Victron VM-3P75CT alternative CT for UK meter tails

Hi,

I just got a few VM-3P75CT boxes to measure consumption current from the grid here. One was planned to go on my house - 2 for our boat.

But all our standard UK meter tails here are now per regulation 25mm2 with 10.5 to 12mm diameter dependent on brand/insulation. (80 or 100A fused) - but the included CT only allow for 10mm diameter cable - and very strict 10mm…

If you replace the CT if it breaks- it is no longer calibrated the manual says. But there is no mention of a calibration function? (I have no issue precision calibrating AC Amp both 1 and 3 phase - got the tools)

So could I replace the Kemet C/CT-0810 with the C/CT-1216 and calibrate it? I know I will loose resolution… Or do I have to try and find 9.8mm meter tails @ 25mm2?

I have in all my “AC measurement devices” never received one before with 10mm current clamp designed for grid measurement. From Smappee to Enphase and many others - they all allow for 16+mm diameter meter tails.

/k

The meter is rated for 75A (max 80) so closest suitable is 16mm2 and onto which the clamps will easily fit. Unfortunately using other CTs and self calibrating is not possibly. The EM540 is another option.

I have a duplex Hager CU with the flexi links they are 25mm @100amp it can just about fit the clamp due to the cable insulation being flexible. But double insulated tails no chance, which is the UK standard, a lot of energy provides swap the 16mm for 25mm with isolation point when smart meter installations are done at least on a single phase install, so a lot of people could be fine but then find out that it no longer fits after a smart meter install. I do think that a clamp upgrade should be looked at @guystewart can you look at alternatives for CT or have one for the UK market? As @ejrossouw has said that’s a good alternative but more invasive but that would take 25mm tails no issues

Hi @Daza,

We are working on an improvement to allow more flexibility to the CTs. I am not sure the progress, but it is a priority feature for the energy meter team.

It will be announced on Victron Professional News once it is shipped

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Hi @guystewart - that sounds great. If they want a beta tester - please let me know. I have high precision Fluke energy meters I can check with.

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Great to hear @guystewart would like to see the device opened to maybe have the different CT’s monitoring different sources ie CT1 grid CT2 Solar CT3 heat pump as examples that would be awesome

We have previously implemented something similar for other energy meter brands, so I expect it’s in the plan even though I haven’t heard anything internally.

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Well I’m all for using the extra phase inputs for other single phase devices as well!

please… :slight_smile: @guystewart