MachineQ MQpower CT is a Self Powered Current Clamp with LoRa Connectivity

The MachineQ  MQpower CT is a self-powered, IoT-enabled current transformer that monitors real-time current consumption in a simple, noninvasive, cost-effective form factor. It can be clamped to electrical conductors at the breaker or asset level to measure real-time current consumption.

The current clamp can measure up to 250A of current with 1mA of resolution. However, the unique thing about this product is its self-powered features, which can generate enough power from the measuring wire to power the LoRa module. But one thing the company does not confirm is the minimum current that needs to flow for the device to work, or is there any minimum current level for this current clamp?

Previously, we have written about various VC-337 a True RMS current clamp with an ultra-slim design, feel free to check that out if you are interested in the topic.

MachineQ MQpower CT Specifications

• Connectivity: LoRaWAN
• Measurement Range: Up to 100A or 250A models
• Resolution: 1mA
• Accuracy: ±1% (>5Arms), ±3% (≤5Arms)
• Features: Onboard reboot button, LED status indicator, FUOTA (Firmware Update Over The Air) capable
• Power Supply: Self-powered (no battery)
• Dimensions: 86.5 x 31 x 37.4 mm
• Operating Temperature: -20°C to 70°C
• Operating Humidity: ≤95% (non-condensing)
• IP Rating: IP30
• Certifications: CE, FCC Part 15C, UL Pending

The current clamp is LoRa-powered, so it should be open to all and you can connect to any gateway, right?  However, the company does not mention anything about it and by the looks of it, you need to buy their propitiatory gateway and services to get this clap to work as it’s designed to work.

The company provides multiple gateway options for indoor and outdoor conditions. for indoor conditions, they have MachineQ Area 8c, an 8-channel indoor LoRaWAN gateway designed to handle up to 10,000 devices. For outdoor conditions, you have MachineQ Field 16c which is a a rugged, outdoor LoRaWAN gateway designed for localized IoT deployments. It has an operating temperature range of -40°C to +60°C with IP67 protection. So it’s built for harsh environments.

The gateways are designed to handle thousands of devices simultaneously, so to manage it all the company has its network management tool for connecting and managing all the devices together.

At the time of writing the company does not provide any purchasing information for the MQpower LoRa CT clamp. You can contact the company from their product page to inquire about pricing and order information.

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