"Vey" wrote in message
nk.net...
wrote:
On Tue, 17 Jul 2007 21:46:33 GMT, Vey wrote:

wrote:
On Tue, 17 Jul 2007 21:04:05 GMT, (Joe) wrote:

Lasko Premium 20" three-speed box fan
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/pro...4507&s=kitchen

170 watts
This is the next to useless number I mentioned in my post. It is the
theoretical maximum amount based on the theoretical voltage. In the
field, voltage can vary and so can the usage. I know it sounds nutty,
but I've seen variations of more than 15% from the theory and that, to
me, is unacceptable.

If +/- 15 % is unacceptable then the clamp on ampmeter you suggested
from Harbor Freight would also be unacceptable.

Don't assume. Buy it and test it like I did. The lab said +-3%. I consider
that to be acceptable. If you don't like those numbers, then buy one for
$300 and compare it to what you suggest the "book" numbers are.


You still don't know what the power factor is with that route, a lot of
cheap motors are closer to 0.5 than to unity, so the calculated wattage can
be nearly double what the motor actually draws.