Electric motors are found extensively in both the manufacturing and processing industries. Both AC and DC powered motors are used to drive pumps, fans, conveyors and a broad range of specialized equipment. There are many types of motors designed for many different applications, however all require electrical current in order to generate the magnetic fields that are necessary to create rotation. By measuring this current useful information can be made available regarding the status of the motor and the equipment that is connected to it. This may be as basic as independently verifying the run status of the motor or in conjunction with a PLC, for example, to protect a pump against dry run. Thus current may be used to both monitor and protect motors and motor-driven equipment.
