Three Typical Use Cases For AC Sensors
Current Sense Shunts are an important component of the modern electrical system. Many older homes, particularly those built in the 1970's, are unable to properly provide for the needs of today's families. The electricity that is used must be run from a transformer that can handle the extra energy requirements of a high-powered appliance. In addition, many homes use AC appliances that exceed the typical load ratings of the amps they are designed to handle. These appliances often draw too much current and, as a result, have difficulty operating when the power goes out.
The use of DC Ammeter Shunts is essential to limit the risk of electric shock as well as protect the equipment itself. If there is any question as to whether or not the electrical load should be turned off, the bi-directional current sense shunts allow a short circuit to be created before the fuse blows. This protects the circuit, but also protects the components that have been energized, as well as any expensive electronic device. If the circuit should fail, the bi-directional current sense shunts are able to sense this overload and turn it off safely.
Many of today's appliances require several different power sources to operate. In addition, AC appliances often require two or more separate power sources in order to operate correctly. In most cases, these power sources will be combined into a single receptacle that requires multiple amps to adequately power the load. To solve both of these problems, the use of Current Sense Shunts is a good solution. AC voltage regulators with current sense capabilities will automatically sense multiple sources of excess power and intelligently regulate the amount of current to provide for the amp gauge of the devices it is protecting.
This single point protection is extremely useful in the event of a power surge or other voltage fluctuations that can damage electrical equipment. For example, this current sense shunts can protect against surges from refrigerator fans, washing machines, dryers, etc. For a more detailed explanation of typical use cases for shunt operation, please read the Power Supply Tutorial outlined below.
The most popular applications for the modern variety of current DC Ammeter Shunts are battery chargers for personal computers and handheld battery chargers for laptops, cell phones, etc. The most common use case involves an individual laptop computer or notebook being plugged into an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for short periods of time until a power outage occurs. If the UPS detects the imbalance, then the individual unit will be charged and typically remain fully charged until the electricity is restored. Since the majority of residential UPS systems are limited to a three-amp charge, any individual laptop that has a UPS will most likely never require the additional protection provided by ammeter shunts.
The Power Supply Tutorial covers three common typical use cases for UPS protection in a residential environment. As you review the information provided in this tutorial, note that the primary application for most UPS systems is for laptop computers. A UPS with a built-in AMmeter is a great accessory to help ensure that you never overfill a laptop battery. To extend the useful life of your UPS, it's best to find one that can sense the maximum load without being connected directly to a power source. This accessory can be found in the same style of fuses as those used with your UPS to guard against spikes in alternating current (AC). Look for more facts about electronics at http://www.ehow.com/ehow-tech/blog/8-amazing-gadgets-from-this-years-consumer-electronics-show/