Question about EXTECH DL160 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: johnmx
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2019, 11:06:28 am
content: Hi,I'm looking for a way to easily log AC current on mains. The cheapest equipment I found is the EXTECH DL160.The data sheet says "Range: 10 to 200A", but the resolution is fixed to 0.1A.The accuracy of ±(2% ±1A) is too high for a range of 10A!Does anyone know if it has only one range (200A) or several ranges (auto-range)?

author: threephase
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2019, 07:38:56 pm
content: I am currently looking at this device as well, and specific information seems to be hard to get hold of. The manual can be downloaded but didn't really expand on much.The current is measured through a clamp, so it may be that is adding to the inaccuracy. Clamp accuracy is also affected by location of the conductor in the jaws, so it may be that the accuracy specified is worst case and you can achieve much better with careful set up?I have also found an Omega product that has similar specifications. It is UK based, but they ship internationally and the device may be available in your country anyway.https://www.omega.co.uk/pptst/OM-DVCV.htmlThis device has similar current accuracy but also measures via a clamp.Kind regards

author: johnmx
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2019, 12:40:02 pm
content: I have the same doubt about the Omega OM-DVCV. The range is 1 to 300 A, with an accuracy of ±1.0 A and 0.2 A of resolution.But in this case I think that when they say 1 A of minimum range, it means that any reading below 1 A is garbage.In case of the Extech, 10 A is too high for the same limit. I expect it to measure more or less well above 1A, not above 10A.I start to think that maybe I should modify a comercial clamp meter and add some data logger function. It would be much cheaper.The UNI-T UT210E can be hacked to disable the auto shut down and add an analog output. But I prefer to get the values from the clamp meter in digital form.Any ideias about a cheap clamp meter that allow such modification?

author: threephase
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2019, 09:08:38 pm
content: I guess it depends on exactly what your requirements are. Hacking instruments is well beyond my capabilities, so I tend to look for out of the box solutions such as;PCE do a very basic clamp meter that can store 99 readings and has USB connection to PC, the manual isn't clear about the communication setup and software.https://www.pce-instruments.com/english/measuring-instruments/test-meters/clamp-on-tester-pce-instruments-clamp-on-tester-pce-pcm-1-det_287833.htm?_list=kat&_listpos=7They also do a more advanced model that can store more data, but the price goes up significantly.https://www.pce-instruments.com/english/measuring-instruments/test-meters/clamp-on-tester-pce-instruments-clamp-on-tester-pce-gpa-62-det_287835.htm?_list=kat&_listpos=1Alternatively they also sell a power transducer and a single phase power analyser.https://www.pce-instruments.com/english/measuring-instruments/test-meters/1-phase-power-meter-pce-instruments-single-phase-1-phase-power-converter-pce-p41-det_5844987.htm?_list=kat&_listpos=10https://www.pce-instruments.com/english/measuring-instruments/test-meters/1-phase-power-meter-pce-instruments-phase-power-meter-pce-pa6000-1-det_2208272.htm?_list=kat&_listpos=2If you can source the relevant adapters, Picolog may be something you could adapt.https://www.picotech.com/products/data-loggerThere are a lot more suppliers out there with different solutions, depending on exactly it is you want to do and how much work you will do yourself in creating the setup.

author: johnmx
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2019, 01:38:45 pm
content: I need to monitor the power consumption of a big building. There are a lot of wires to measure at different points of the building. Some will have much more current than others. That's why I want to have different ranges on the meter. The measurement will be done one at a time and for one week each. It's not me who is going to work with the equipment, so it must be robust and safe to touch.The Extech seems a good option without any additional work. But I don't mind to do the logging hardware if the system will be much cheaper.

author: johnmx
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2019, 07:05:19 pm
content: I asked Extech and they confirmed that the DL160 has only one range for current and another for voltage.

author: threephase
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2019, 07:40:47 pm
content: Thanks for the update. I know some on here don't think much of Extech support, but I have found that they do usually get back to you.I found a Logit clamp on my travels, but it has mixed reviews on Amazon and I think it is pretty much similar to the DL160.https://www.supco.com/web/supco_live/products/LCV.html

author: johnmx
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2019, 09:11:06 pm
content: Quote from: threephase on March 13, 2019, 07:40:47 pmThat one is not True RMS and the USB interface is not included.