>> I'm making a current monitor for the mains power line.  I plan on using
>> an electrical outlet as an enclosure (probably plastic).
...
>> Here's my question, is there any way to make it work without the Zener
>> diode?

> If you use zener diodes, they must be capable of carrying the full load
> current of the mains operated device. You may need to allow 10-15 amps,
> which could be a very expensive zener diode

Not necessarily. Since there are both power wires in the outlet, the zener
doesn't have to be inline. And I'm pretty sure a resistor divider plus a
sturdy regulator can be made to work, too. (I'd still recommend the zener,
or better yet a transformer.)

Gerhard

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