If you're using a kill-a-watt there's no reason not to measure actual power (watts) and compare. It'll even show you the power factor.
Ok, so I've learned that amps isn't amps when it comes to AC motors..ha.
First of all, the unit I'm using is not actually a kill a watt...it's an EM100, my mistake. I measured the two .24 HP Intex pumps in operation and got 430 watts using the EM100. If you take the measured amps (3.72) from that EM100, I get 446 volt amps. I think the unit is accounting for power factor as it defines the displayed watts as
Wattage - real power (W) where power = voltage x current x power factor -
https://www.erthpower.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/EM100_Energy_Meter_Technical_Manual.pdf
Either way, I'm pretty sure the relative line current measurements using the EM100 in my different setups are
relatively significant. One item that is not subject to power factors is a 5 gallon bucket test to measure GPH
Having just bypassed the timer/control panel on a new but DOA Intex SF-80110-2, yep there is a capacitor (I believe it is 40uF) in there. Intex replaced that pump, but now I have a running third pump. Having a dead control panel is a non-issue as I run the shed via automation anyway.
To be fair, the higher final GPH numbers from the series-plumbed dual Intex pumps (1800 GPH) came also as result of an accumulation of several factors as I check over my notes. None of these changes had much effect on line current measured:
1. Larger sand filter. Worth about 265 GPH.
2. Pumps arranged before and after filter instead of both before. That was worth 167 GPH when testing with the 12" sand filter (1333 GPH -> 1500 GPH)
2. Hayward pool return (swapped in place of the Intex aerator return). The Intex/Hayward pool water return swap was good for about 35 GPH.
3. Swapping out one of the Intex hoses with an ID less than 1.5" in the system on the pool return (just a six footer).
In any case, massive apology to
@nwardoh as this thread is a bit off topic. I still think solar is awesome..ha.