Electrical testing

[ricardo]

I have a volt/ ammeter which I use for testing ac/dc voltage but it only tests ac amps. I showing my lack of knowledge here but how can one test for current draw on batteries.

[Son_of_Norway]

What wny_pat said x2, I bought one and I use it all the time.

Miles

[wny_pat1]

One of these: Craftsman Digital Clamp-On Ammeter.

[Road_Runners]

You can purchase a DC ammeter and then permanently install it in the line leading positive line running from the battery to your RV's distribution fuze box. You can purchase a DC ammeter and then permanently install it in the line leading positive line running from the battery to your RV's distribution fuze box.

[Matt_Colie]

Rick,

This is easy to do in AC because you can use a "Current Transformer" but DC is transformer proof. There are clamp-on DC current pick ups available (the one I have is relatively old and was quite expensive at the time), and some are priced within the reach of a normal guy. The problem is you have to go looking for them.

If you hit Ebay or other, read the specifications carefully and be certain that it says it will read DC Amps in the range of 100+. I also have meters that read to fifty, but you have to break into the circuit to do that. At 100+ that is simply impractical.

Matt

[Mandalay_Parr]

Probably can't do it directly with that meter. You would have to install a current shunt. Do a google search. Might also come with it's own meter.