News - General T&M

Contactless Clamp On Power Logger

10 July 2014 - Hioki launched the Clamp On Power Logger PW3365-20, capable of measuring power safely and accurately without requiring the operator to make contact with a metal conductor. Hioki developed the PW3365-20, the world's first power meter to allow operators to measure voltage safely and accurately simply by clamping a sensor around an insulated wire, in response to the needs of customers who wish to measure power more safely.

By equipping a power meter with a non-contact voltage sensor, the company has made it possible to avoid the risk of short-circuits and electric shock when measuring voltage by conventional means.

Dramatically improved safety

Clamp-style power meters have entered into widespread use in the field of power measurement. These instruments already had the ability to measure current using clamp-on sensors, allowing measurements to be made safely from outside insulated wires. However, operators have typically had to connect clips to the metal terminals of circuit-breakers or other components in order to measure voltage. This approach poses the risk of a short-circuit if the technician mistakenly allows one of the metal clips to come into contact with the adjacent metal terminal as well as the risk of electric shock if he or she inadvertently touches an exposed metal conductor.

Prior to the launch of the PW3365-20, Hioki launched the Safety HiTester 3258, a non-contact voltmeter, in 2008. By applying the measurement technology used in the 3258, the company was able to develop a sensor capable of safely measuring the voltage in an insulated wire from outside the insulation. In this way, the PW3365-20 delivers a dramatically higher level of safety to operators by delivering non-contact measurement capability for current, voltage, and power.

Measurement Principles of the World's First Non-contact Voltage Sensor

Inside the PW9020 is a metal plate that serves as an electrode, and when this electrode detects a voltage (potential difference) in the object being measured, a minuscule current flows to it. By generating a voltage such that this current is eliminated, the sensor can accurately measure the voltage in the conductor.

www.hioki.com/

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