Rewiring Showtec PSA 161 3 Phase

I wanted an easy, visual method of checking load drawn, over three 240v single phase supplies used for lighting and sound.

I could not find anything within my budget and did not fancy building from scratch so I looked for a product to modify.

The closest I could find was a three phase Showtec PSA 161 with nice ammeters readable from a good distance.

I have modified the input a little so three seperate single phase supplies can now be used as inputs. The common neutral has been replaced with three seperate neutrals. The earth remains common to all inputs.

Pictures of before and after are below.

Please note, this modified product is for my use only.

If you can see something that I have done wrong, please comment. I dont wish to kill anybody.

thankyou 

I was not worried about using the breakers, they have become a worst case scenario backup. I was after the readable ammeters. Dont think I'm ever going to do an event where I shall be able to find 32a, i am just happy if I can find more than one or two outlets and I feel positively spoiled if I can find three. 

Should I ever be lucky enough to end up in a venue with 16amp power available I shall just drop the 13a plug to 16a fly leeds.

32amp version, try this:
Showtec 50612 PSA-321 Power distribution 3 x 32 amp Voltage & amperage display

16amp version is much cheaper.

I was going to create a unit from scratch but the sum of the parts was more that the cost of the 16amp version.

If you look in the case, behind the powercons you will see three coils, through each of which passes the live feed. This coil is used to measure current draw, which in turn in displayed on lcd.

Might it be possible the existing coils could measure a higher current draw, only needing the breakers to be swapped for 32amp type C ?

I hope someone with far greater understanding will be able to enlighten us.

In the meantime, if anything I have said is wrong I apologise in advance.
If you need me, I'll be hiding away from the flaming in this corner.



Edited by Sinfinity - 09 March 2009 at 12:00am

If your only measuring one circuit just buy a £30 to £40 clamp meter and pass the live cable through it.
I only went for the big lcd's so I could keep an eye on it from FOH position.