Clamp-On Current Meter Readings

otrfun wrote:
Got curious with my new clamp-on meter this afternoon. Made the following current readings (one fully charged 24 series battery; converter turned off):

.13 amps - parasitic/residual current with everything turned off
.30 amps - 600 w PSW inverter turned on with no load
70 amps - powering 6.2 amp 120v vacuum cleaner with the 600 w inverter
6 amps - powering all lights in the TT at the same time (just converted to LED); current lighting is about 25% brighter than the OEM bulbs. Never measured current with the OEM bulbs. However, I did replace 14 921 bulbs that drew 1.3 amps each. That's about 18.2 amps total.

Noticed my Progressive Industries Electrical Management System 120 v current readings are a bit optimistic, especially when current readings are less than 7-8 amps (usually 1-2 amps high).

I'm pretty shocked this Power Bright 600 w PSW inverter is able to power this vacuum cleaner! 744 watts! Not to mention the motor's high startup current.

thePI EMS is IMHO more than a "little" optimistic. I did a real current measurement and called PI to see if mine was defective. They responded that the current readout was a late addition and is pretty inacurate. I have seen reading of 35A with a 30A feed, and drawing only a little over 20A. And readings of 6-8A when real draw was only a few amps.

your lucky on the parasitic draw, mine is about double yours.