Date:         Fri, 7 Aug 2009 18:27:45 -0500
Reply-To:     Tom Hargrave <thargrav@HIWAAY.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Tom Hargrave <thargrav@HIWAAY.NET>
Subject:      Re: setting up millimeter to check current draw
Comments: To: Courtney Hook <courtneyhook@SHAW.CA>
In-Reply-To:  <B3BCEA99EBE2487083C8D4CE356D7176@MAINCOMPUTER>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Courtney,

All depends on what you are trying to accomplish.

If you want to measure current draw from the battery when the van is off
then you disconnect one battery terminal, switch the meter over to AMPS and
measure between the terminal and the post.

BUT DON"T DO THIS WITH THE VAN RUNNING OR WHEN STARTING!!!!

Most hand held ammeters will only handle 20 amps, max and a charging
alternator can source a lot more than 20 amps. In other words, you could
damage the meter.

If up need to know the current draw while running then you need to put an
ammeter in that circuit. For example, you could temporarily pull any fuse &
jumper across the fuse terminals with your ammeter to measure the current
that circuit draws. Just make sure that the fuse you pull is rated lower
than the limit of your ammeter.

This works great for isolating a problem.

Thanks,
Tom Hargrave
Our Web Sites:
www.kegkits.com
http://www.kegkits.com/JABF/
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www.andyshotsauce.com
256-656-1924


-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf Of
Courtney Hook
Sent: Friday, August 07, 2009 6:00 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: setting up multimeter to check current draw

OK, I've been through the archives (which I suck at) to find this info, but
can't find it. How do I set my multimeter up to check for a current draw. Do
I use the volts setting and go across the fuse connections with the fuse
out, or pull one of the battery cables to place the multimeter in between?
Complete instructions for the electrical-handicapped would be great.
Thanks,
Courtney