2007-07-24 14:52:40 · 5 answers · asked by james d 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
No, you do not add them together.
On three phase motors people often average the three readings.
2007-07-24 15:16:38 · answer #1 · answered by Thomas C 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
No, if you have a typical two-lead connection, just put your amp-meter on one of the leads (while the motor is running) and that will give you the amp draw.
2007-07-25 00:22:54 · answer #2 · answered by K S 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it is a single phase motor the amps in the hot and neutral leads would be the same. If it is three phase you need to amp each hot lead. You could total them to calculate power consumption or look at each separate one to make sure loads are equal.
2007-07-24 23:28:57 · answer #3 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Can you be more specific in what you are trying to do? By definition, the current through one lead will be identical to the current through the other lead. This is the total current. What goes in, must come out...
2007-07-24 22:16:18 · answer #4 · answered by Ed the Engineer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
for single phase reading, one lead is enough, for 3 phase motors, if you're lazy enough to take readings to all three leads, one would be enough, but just to verify if the loading in all phases are nearly identical, then better take readings in all three wires. you don't add up all readings, if you like to compute for the power drawn, use the formula;
p= 1.732* E * I *costheta:
where I= the highest reading,
E= voltage line to line,
cos theta= power factor of motor
note:
1. you can get unbalanced current reading if your line voltage is unbalanced.
2007-07-24 23:48:53 · answer #5 · answered by jesem47 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