CC and PC, in the context of wattmeters, refer to the Current Coil (CC) and Potential Coil (PC) respectively. These are the two main coils that enable a wattmeter to measure electrical power.
Understanding Current Coil (CC)
- The Current Coil (CC), also known as the ammeter coil, is connected in series with the circuit where power is being measured.
- It carries the same current as the load.
- Due to this current flow, the CC produces a magnetic field proportional to the current.
Understanding Potential Coil (PC)
- The Potential Coil (PC), also known as the voltage coil or voltmeter coil, is connected in parallel with the load.
- It experiences the same voltage as the load.
- The PC has a high resistance, which limits the current flowing through it.
- The voltage across the PC creates a magnetic field proportional to the voltage.
How they work together
The interaction between the magnetic fields produced by the CC and PC causes a deflection in the wattmeter's pointer. This deflection is proportional to the product of the voltage and current, and thus indicates the average power being consumed by the load. Polarity markings are essential on both coils. Reversing the polarity of either coil will result in a negative power reading.
