 PM

There is no better occupation than separating fools from their money; even charlatans can spend it better.

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#6

Re: Power Metering

12/08/2015 5:52 AM

It is common practice for high current metering to use a Current Transformer(s) - CT(s) - connected to a single meter. The cable(s) carrying the current to be metered must pass along the middle of the axis of a ring-shaped CT. High voltages above about 400 also usually have potential transformers between supply & meter.

Since the voltage & if the supply is 3 phase, 3 wire, 3 phase 4 wire or single phase is not given (which may require 1 to 3 CTs), nor country or accuracy requirement & installation is determined by mechanical constraints, only a local specialist could advise you. In this context, "wire" may actually be 2, 3 or 4 in parallel at the same voltage to handle a high current

I suggest entering "electrical supply metering" in Wikipedia or another web information site which will give explanations & pictures.

67model

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#7

Re: Power Metering

12/08/2015 8:10 AM

Refer to the electrical local code and standard that should be the primary requirements. As a consultant, your professionalism is bind with your local electrical code and standard.

May be there's a secret on it.

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Anonymous Poster #2
#8

Re: Power Metering

12/08/2015 9:06 AM

For half of your consulting fee,you may consult with me for advice on electrical problems.

You must send payment in advance,because I may have other expenses,such as consulting other consultants when I have no idea what to do.

These consultants may be part of a forum of volunteers that may or may not have a clue also,but will advise freely.

The last ones I will consult will be the local Authority Having Jurisdiction,so all of my advice will be subject to being negated by the AHJ,and is not guaranteed to be approved by the AHJ.

None of my advice will be guaranteed to conform to any recognized engineering standards,but it will be supported by lots of opinions,therefor my results come with no guarantee,express or implied.

Therefor,All advice given should be verified with a licensed,fully qualified consultant.

For an exorbitant fee,including accommodations and travel,and daily expenses,I will be would be willing to testify as a self proclaimed,non qualified consultant in case of insurance,civil,or other lawsuits arising from the use of such advice.

I remain at your service.

I.B. Suomynona

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#9

Re: Power Metering

12/08/2015 2:46 PM

You did not say if this is a 3 phase or single phase system.

A "window" type induction CT of the proper ratio can be used to accurately measure the current of two or more conductors passing through it as long as both conductors are the same phase and the current direction is the same in both conductors.

Most CT suppliers provide free installation diagrams and advice/guidance for installing their products.

If you are not familiar with CT applications it is in your customer's best business interest and in your best safety interest that you obtain the services of a competent, experienced system's protection specialist to review the application and provide safe direction.

BE AWARE THAT OPEN-CIRCUITING A LIVE CT SECONDARY WINDING IS IMMEDIATELY LIFE THREATENING.

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#10

Re: Power Metering

12/10/2015 2:21 PM

The danger here is 1st, that your client definitely think he knows better than you and that is very very unusual if you are the consultant.

Bring a qualified person on the clients cost to explain the process to him and also do the installation, you and your client may kill somebody. The client can later deduct it from your fee.

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