Resistor across L-N in an adapter box. Possible or asking for trouble?

[Gurnatronics]

If I place say an 80 Ω resistor across L-N, would that generate a load of approx 2.8A.

I’m looking to create an artificial load of a socket circuit so I can locate the current at the DB using a clamp meter.

Used to use plug in 3kW heaters but not an option anymore, also definitely not able to isolate the power to test.

Thanks in advanced!!

 

[grumpyjohn01]

https://www.tester.co.uk/electrical-electronic/cable-locators-fuse-finders/fuse-finders

possibly a better option....

 

[SparkyChick]

If you want to put a load on a circuit... you can still buy 2kW fan heaters... what's wrong with them? Or a kettle?

Or as @grumpyjohn01 suggests, a circuit locator? Although it's not a precise science as the signal injected into the circuit will appear on others and at the board it can be a bit hit and miss.

 

[Gurnatronics]

Wants a hole to open up below me

FML I thought those circuit locators were only for dead testing

Mondays eh

 

[DPG]

If I were you I would calculate the power dissipation that the resistor would have to cope with!

 

[SparkyChick]

If I were you I would calculate the power dissipation that the resistor would have to cope with!

Indeed, definite cooking capability I feel.

 

[Gurnatronics]

300W, 200degrees surface temp. pretty toasty!! Put a metal plate on it and it could double up as a kettle after all…

 

[DPG]

300W, 200degrees surface temp. pretty toasty!! Put a metal plate on it and it could double up as a kettle after all…

300W ?

 

[grumpyjohn01]

If you want to put a load on a circuit... you can still buy 2kW fan heaters... what's wrong with them? Or a kettle?

Or as @grumpyjohn01 suggests, a circuit locator? Although it's not a precise science as the signal injected into the circuit will appear on others and at the board it can be a bit hit and miss.

Agreed, not an exact science but if you persist you can usually track the right one down. If you don't know which circuit a socket is on you may also not know if there are existing loads as well so in that case putting a known load on may not be an exact science either!

 

[Gurnatronics]

300W ?

Power dissipation as per manufacturers guidelines for the 80ohm resistor I was looking at…pretty ridiculous would need a monsterous heat and fans lol

 

[Gurnatronics]

I think across the board we can call it a stupid idea then

 

[DPG]

I think across the board we can call it a stupid idea then

Nothing wrong with considering different ideas.

 

[DPG]

Power dissipation as per manufacturers guidelines for the 80ohm resistor I was looking at…pretty ridiculous would need a monsterous heat and fans lol

What about if you calculate it using Ohm's law?

 

[Gurnatronics]

What about if you calculate it using Ohm's law?

Forgive me if I sound stupid, but isn’t power dissipation a side effect of lower efficiency… ie heat losses?

 

[littlespark]

https://www.tester.co.uk/electrical-electronic/cable-locators-fuse-finders/fuse-finders

possibly a better option....

I’m going to get one of those for that stately home testing job coming up.

 

[DPG]

Forgive me if I sound stupid, but isn’t power dissipation a side effect of lower efficiency… ie heat losses?

Sort of, yes. It's got a very close relationship with voltage and curre t though.

 

[Gurnatronics]

Sort of, yes. It's got a very close relationship with voltage and curre t though.

So p=iv
I=v/r
I=230/80
I=2.875

P=2.875*230
P= 661.25W?

Heat sink sandwich then

 

[DPG]

So p=iv
I=v/r
I=230/80
I=2.875
P=2.875*230
P= 661.25W?

Heat sink sandwich then

That sounds more like the figure I roughly calculated yes.

Yeah, you could warm your dinner up with it

 

[Gurnatronics]

That sounds more like the figure I roughly calculated yes.

Yeah, you could warm your dinner up with it

Legend thank you kindly

 

[Gurnatronics]

I’m going to get one of those for that stately home testing job coming up.

Oooof good luck!