Electrical – How does one determine the current draw on a single circuit

circuit breakerelectricalhome-automation

Is it possible to be able to measure a single 15A circuit at any point along the circuit to determine if there is a current draw on that circuit and how much it is?

I'd like to figure out how to put a sensor on my home's circuits to be able to integrate the results into my home automation system, and thus, be able to create limits that would trigger specific scripts or routines, etc.

Best Answer

There are a variety of pre-made products which do just that. The controller sits inside your electrical service panel (or on a single circuit) and you place a "clamp meter" around the hot wire in question. It then communicates with you via powerline signaling or WiFi (cute little WiFi antenna pokes out of a knockout on your service panel.

Obligatory warning that nothing about being an electronics guy prepares you for the requirements of mains electrical (and in fact mis-trains you). One cannot just hack random electronic components into a mains electrical system, even if the components are UL listed. You may only use approved, preassembled equipment that has been UL* listed as equipment for use with mains power, and you must install it according to its labeling and instructions**. These items are not found at Mouser electronics, Amazon Marketplace, and damn well not Alibaba. They are found at big-box retailers (though they can be sloppy) and your local electrical supply house. You also cannot mix class 1 and low voltage wiring.


* or similar testing lab. CE is not a testing lab.

** because the listing is contingent on installation in that manner.