Confirm three phase wiring


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Old 02-28-21, 03:11 PM
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Question Confirm three phase wiring

I am desiring to install myself or have an electrician install a power monitoring device. To order the correct device, I need to know whether I have single phase or three phase power. To the best I can determine, I have three phase power. But I would greatly prefer to have this confirmed. I have linked to an image of my outdoor meter and disconnect, and of my inside panel.

Thank you in advance,
Andrew

https://serenitynetworks.net/misc_im...wer_Panels.jpg
 

Last edited by PJmax; 02-28-21 at 09:31 PM. Reason: added pic from link

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02-28-21, 03:16 PM
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That is a single phase service with a quad pole breaker.
 
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Old 02-28-21, 03:16 PM
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That is a single phase service with a quad pole breaker.
 
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Old 02-28-21, 03:20 PM
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I agree. That panel is single phase because you only have two ungrounded (hot) conductors.
 
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Old 02-28-21, 03:26 PM
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Thank you both! I had it wrong. I greatly appreciate the expert feedback.

Thanks again,
Andrew
 
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Old 03-01-21, 04:30 AM
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BTW that is a very neat panel!
 
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Old 03-01-21, 05:25 AM
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As far as monitoring goes, your questions are not all answered.

You could have two legs of a 3 phase service namely 120/208 volts. This is not unusual in apartment complexes in mixed residential/commercial districts.

For the most part it behaves like a single phase (120/240 volt) service but when certain measurements need to be made a monitoring device might show funny numbers.

For good measure, measure voltage between the two hots.


 
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Old 03-01-21, 06:13 AM
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I was just beginning to wonder. If I have two hot legs then it appears I will need either a flexible sensor that I place around both leads (just as they come out of the wall) OR a sensor around just one lead and a multiplier (to double the current read). But are the two leads always equal? I'm thinking they should be, but I don't know. I was considering the following unit: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08CJGPHL9/

I found Emporia also has a community forum. I've asked there, but I wouldn't mind any experienced input here.

Thanks again,
Andrew
 

Last edited by timeoutside; 03-01-21 at 06:44 AM. Reason: More information obtained.
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Old 03-01-21, 09:59 AM
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That is a straight 240v application. It's right on the meter.
I would get the 240v power monitor that uses the two sensors... one on each hot leg.

Your panel is neat enough to use the individual sensors but you would need one sensor for every breaker/circuit you want to monitor.
 
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Old 03-01-21, 10:55 AM
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I've never used that product, so I can't comment on it specifically, but the model you have selected is exactly what you need. 2 current sensors for the two incoming hots, and 16 individual circuit sensors. You'll end up with 6 circuits not individually monitored, but I'm sure you can pick a few that are rarely used.

Looks like a nice easy install with how your panel was wired. I'd hate to try to install that in some panels I've seen!
 
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Old 03-01-21, 11:22 AM
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Thanks Pete.

I haven't had any reply yet to my post on the Emporia community forum. So to confirm my understanding, I have:
  • a single phase service
  • each of the two heavy gauge cables coming down the center of the panel are my hot legs
  • each hot leg would be 120 VAC
  • it would be preferable to have a monitor on each hot leg, rather than a single sensor over the two legs
Is this correct?

Note: The unit I'm considering does support up to 16 individual sensors, but I have something like 32 breaker positions. I'll only use the individual sensors on selected circuits.

Thanks again,
Andrew
 
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Old 03-01-21, 11:44 AM
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Thanks Zorfdt. Much appreciated.
 
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Old 03-01-21, 12:32 PM
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Update: I was able to chat with an Emporia representative. As you said, the unit I linked to above is the one I need. The 16 individual sensors won't cover all my positions, but I don't believe that will be needed. If it turns out that I do want to monitor the remaining positions then I can purchase another unit and enough individual sensors needed. The Android software will display both units within the application. There should not be any complications if I need to expand.

Thank you everyone for all your help.

Andrew
 
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Old 03-01-21, 01:21 PM
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It would be preferable to have a monitor on each hot leg, rather than a single sensor over the two legs. Is this correct?
Yes.... that is correct. You cannot use a single sensor to monitor two legs.
You need one monitor for each leg.
 
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