How to Monitor 120V/20A (NEMA 5-20P) Lab Equipment With 220V/20A Power Meter?

Hi!

I'm not sure how to properly ask this question - here goes. I bought two devices to monitor power usage in our labs - one is rated for 220V/20AMP eqeuipment (and has NEMA 6-20P plugs) and the other is for 120V/15AMP, and has standard NEMA 5-15P
The issue is, a lot of our lab equipment is designed to run on 110 circuits but pull 20 amps, and they therefore have NEMA 5-20P plugs. The outlets in our labs are usually rated/designed to have 20AMPS, so this isn't an issue, but now I'm wondering what the best way would be to be able to use these plugs to monitor the 120v/20a stuff. Obviously placing the smaller 110/15 amp between the equipment and the outlet would fry it unless I can step down Amps, which would likely cause the equipment to malfunction.

Therefore it seems I could use some sort of transformer to step down the voltage of the 220V/20A measuring device, but I can't seem to find them that are affordable and easy. Any standard travel transformer, for example, is only rated to around 5 amps.

Any thoughts?

Thanks so much in advance!

A 220 V/20 A transformer (4400 VA) is quite big and heavy, and thus expensive, compared to a travel transformer.  Also, remember, when you step down current (A) you step up voltage (V) accordingly.  I am not sure where you are thinking of putting this transformer.  Sounds like you are trying to figure out how to use the 20 A capable (but 220 V) device to monitor 110 V loads, yes?  So maybe you want to put the 220 V device between the 220 V supply and a step down transformer to the 110 V loads?  This approach might work.  And since you only need it to be capable of 110 V / 20 A it would only need to be a 2200 VA capable transformer.  220 V/10 A in, 110 V/ 20 A out.  Still big and heavy but not as big.  However, some power will be lost in the transformer and that loss power would be included in the readings of your monitoring device.  And the current and voltage the device reported would be those on the supply, not the load side.  If all you are after is power though, it would be a fairly good measure.Best.  -JD

Hi!I'm not sure how to properly ask this question - here goes. I bought two devices to monitor power usage in our labs - one is rated for 220V/20AMP eqeuipment (and has NEMA 6-20P plugs) and the other is for 120V/15AMP, and has standard NEMA 5-15PThe issue is, a lot of our lab equipment is designed to run on 110 circuits but pull 20 amps, and they therefore have NEMA 5-20P plugs. The outlets in our labs are usually rated/designed to have 20AMPS, so this isn't an issue, but now I'm wondering what the best way would be to be able to use these plugs to monitor the 120v/20a stuff. Obviously placing the smaller 110/15 amp between the equipment and the outlet would fry it unless I can step down Amps, which would likely cause the equipment to malfunction.omegle xenderTherefore it seems I could use some sort of transformer to step down the voltage of the 220V/20A measuring device, but I can't seem to find them that are affordable and easy. Any standard travel transformer, for example, is only rated to around 5 amps.Any thoughts?Thanks so much in advance!my issue has been solved 

Huh?  Did you see my answer of 5 days ago?
Best,JD

Thanks for the detailed information.

Sounds good. Is it about https://www.se.com/in/en/product-subcategory/3620-medium-power-transformers/ power transformer.

I am not sure where you are thinking of putting this transformer. Sounds like you are trying to figure out how to use the 20 A capable (but 220 V) device to monitor 110 V loads, yes? So maybe you want to put the 220 V device between the 220 V supply and a step down transformer to the 110 V loads?

I am glad to found this info which is really helpful to me to solve my issue.

I am glad to found this info which is really helpful to me to solve my issue

I didn't get any reply nor solution? Please help me to solve my issue.

I am not sure where you are thinking of putting this transformer. Sounds like you are trying to figure out how to use the 20 A capable (but 220 V) device to monitor 110 V loads, yes? So maybe you want to put the 220 V device between the 220 V supply and a step down transformer to the 110 V loads?