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Electrical Spot Measurement

Understand how to perform electrical spot measurements. Learn which tools and meter specifications you need to capture valid readings. Follow a clear, step-by-step procedure to take multiple spot measurements and record your data for analysis and use in calculations.

Measurement Overview

What:One-time measurements of various electrical properties such as true RMS power, voltage, current, and power factor.

Why:One-time measurements provide a snapshot of power draw, voltage, current, and power factor for a system or component, such as lighting fixtures, chillers, and fan or pump motors.

Duration:As many one-time measurements as needed.

When:Measurements should be taken when the system or component is operating under normal conditions.

Type of Measurement:Proxy.

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This technique uses a handheld power meter to take one-time measurements of various electrical properties such as true RMS power, voltage, current, and power factor. Measurements are taken at the electrical distribution systems such as the panel board, power panel or switchgear. One-time measurements provide a snapshot of power draw, voltage, current, and power factor for a system or component, such as lighting fixtures, chillers, and fan or pump motors. This technique is commonly used for loads with a constant power draw, including constant-speed fans, pumps, and certain lighting fixture systems.

warning Variable Power Draw
If power draw changes over time, use a data logger to take direct measurements of electrical energy consumption.

Power meters use instantaneous measurements of current and voltage to calculate the instantaneous power draw. As the meter remains connected to the distribution system, it calculates the average power draw, which is displayed on the meter’s screen. Manufacturers of power meters and data loggers use different calculation methodologies to calculate the power draw. In order to compare power draw data obtained from different loggers and meters, refer to the user manual to understand the calculation methodology used by the equipment.

info Minimum Number of Measurements
It is advised to take a minimum of three measurements 1-2 minutes apart while the system or component is in operation. The average of the three measurements (true RMS power, voltage, current and power factor) should be calculated, as averaging the values helps to reduce the measurement uncertainty.

Electrical distribution systems can have different configurations, such as three-phase delta, three-phase wye, single-phase, and split phase on a delta configuration. It is important to first identify the configuration of the system before taking any measurements. The configuration of the system will determine the connections to make with the measurement equipment. Refer to the Measurement Steps section for more details on the different configurations.

info Types of Measurements
  • Direct: Specifies a quantity of the exact item being measured.
  • Proxy: Provides an indication of the system operation but does not directly measure the quantity in question.

Measurement Tools

The measurement tools needed for this procedure is a handheld power meter with a current transformer and voltage cables. A power meter typically measures AC voltage, current, and power factor, and can display all values simultaneously.

NYC agency personnel can borrow measurement data loggers, meters, or sensors from our tool library, by selecting tools based on the required measurement duration. See recommended tools found in our library:

Power Quality Clamp Meter
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Multi-purpose electrical measurement tool used to take true RMS power readings over a short period of time.

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While some power meters can measure true three-phase power by measuring each phase, other meters with fewer wire connections can only estimate three-phase power. The Fluke 345 PQ Clamp Meter is an example of a meter that only estimates three-phase power. The Extech PQ20711 is an example of a meter that can measure three phases without estimation. Both meters should only be used on a balanced load, meaning the currents and voltages on each phase are equal. If the load is not balanced, three-phase power cannot be accurately measured with a handheld meter and a data logger with the capacity to measure three phases at the same time (such as the Dent EliteProXC2) should be used instead.

info Tip
Some power meters can log data for a short amount of time or take a screen shot of the measurements while the meter is connected to the load. Taking a picture with a phone is another option for saving measurement data.

Measurement Steps

The following sections discuss the most common wire configurations found in a distribution system and assume a handheld power meter is being used, for details on how to use power data loggers refer to the True RMS Power Measurement technique.

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Prepare Tools

The following sections discusses the most common wire configurations found in a distribution system and assume a handheld power meter is being used, for details on how to install data loggers refer to the True RMS Power measurement technique.

Values to measure:

  • True RMS power (kW)
  • Voltage (V)
  • Current (Amps)
  • Power Factor
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Install Tools and Measure

  1. Confirm that the equipment is operational.
  2. Identify whether the distribution system supplies electricity to other loads that are not relevant to the project (to avoid measuring unwanted loads).
  3. Identify the wiring configuration of the distribution system. This will determine how to set up the logger and sensors.
  4. Clamp the sensors around the electrical wires. Make sure they are facing the right direction, or the current may be recorded with negative values.
  5. Based on the wiring configuration and instructions from the equipment’s user manual, install the sensor and logger to measure the current, voltage, and power factor to the system.

