Diesel start batteries
My Fleetwood Discovery uses two 950 cca batteries. While checking the batteries current draw I noticed when I turn the ign. key on there is minimal current draw (o.5 dca) but after starting the engine...
Forum Discussion
Trackrig wrote:
Could the clamp on be reading the amperage going back into the batteries? I have a clamp on meter, but must confess that I haven't taken the time to learn how to use it yet.
Bill
I think Bob has it. It's been awhile but as I remember it, the clamp around amp meter measures the electromagnetic field generated n the wire by the electrons (electricity) flowing through it. Same theory makes electric motors and transformers possible. I don't think you can tell the direction of the current that way. I think you are seeing the charging current "coming back" from the alternator. I've been out of the electronics field for 21 years but that's my opinion!
Jerry
ps: If we are talking the same device, you don't clamp it on the wire, you clamp it around the wire not touching the wire with the clamps.
