DIY Line Splitter for AC Digital Clamp Meter
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- čas přidán 11. 09. 2021
- Expand the use of your AC clamp meter by using a line splitter to measure current in any household device with out having to splice into the circuit. Better yet, build your own line splitter to safely and conveniently measure amps draw.
Easy to build and every so useful. You'll need to repurpose or purchase a three prong 15 amp power cord, a 5-15R power plug, a screw driver, wire cutter, wire stripper, and a little bit of time. Follow the detailed video to make your own. - Jak na to + styl
In Heavy Industry as an Electrician, I used my Sta-kons (Crimpers with Cutters on the End) to do some work on Power Cords for Plug Replacement, but if you cut a very shallow groove with a knife from the points you intend to remove the Outer Jacket from, then using a cutter (Diagonals or Sta-Kon Cutter) to get the initial start, in the Groove, like you cut around the Outer Jacket, once you have enough to pull, the Outer Jacket will split easily along the shallow knife cut. Of course, never use on Live cable, and check closely for nicks in the wires when the outer Wire Jacket is off. Thanks for the video.
Can't be stressed enough to check for nicks in the wires, especially for us DIY folks who don't handle wiring everyday. Thank you so much for sharing your experience, it is always great to learn.
Very well explained how to video. Great job!
Thank you for the feedback and for watching.
Thank you.
Mihai, this cord has come in handier than I thought it would be. Thank for watching.
It would also be really helpful if you listed in your video the clamp meter you’re using or recommend.
I do mention the model number in the beginning of the video, the AC/DC clamp meter is Klein Tools CL390. I think it was about $89, it is my go to meter, replacing a very old Sears analog multi-meter.
If I want to check out a 20 amp device or a 2o amp outlet don't I need a 12 ga wire and a 20 amp plug and socket to get true reading on higher amperage circuit ? A 14 ga wire and a 15 amp male and female plug wouldn't be able to carry full true load and reading on meter would be artificially low ???
Frank, good point. I would say if you plan on using this on devices that mainly draw close to 20 amps, then configure the line splitter for that type of use. If I just need to get a QUICK read the 14g wire and 15 amp plugs will suffice. Thank you for bringing this up.
I am curious about that safety tip of not having lead probes attached durring a clamp reading. What is the potential risk?
The clamp meter provides protection when used correctly. However, inserting the test probes into the input jacks while measuring current can compromise this protection. Never measure current while the test probes are inserted into the input jacks. It provides a potential path for current.
Why not just use a 15amp rated extension cord and split the wires like you showed and call it a day? Why replace the female socket?
good idea
Rob, while I repurposed a power cord from a deceased compressor, one can use any short 15 amp rated three prong extension cord and as you say call it a day. I would rather repurpose an unused cord (if avail) then take a perfectly good extension cord out of service. Thank you for watching and the excellent question.
@@cfldriven appreciate the thought!
Made an EU version as you cannot find a pre made one
Sounds like you could start a side business in the EU. Glad to hear the video was helpful.
HT Instruments has one, but it is indeed very very rare unfortunately
@@fulee9999 and expensive, making it was under $5 🙂
@@emonty62 oh yeah, no question about it, even the Test boy TV435 hovers around 40-50 EUR...
Please in spanish
You can get Spanish closed caption by selecting CC, than gear symbol (settings) > subtitles > auto-translate > Spanish
I hope that helps.