current draw with digital meter

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Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: General Mobile Electronics Questions and Answers
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=83831
Printed Date: May 02, 2024 at 3:03 AM

Topic: current draw with digital meter

Posted By: georgedal
Subject: current draw with digital meter
Date Posted: October 07, 2006 at 12:42 PM

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?

Replies:

Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: October 07, 2006 at 1:07 PM

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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Posted By: electrostatic
Date Posted: October 07, 2006 at 1:14 PM

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?

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Posted By: sprawl85
Date Posted: October 08, 2006 at 9:38 PM

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.

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