To measure power factor in a single phase A.C.

circuit using Three

Ammeters.
THEORY:The circuit to be used for measurement of power in an A.C. circuit using three
ammeter is shown in fig 1. We know in a D.C. circuit the power is given by the
product of voltage and current, whereas ,in A.C. circuit it is given by the product of
voltage, current and power factor. For this reason, it is not possible to find power in
an A.C. circuit simply from the readings of a voltmeter and ammeter. In A.C.
circuits power is normally measured by wattmeter. However, this method
demonstrates that the power in a single phase A.C. circuits can be measured by
using three ammeters. From the circuits shown in fig 1.we can write.
Power consumed by load =P =VIcos (1.1)
Where I is current through load and V is the voltage across load. The
phasor diagram of this circuit can be drawn by taking the supply
voltage V as the reference phasor diagram is shown in fig.2
1

Eqs.1.3 and 1.5 show that we can find the power and power factor in an a.c.
circuits by using 3- single phase ammeters, instead of a wattmeter.

PROCEDURE:The stepwise procedure for conducting this experiment is given below:

1. Make the connections as per the fig.
2. Keep the rheostat at its maximum value.
3. keep the variac at its mini9mum position
4. Switch on the supply.
5. Increase the voltage applied using variac slowly, so that the reading of
voltmeter and ammeter, A1 are appreciable.
6. Decrease the resistance R (rheostat) so that ammeter A2 gives suitable
reading.
7. Take down the readings of voltmeter and three ammeters.
8. Change the position of rheostat and repeat step 7 a number of times.
OBSERVATION:Record your observation as shown in table
Table observation and calculations for 3-Ammeters method.

CALCULATION:For each set of observation calculate the power consumed (Eq 1.5) and the
power factor (Eq 1.3). Next take the average of all the set of calculation for
cos i.e., power factor; and P i.e., power consumed in the load.
RESULT:The power factor of the circuit and the power consumed in circuit should be
recorded here.
PRECAUTIONS:- Following precautions should be taken care of while
performing this
experiment.

1. All connections should be tight.

2. The zero setting of all the meters should be checked before connecting
them in the circuit.
3. The current through ammeter should never be allowed to exceed the
current rating of rheostat and load used.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the amplitude & phase angle in the series R-L circuit By 3 voltmeter
method .
PROCEDURE :
Connect the circuit as shown in the diagram.
Adjust the rheostat for maximum resistance and the auto transformer to the position of
zero-output voltage
Connect the potentiometer dial type or rectangular type.
switch on the supply.
Adjust the voltage across the circuit to about 0-230 V.
Note down the value of current and voltage & power factor.
Adjust the rheostat for several settings and repeat step 3.
Compare the values of phase angle as obtained from the meter readings and from the
phasor diagrams. (From the phasor diagrams compute cos and as given in the last two
columns of the table). Draw phasor diagrams showing VR, VL, Vs, & I for different sets
of readings.
Circuit diagram:

OBSERVATION: TABLE- 1 Study of series R- L-C circuit Sl

VS
W
I
VR
VL
cos
=W/

fro

from
phasor

(VS.I)

1
2
3
4
5

m
met
er
rea
din
g

diagra
m