Detect DC Current and Record Time-Welding Machine Monitors at School-Suggestions

Using Arduino Project Guidance
1

Hello,

I am a high school welding teacher and have spent a little time with Arduinos going through the tutorials. I am interested in building low cost sensors that can detect when DC current is flowing through welding cables and record the total time and number of on-off cycles.

My main hurdle right now is figuring out what sensor to use that is compatible with an arduino. Low cost is important because I will be making 30 of these but they also need to be able to withstand any interference from transformer/rectifier welding machines if that's an issue.

I have seen some "Battery Monitors" that may do the job as-is but have yet to purchase one to try out.

The welding cables see anything from 60 to 250 amps and 15-30 volts.

Any suggestions or thoughts are appreciated.

2

Is Your intention to indicate either current or no current?
I would then think of a none contact sensor reacting on the electromagnetic field around one of the welding cables.

3

That's correct. I don't need to measure, just detect current flow.

4

Try searching for non invasive current sensor. You'll need one rated for 300A or more I would think.

5

wildbill:
Try searching for non invasive current sensor. You'll need one rated for 300A or more I would think.

Thank you very much.