THREE
VOLTMETER
METHOD
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Experiment No. 8
OBJECTIVE:
To measure power and power factor of a single phase R-L (Inductive load) using three
voltmeter method.
APPRATUS:
[Link] NAME TYPE RANGE QUANTITY
1 Ammeter MI 0-2A 1
2 Voltmeter MI 0-300V 3
3 Single-phase variac 5A, 250 V 1
4 Load Inductive 250V, 5A 1
5 Rheostat Single tube 100Ω, 5A 1
THEORY:
Fig(1) shows the circuit diagram for the measurement of power in an inductive circuit using
three voltmeter. The R-L load for which power is to be measured is connected in series with a
non-inductive resistor R of known value. The voltmeters connected in the circuits measures the
following voltage drop.
𝑉 = (𝑉 + 𝑉 cos 𝜙) + 𝑉 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜙
= 𝑉 + 𝑉 +2𝑉 𝑉 cos 𝜙
cos 𝜙 = (1)
And 𝐼= (2)
Power consumed by the inductive load
𝑃 = 𝑉 𝐼 cos 𝜙 (3)
Put the value of I and cos 𝜙 from equation (1) and (2)
𝑃= × = (𝑉 − 𝑉 − 𝑉 ) (4)
( )
𝑃= (5)
𝑅= (6)
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Therefore, the power in the circuit P and power factor cos 𝜙 of the circuit can be determined
by using equations (5) and (2) respectively.
Fig. 1
PHASOR DIAGRAM
PROCEDURE:
1. Connect the circuit as per Fig(1).
2. Set the variac to zero position & rheostat to its maximum position.
3. Switch on the supply.
4. Apply the rated voltage of the load with the help of variac gradually.
5. Vary the load in steps and note down the readings of the ammeters.
6. Switch off the supply.
OBSERVATION:
S. No I V1 V2 V3 P cos 𝜙
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CALCULATIONS:
Calculate the value of power consumed. P using Eqn.(5) and the power factor using Eqn. (2)
for each set of observation. Since the power consumed in each observation is different, average
shouldn't be calculated; however, the average power factor can be calculated.
PRECAUTIONS:
Following precautions should be observed while performing this
1. All connections should be tight.
2. The zero settings of all the instruments to be used in the experiment should be checked
before connecting them in the circuit.
3. The current through ammeter shouldn't be allowed to exceed the current rating of
rheostat or load.
Viva voice questions:
1. Why three-voltmeter method should be used for measurement of power in 1-0 ac
circuit, when easier method by using a wattmeter is available?
2. Under what conditions the apparent power and real power are equal?
3. How can you minimize the error in 3-Voltmeter method for measurement of power in
a single-phase ac circuit?
4. Can we remove the ammeter from the circuit?
5. What would be the power factor of the R-L load?
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