Shopping For Current Sensors
When working with electrical currents, being able to measure the existing voltage is a vital part of the work process. Once you're aware of the voltage present, you can be guided toward appropriate maintenance tasks or solutions for your problems. If a voltage is too low, for example, the system can be repaired. If safety is a concern and a voltage is too high because of overloaded circuits or other issues, they can be safely cut off before an emergency if there is a measuring tool in place. Current sensors are generally chosen for this purpose, as they detect voltage through conversion of a current's magnetic field. Many models exist, but attention to the list of following sensor tips is vital if you want one that will meet your needs.
Use Hall Effect Current Sensors
By using the so-called "hall effect," these sensors can often return more accurate results for more currents. Therefore, if you plan to be testing both very low and very high voltages, hall effect sensors are preferable. Often these types of sensors are also better with a wider range of environment temperatures as well, which can can be useful if you need measurements while certain machines are powered up and in motion. Some hall effect current sensors can be attached directly to a conductor, making them even more user-friendly.
Get Sensors for the Appropriate Range
Current Sensors need to be exposed to the magnetic field of the current being tested. Depending on the range of the particular sensor you choose, the sensor will not work well if you misjudge the distance within which the magnetic field reaches. Usually, there will be some guidance from the manufacturer of the equipment and materials you're testing, but if not, opt for sensors that will work for longer ranges.
Select Sensors that Don't Drain Energy
In order to function, whatever model sensor you select will require some energy from the surrounding system to remain powered up. Take care to only consider models that you know will use small amounts of system energy. Hall effect models, for instance, usually will not drain the system. Low-energy models sometimes cost more than others, but they save energy, which may lower costs elsewhere.
Searching for these details should allow you to purchase sensors that function properly. Talk more with an industrial electrician about which sensors make the best business sense for your facility's needs.
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