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Old 08-03-2010, 01:16 PM   #1
snfexpress
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Meters installed

Our project for today was to install the amp/volt/kW/Hertz meters.

After cutting power to the rig, we removed the 120 volt distribution panel and started to ponder how to get wires from the panel to next to the awning switch. Finally we fished the tape to the right spot and then it was all about wiring everything up per the instructions.

Here's the end result:

 
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Old 08-03-2010, 01:47 PM   #2
H. John Kohl
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Looks nice.
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Old 08-03-2010, 02:41 PM   #3
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As we get older it's nice to know there are two RV specialists in the family.
Mom and Dad
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Old 08-03-2010, 03:20 PM   #4
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Oh, that is cool beans...
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Old 08-03-2010, 03:49 PM   #5
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Nice Job!
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Old 08-04-2010, 12:48 PM   #6
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Once again you did a nice job.
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Old 08-04-2010, 03:20 PM   #7
bobsals
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snfexpress, just a quick question. Since you installed a multifunction meter, why did you install two of them? Just wondering as I ordered one today. Thanks
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Old 08-04-2010, 03:29 PM   #8
helmick
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Very clean looking job.
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Old 08-05-2010, 05:48 AM   #9
Tom S.
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quote:Originally posted by bobsals

snfexpress, just a quick question. Since you installed a multifunction meter, why did you install two of them? Just wondering as I ordered one today. Thanks
You have two hot lines on 220. He's monitoring ampreage draw on both sides.

Very nice looking install!
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Old 08-05-2010, 08:03 AM   #10
bobsals
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Tom S. I have always had a 30 amp cord on my units. The new unit I have now has a 50 amp service. Are you saying that when plugged into a 50 amp outlet we are hooked to 220?
Thanks
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Old 08-05-2010, 09:37 AM   #11
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Just called the campground that we stay at every year and they confirmed that the 50 amp supply is indeed two 120V feeds. Or across the legs is 240V.
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Old 08-05-2010, 04:03 PM   #12
snfexpress
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Bob,

Think about it as two legs of 120 volts instead of 240 and then everything starts to make sense. In our rigs, everything runs off of 120 volts (on AC). To get 50 amps out of one cable would require it to be very large in diameter for the run required from source to campgroud pedestal.

To be sure, some have 220 outlets installed (for dryers) in their rigs, but not many, and I would imagine that they have special considerations when not connected to split phase service.

So, to monitor two 120 volt supplies, I needed two meters.

I did confirm that when connected to a 30 amp supply with a crossover dogbone, both meters still read the correct amperage being drawn on each leg, while the volts and hertz will be close to identical (barring wire length).

The primary reason for the meters is to monitor amperage when we are running on our generators - the project we are working on now is building a platform on the back of the 5er to enclose and support them. We're a couple of days into it and I already have cuts and blood drip...

Hope this helps.
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Old 08-07-2010, 12:10 AM   #13
bobsals
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It makes sense now that i see that it's 240 volts when plugged into a 50 amp service. The main reason I want to use the meter is because I replaced my heavy 50 amp cord with a 30 amp cord and just want to make sure it doesn't get overloaded. Since we only have one AC and no dryer, probably don't have to worry about it anyway. The meter is on it's way and still pondering on the best way to hook up a single meter. I spoke with a gentleman at Datel and discussed what I wanted to do with it. Because of the three wire configuration (240 or 120 with the two hot wires being the same phase when on 120) he said to experiment. Possibly just running the neutral through the coil would work but only when operating on 120. I will post my results when returning from the Thousand Islands around the 18th.
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Old 08-26-2010, 05:09 AM   #14
hamcamper
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Did you use the one that has the remote CT? How much were they? What are the lights on the bottom of the display? I didn't see any on the information page on the link you provided.
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Old 08-26-2010, 09:12 AM   #15
snfexpress
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Here are the specs on the meters. Sorry for the original link - it seems to change based on the UID in the url.

The meters are $65 each and shipping was something like $5 for two. The light on the bottom indicates the current mode: Voltage, Amps, kW, Hz.

Yes, they have remote CT's. I cut the approximately 2 inch wires and spliced in some additional wire.

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