As you can imagine with a large proportion of engineering activities, choosing the incorrect tool may have serious implications on the results of your measurements. The information contained below is to help visitors make a more informed decision on a power analyser which is most appropriate for their requirements.
The method used depends on whether DC or AC power is being calculated. AC power is further broken down into three types, see below:
DC power: DC power is calculated by multiplying voltage (Volts) by current (Amps). The resultant power is measured in Watts (W). This is based on Ohm's law, and is true where the flow of current is always in the same direction.
AC power: In an alternating current (AC) circuit consisting of a source and a load, both the current and voltage are sinusoidal at the same frequency. AC power consists of active power, reactive power and apparent power.
A harmonic is a sinusoidal waveform with frequency that is an integer multiple of the fundamental frequency, caused by non-linear loads (e.g. rectifiers, lighting, saturated machines).
Harmonics can cause adverse effects like heating losses and higher audible noise emission in electrical systems.
Advanced power analyzers like the Dewetron power analyzer can perform: