Any way to detect current in a wire without exposing it?

[dGray]

Afternoon,

Has anyone ever seen a device or method that can tell you how much power is running through a cable? -Without cutting the casing etc.

I know that you can get wire detectors, but is there anything that is a bit more advanced. I'm looking to research the whole area.

More of a research/discussion post.

cheers

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Has anyone ever seen a device or method that can tell you how much power is running through a cable? -Without cutting the casing etc.

Yes.

I know that you can get wire detectors, but is there anything that is a bit more advanced. I'm looking to research the whole area.

Do you mean for one-off measurements using a clamp meter, or permanent monitoring using a current transformer?

 

[davelx]

When you say "cable" do you mean a cable with both Phase and Neutral conductors in the same sheath, or do you mean a single conductor like a meter tail?

Current transformers (which is what a clamp meter uses too) only work with single conductors, as otherwise the magnetic fields cancel out due to current flowing in opposite directions in the P and N conductors.