ECN Forum Forums Technical Discussion Electrical Theory and Applications Parallel Conductors

Some "probably stupid" questions concerning parallel conductors. Power analyzer measuring.

When measuring current on them, if you measure one set, should the other set, if the same size paralleled, be the same current draw. Ohm's law here right? Two equal paths?

When measuring KVA load, should you double the reading you see on one set, because of this? If you measure 60Kva load, it is really 120Kva load?

Power factor, should this be the same, on both sets, for instance if you measure one set and the PF was .86, that would be the total PF?

Same with Kvar and such?


Any other tid-bits you guys can throw at me, I would appreciate. I am playing around with a Fluke 434, and the manuals they give you are not real specific as to measuring paralell conductors.

(and I'm still wet behind the ears when it comes to this Power Quality stuff)

Thanks...

Dnk........

Ohm's law counts, as does Kirchoff's (spelling?). In parallel conductors, the total load current will split between the conductors (inverse) proportional to the impedance of the conductors. If the conductors are same size & type, same length, good connections, etc, the current will split evenly. That's the goal, to have evenly loaded parallel conductors.

If the parallel cables are exactly equal, then current, kva, kvar, etc, should be the same in each.

Hope this helps some,
Radar