Electrical Question

[Matt L.]

Okay, I am building a new electrical pannel for my reef tank, and I was wondering if I could install an inline ammeter (amp meter) to measure the amperage draw from all my equipment?

I am confused because this is a standard 120V AC circuit, and therefore I don't know what form of reading I would get of if it would be useful.

As an aside, I am not doing anything risky, like trying to run a load right up below the fuse limit for the circuit. I am just curious if it can be done (engineer).

If it can be done, do you have a recommendation on a manufacturer and model?

Matt

 

[wrassefan]

code is 80% of the circuit so if it is a 15amp breaker...it is 12. Any more and you risk it tripping and getting hot .....and worse.

 

[nitrofish]

Okay, I am building a new electrical pannel for my reef tank, and I was wondering if I could install an inline ammeter (amp meter) to measure the amperage draw from all my equipment?

theres a new device called a "kill-a-watt" that you might want to look into

 

[Scuba_Dave]

He wants to see what is in use, not what the max he can draw.
Killowatt may work, I still haven't pu mine from Scott
Maybe an external meter would be better, but not sure how you could test then

 

[dedfish]

http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/killawatt-review.html

 

[Matt L.]

Yeah, forget adding one inline. I'll just get one of those. That will do exactly what I want it to do (measure Amperage, in addition to cumulative killowatts) my reef uses. Thanks guys,

Matt