Detecting Ac/dc Currents

Most recent answer: 07/17/2016

Q:
is it possible to create a device that can identify what type and value of current running through a wire? just like a multi tester but without setting it to AC/DC.
- victor (age 20)
philippines
A:

Sure. For example, the signal could be run to an oscilloscope on which you could directly view both ac and dc parts. This is really very standard. You can also easily get standard probes to pick up the ac current via its changing magnetic field, even without a direct connection. What's a little tricky is to measure the dc part of the current wirelessly, just from the magnetic field. That can be done using probes that rotate in the field. All these things can be purchased commercially.

Mike W.


(published on 07/17/2016)