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Power monitor with surge recording capability?

Just John

Solar Wizard
Joined
Aug 15, 2020
Messages
2,837
Location
AZ
I'm trying to find a product that will record the highest surge used by a device (like an air conditioner or refrigerator).
Does anyone have any suggestions, or products to avoid?
I'd prefer something like a power line monitor for 120v AC, but would settle for a clamp meter that captures peak use.
The Klein Will recommends is good for the price, but does not have this capability.

If any of you have experience with a 12,000 BTU mini split, high efficiency, with a soft/hard start built in, let me know, please.
I live in the desert, and I'm going to be installing a 12,000 BTU mini-split as a battery powered backup. So, in particular if you have experience with it over 110 degrees, let me know.
 
I have the Fluke 325 multimeter. It has a max feature for measuring amps. However, I don't think it's good enough for capturing surge amps. A few months ago, I shopped around for a dedicated ammeter with surge. If the description didn't specifically mention surge amps, I didn't look at it any further. It was tough narrowing down to one I was willing to buy, and I never did buy one. I'm not an expert on this so maybe I was looking for a unicorn at the end of the rainbow.
 
For about $70 you can buy a clamp-on AC/DC meter that measures up to 1000A inrush current. (Amazon: Kaiweets model HT208D). It’s not a Fluke but it works well enough for me.

 
For about $70 you can buy a clamp-on AC/DC meter that measures up to 1000A inrush current. (Amazon: Kaiweets model HT208D). It’s not a Fluke but it works well enough for me.

Thanks, I've seen good reviews of other Kaiweets products and the price is right. I'll give it a try.
 
I have the Fluke 325 multimeter. It has a max feature for measuring amps. However, I don't think it's good enough for capturing surge amps. A few months ago, I shopped around for a dedicated ammeter with surge. If the description didn't specifically mention surge amps, I didn't look at it any further. It was tough narrowing down to one I was willing to buy, and I never did buy one. I'm not an expert on this so maybe I was looking for a unicorn at the end of the rainbow.
I have no problem paying the money for a Fluke, you often get what you pay for. If the Kaiweets doesn't work out, I'll try calling Fluke and see what they recommend. I've been very happy with my Fluke meters, had a 75 for about 35 years (Reagan was president when I bought it), then it "disappeared" I had to buy the new 87V.

I think I left my Fluke 75 in the calibration lab and forgot it (Motorola in Florida).
 
If there is a Fluke that will work for this, please let me know. I gave up trying to find one. It got too confusing and it wasn't enough of a priority to keep my interest. Hey, look! A squirrel!
screwy.gif
 
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