How to Use a Clamp Meter for Measuring Power Factor

The power factor of an electrical circuit allows users to know how efficiently it transfers current. Ideally, power factor should be equal to 1 to provide the most efficient transfer of electricity. Otherwise, current is lost during transfer. Most power companies are required to keep the power factor as close to 1 as possible. Use a clamp meter to determine the power factor for whatever circuit you desire.

Instructions

1. Turn on the clamp meter. Push the large red button on the side of the meter to open the clamp meter jaws.

2. Move the clamp meter jaws over a wire in the circuit and release the red side button. The clamp jaws close around the wire.

3. Turn the clamp meter's measurement dial to the capital "A." The "A" stands for amp, the units of electrical current.

4. Touch the red (positive) lead of the meter to the positive terminal of the circuit. This might be on the battery or the place where the wire you are testing originates.

5. Touch the black (negative) lead of the meter to the negative terminal of the circuit. This might be on the battery or the place where the wire you are testing terminates. The power factor of the circuit is displayed as a number between 0 and 1.

References

• Georgia State University: Power Factor
• Fluke 345 Clamp Meter Manual: Power Factor Measurement