D&C GLug - Home Page

[ Date Index ] [ Thread Index ] [ <= Previous by date / thread ] [ Next by date / thread => ]

Re: [LUG] Use your RasPI to monitor your electricity meter

 

On Thu, 10 Apr 2014, Tremayne, Steve wrote:

Now, if I just wrap enough cable around the incoming supply, I wonder if I can run the Pi off the induced current from the house....
In theory, doing it that way doesn't gain you anything - as the interface 
uses just the same power that would be used via a linear power supply 
anyway.
Unless you connect it before the meter, but that would be illegal...

It's also possible to leech off overheard wires too - but I do recall someone being prossecuted for that. Can't find it though. Ah, this has something: http://message.snopes.com/showthread.php?t=9291
One thing I did see many years ago was a small NiCd battery charger than 
connected between neutral and earth... There's usually some potential 
difference there - enough to rectify, regulate and take some current off.
The down-sides of todays wiring is earth leakage circuit breakers which 
puts paid to taking more than a few mA that way now.
Gordon

--
The Mailing List for the Devon & Cornwall LUG
http://mailman.dclug.org.uk/listinfo/list
FAQ: http://www.dcglug.org.uk/listfaq