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current draw with digital meter


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georgedal 
Member - Posts: 2
Member spacespace
Joined: October 04, 2006
Location: Afghanistan
Posted: October 07, 2006 at 12:42 PM / IP Logged  
I have read to find the current draw in an automotive circuit you disconnect the battery negative cable and connect a digital meter set to amps in series between the battery and the disconnected battery wire. I just tried this with two different meters. I tried it with all the amp settings, including 10 amps. I don't get a reading even when I turn on the lights. I thought that in the 10 amp setting the lights would go on and I could read how many amps they were using.
When I put the cable back on the battery the lights go on.
What am I doing wrong?
DYohn 
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Moderator spaceThis member has made a donation to the12volt.com. Click here for more info.spaceThis member has been recognized as an authority in Electrical Theory. Click here for more info.spaceThis member has been recognized as an authority in Mobile Audio and Video. Click here for more info.spacespace
Joined: April 22, 2003
Location: Arizona, United States
Posted: October 07, 2006 at 1:07 PM / IP Logged  
Did you connect your meter leads to the "amps" positions on your meter?  They are generally different than the position for volts/ohms.
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electrostatic 
Copper - Posts: 154
Copper spacespace
Joined: January 06, 2006
Location: United States
Posted: October 07, 2006 at 1:14 PM / IP Logged  
assuming you're using the correct sockets on the meter, you blew the meters fuses! what lights are you trying to measure and what wattage?
Prove your connections, use a meter!
I promise, I'll behave!
sprawl85 
Copper - Posts: 204
Copper spacespace
Joined: March 15, 2006
Location: United States
Posted: October 08, 2006 at 9:38 PM / IP Logged  
If it is over 10 amps you might as well get a clamp meter
They have a good variety at sears, I was lookin at them the other day.
fiberglass reminds me of peanut brittle... but fiberglass tastes better!

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