Date: Fri, 6 Jan 2017 22:19:59 -0800
Reply-To: Neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Multi meters, Was Dang Headlights.
In-Reply-To: <CY1PR20MB0029BA95C9142FD5F683C714A0620@CY1PR20MB0029.namprd20.prod.outlook.com>
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Nice find. We were chatting about ammeters tonight over the campfire. Can't
believe $40 buys that type of meter!
This one?
https://www.amazon.com/MS2108A-Range-Digital-Current-Tester/dp/B00SQ4UETO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483769821&sr=8-1&keywords=MS2108A+Auto+Range+Digital+Clamp+Meter+400+AC+DC+Current+Hz+Tester
On Friday, January 6, 2017, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:
> So here we are in the New Year and Friday is over. I'd like to try doing
> something a little bit different. When a thread comes up I will try to
> offer some type of enlightenment to get us thinking of a better or
> different way. Let's raise the bar! So here is a safety thought for meters.
>
> Inexpensive meters have their place. Most of the time when something is
> not working we just need to know if the power is on or if there is
> continuity. Heck often still reach for a test lamp. Accuracy is not a
> concern for many diagnostic needs.
>
> But there is another consideration, safety. Of course we should be wearing
> eye protection when working with electricity, especially around batteries.
> At some point we will use a meter incorrectly either because we don't know
> what we are doing or we make a mistake. Maybe we are testing for resistance
> and place the leads across a voltage source instead. For 12 volts this
> usually is not an issue. Although if use the ammeter function and we
> connect across battery there is hope that the fuse will open, and fast
> enough to prevent some mishap. Also, at some point you know you will try to
> use the same meter for a 120 volt AC circuit or maybe you are at a
> campground that even has 240 VAC at the power pole. Even using a meter
> properly one could be exposed to a high voltage spike or surge that could
> overcome the insulation capabilities of the meter or leads.
>
> Meter are now also rated for protection levels. Here is some information.
> http://support.fluke.com/find-sales/download/asset/1263690_
> 6116_eng_h_w.pdf
>
> As for features of late I have mentioned getting a meter with a clamp on
> ammeter. Also, having a bar graph display is really helpful when trying to
> observe a vary condition such as the O2 sensor. Most bar graphs will update
> multiple times per second, much faster than a numeric display.
>
> Here is a meter I purchased from Amazon back in June. It usually goes for
> ~$40. It has both AC and DC ammeter capability up to 400 amps and it has a
> bar graph display. It has a hold function so you can catch a reading such
> as testing the starter. Even nicer is that this economy meter is rated for
> Category 3 protection.
>
> MS2108A Auto Range Digital Clamp Meter 400 AC DC Current Hz Tester
>
> This meter is now my travel meter and I'll be getting another one.
>
> Dennis
>
--
Neil n
Blog: Vanagons, Westfalia, general <http://tubaneil.blogspot.ca>
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