I had the same question as on this page. Since it wasn't mentioned on that page, I'm assuming that placing two 120VAC Killl-A-Watts in series in order to measure 240VAC will not work. So my question is why won't it work? (If this had worked I would have added cost of usage from each unit together)
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\$\begingroup\$ May I give the same answer. write to [email protected] only they will know \$\endgroup\$– D.A.S.Commented Dec 31, 2021 at 4:46
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\$\begingroup\$ If they utilize a switching mechanism it wouldn't work since they wouldn't be synchronized so so they would constantly be cutting each other off. \$\endgroup\$– DKNguyenCommented Dec 31, 2021 at 4:49
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1\$\begingroup\$ Do they not make them for the european market? \$\endgroup\$– HearthCommented Dec 31, 2021 at 4:49
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\$\begingroup\$ What do you have connected to these Kill-A-Watts for them to measure? Do you have 2 identical devices plugged in - one for each? \$\endgroup\$– brhansCommented Dec 31, 2021 at 15:19
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\$\begingroup\$ Is your 240 V AC a European style L-N or is it North American 120 - 0 - 120 split-phase arrangement? \$\endgroup\$– TransistorCommented Jan 1, 2022 at 9:28
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3 Answers
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The Kill-A-Watt needs to measure both voltage and current.
Internally current sensing is on one of the AC power lines. If you place two in series, you will only sense current on one of the units; it will also only sense (about) half the AC power voltage. Therefore this unit will read about ½ the total power. The other unit will only be useful for forcing the V to be equally shared, and since its sensed current will be 0, it will indicate 0 power.
The units are not rated for over 120 V -- insulation, conductor spacings, and overall quality of the construction. In addition, the power socket & plug are built for US AC power systems. It is not safe to use this for higher voltages or without the correct plugs and sockets.
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2\$\begingroup\$ Wouldn't they both measure the same current since they're in series? \$\endgroup\$– TRS-80Commented Dec 31, 2021 at 10:04
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\$\begingroup\$ Each unit has V and I sensing; you can't connect BOTH in series, so the OP Q is a little unclear. Given that the limitation is voltage, it would be more reasonable to assume an attempt to put the V sensing in series (i.e. across the power line). That may prevent the current sensing to be 'in series' since it wouldn't be carrying load current. In theory you could exchange live and neutral on the 2nd unit and then sense current with the AC mains neutral line -- that would make a dangerous setup even more dangerous. \$\endgroup\$– jp314Commented Dec 31, 2021 at 19:34
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\$\begingroup\$ I simulated 2 Killawatts in series in LTspice, and it did work as you described. Exchanging live and neutral on the second unit should work too, but pointless since they would both show the same numbers - and of course very dangerous! \$\endgroup\$ Commented Jan 1, 2022 at 6:57
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Putting both Kill-A-Watts in series will not allow 120V instruments to be used on 240V. They will both see the same voltage.
Since the load current is flowing through both units they will both measure the same current.
As they are both sensing the same current and voltage they will measure the same power.
There will be minor differences in the power measured as the upstream unit will be measuring the power required to operate the downstream unit.
answered Jan 1, 2022 at 2:24
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If you are simply trying to measure a single 230 vac cct you can do it with a single 120 vac kill-a-watt.
Halve the voltage with a resistive divider.
Double the current by, if a resistive current sensor, doubling the sense resistor value.
If a CT put two turns on the ct sense input.
