How to measure DC current
I am wanting to measure some of the loads (amps) on my coach. My standard multi-meter does not support this. Thinking about options. What are you folks using and any tips on ways to get reli...
Forum Discussion
LarryJM wrote:jrnymn7 wrote:
bukzin,
keep in mind, you cannot measure amperage across a double cord (i.e; black and white inside casing) with a clamp meter. That's where the kill-a-watt comes in handy. The clamp meter is for checking current thru single battery cables and such.
If you can use a kill-a-watt you can use a clamp on meter for much better readings by using a line splitter so your concern is a non issue. You can find line splitters in various configurations from X1 to I think up to X10 or 100. Plus a clamp on will measure DC where a kill-a-watt is only good AFAIK for AC.
Larry
Hey, Larry.
Yes, I am aware of those line splitters. I was just giving the OP the heads up, in case he thought he could use a clamp meter (alone) for measuring ac current. I have both a kill-a-watt and a clamp meter, and am very satisfied with both. The uni-t's are a good little meter, but they do tend to read a little low. And yes, the kill-a-watts are ac only, but very handy for reading line voltage, amp draw, and wattage while determining the efficiency of a charger, and thus its compatibility with one's genset.
