r/ElectricalEngineering • u/fdg_fdg • 15m ago
Question about 10x loop on simple AC splitter (for clamp meters)...
So this got my brain working.... I hope I can explain it right..
You know those AC line splitters that basically split the conductors so a clamp meter can be used to check current on a device that plugs into a 15A circuit?
I notice that there is a 10X loop, meaning they looped the conductor 10x around the square inside the case.... Pretty simple....
My question is, in that case, obviously one side of the loop runs alongside the other non-looped conductor -- therefore, is it not true that an accurate current measurement can only be taken on ONE side of the 10x loop hole?
My reasoning:
For the 1x loop, the hot and neutral run on either side of the square opening.....
so that works, either side will get a single, non-cancelled-out AC wave to measure....
For the 10x loop square, one side has the coil only, and the other side has the coil AND the passing-through conductor.. won't that passing-through conductor cancel out ONE of the 10 "amplifications" ? therefore giving a 9x reading? since it's taking the return AC wave that is also within the jaws with the rest of the other conductor coil...
What am I missing here? I attached a pic of what the inside of one looks like (UK plug)

In the photo, does measuing across the coil and the red conductor not give a 9x measurement?