See an example of how to connect the Fluke 345 PQ Clamp Meter:

How to to connect the Fluke 345 PQ Clamp Meter (1 min).
warning Three-phase Power Estimates
Some power meters can measure three-phase power with different calculation methods. Carefully read the user manual of the power meter to identify the calculations used to estimate three-phase power.

Single-phase Wire Configurations

A single-phase electrical distribution system typically consists of a hot wire and a neutral wire. The hot wire provides current to the load, while the neutral wire returns the current to the supply in order to complete the circuit. To measure the power draw of a single-phase system, measure the voltage across the hot wire and neutral wire, and measure the current of the hot wire. Figures 2 and 3 are examples of how measurement tools offered by the FELL are connected on a single-phase system.

A diagram of a Fluke 345 Power Quality Clamp Meter
Single-phase power measurement connections for the Fluke 345 Power Quality Clamp Meter. Image courtesy of Fluke Corporation.
A diagram of a Clamp Meter on a split phase connection
Single-phase, three wire or split-phase connections for the Extech Instruments Clamp meter, model PQ2071. Image courtesy of Extech Instruments.

Three-phase Wire Configurations

For a three-phase distribution system, there are two common wire configurations: the three wire (delta) and four wire (wye). Both wire configurations require slightly different connections of the voltage leads. Manufacturers of power meters have specific instructions for making connections for a given wire configuration. Refer to the power meter’s user manual for detailed instructions. Figures 3, 4, and 5 are examples of how some of the meters offered by the FELL are connected to three-phase systems.

A diagram of a Fluke 345 Power Quality Clamp Meter performing a three-phase measurement
Three-phase power measurement using the Fluke 345 Power Quality Clamp Meter. Image courtesy of Fluke Corporation.
info Note
For the connection illustrated above, this power meter can only measure line-to-line voltage of two phases and the current of the third phase to estimate True RMS power.
A diagram of a Clamp Meter on a split phase connection
Three-phase, three wire (delta) power measurement connections using the Extech Instruments Clamp meter, model PQ2071 (left). Three-phase, four wire (wye) power measurement connections using the clamp meter (right).
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Select Calculator(s)

These calculators will output estimated annual energy consumption for relevant components using measured data. Download the calculator for your specific component’s measurement strategy and add your measurement data.

Fans and Motors

Select a calculator based on your measurement strategy.

Constant Two-Speed Fan Energy (Current) Calculator

Estimates annual electricity consumption of a supply and return fan that have two operating speeds (high and low) using electrical current data.

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Constant Two-Speed Fan Energy (Speed) Calculator

Estimates annual electricity consumption of a two-speed fan, using rpm data (can be used with up to two fans).

Measurements Required:
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Constant Speed Cooling Tower Fan Energy (Current) Calculator

Estimates annual electricity consumption for up to four (4) constant speed cooling towers, using electrical current data.

Download Calculator download
Constant Speed Cooling Tower Fan Energy (Runtime) Calculator

Estimates annual electricity consumption for up to four (4) constant speed cooling towers, using motor runtime data.

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Pumps and Motors

Variable Speed Pump Energy (Speed) Calculator

Estimates annual electricity consumption of a variable speed chiller pump, using speed data.

Measurements Required:
Download Calculator download

Lighting Fixtures

Select a calculator based on your measurement strategy.

Lighting Fixture Energy (Current) Calculator

Estimates annual electricity consumption for a sum of lighting fixtures in a mixed lighting panel, using current of the circuits boards.

Download Calculator download
Lighting Fixture Energy (Runtime) Calculator

Estimates annual electricty consumption for a sum of lighting fixtures, using runtime data

Download Calculator download

Troubleshooting

This section provides some troubleshooting tips for the most common issues with tool installation.

It can be difficult or confusing to know how to connect a power meter to a panelboard because panelboards can have many different colored wires. Older panelboards might not have clear or accurate labeling at the circuit breakers, making it challenging to make proper connections. In cases where it is unclear how the power is distributed, do not touch the panel or install any sensors without first having someone from the facility identify the power distribution.
Connect the sensors at the panelboard’s input or measure at the switchgear.
Voltage connection can be difficult if you are not using the correct attachments. Voltage cables can have alligator clips or leads to accommodate for space constraints. In a case where connection cannot be made, use different size voltage leads or investigate alternative attachments for the panelboard’s configuration.
At times, measurements will return as negative values because of how the voltage cables are connected. Connect voltage cables in different ways until you obtain positive values. Make sure the connections are correct for accurate power measurements. If you are not sure about the connections, consult a certified electrician.