Importance

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Abstract

A system for unintrusively determining parameters such as current, voltage and power delivered through a service line to a customer for verifying accuracy of the customer's entrance meter. The system includes a sensor apparatus for monitoring voltage and current on the power line. A voltage clamp mechanism is disposed within a sensor housing such that an insulation piercing voltage sensor can be manually actuated to pierce the electrical insulation of the power line and contact the conductor. The sensor apparatus also includes a split-core current transformer fabricated to minimize the air gap between the split-core sections when the apparatus is closed about the power line. A pole unit is electrically connected to each sensor apparatus for monitoring the voltage and current, calculating the power consumed in kilowatt-hours and storing calculated kilowatt-hours in memory with an appropriate date/time stamp, for subsequent retrieval and comparison with the customer's entrance meter readings. Data retrieval is accomplished via a hand-held ground unit, such as a palm top computer, which communicates via infrared signals with the pole mounted unit.

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First Claim