I use this to monitor a well pump. I was surprised and pleased at how well it works. I've tried winding my own coil onto one leg of the line to no avail. The thing clamps without problems and supplies output voltage. I'm experimenting with using more "turns" of hot wire through the toroid and this has increased the voltage significantly. My only "suggestion" is that it ends with plain wires. no 3.5mm plug. But he does what he says.