Amp Meter

[Westcoastrocks]

So after about a week I finally figured out how to test amps pulled from my fuel cell! I have one question so far: I have 3 ports on my meter. One for black and the other 2 are for the red. One red is the fused 200ma and the other is not fused Dc10amp. Is 10 amp the max you should be testing things with? Would I fry my meter if I go too much about 10amps? (I already have) And if that is the case how can i measure my amp draw if my meter is useless beings most of my cells will be pulling 15amp min? Thanks

[ridelong]

Westcoastrocks,

I use the same kind of meter. It will display up to 19.99 amps. If you only measure a high current (10 to 19.99 amps)for a short time (less than 10 seconds) it should be fine.

BTW, the cheap meters are not fused at the 10 amp setting. The shunt will get hot enough to melt the solder if high current is run through the meter too long.

[Q-Hack!]

So after about a week I finally figured out how to test amps pulled from my fuel cell! I have one question so far: I have 3 ports on my meter. One for black and the other 2 are for the red. One red is the fused 200ma and the other is not fused Dc10amp. Is 10 amp the max you should be testing things with? Would I fry my meter if I go too much about 10amps? (I already have) And if that is the case how can i measure my amp draw if my meter is useless beings most of my cells will be pulling 15amp min? Thanks

If you start pulling more amps than the meter is rated for, you will eventually blow the fuse in the meter. I suggest getting one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Mastech-Manual-Range-1000A-Clamp/dp/B000LY2WFG/ref=pd_cp_hi_0?pf_rd_p=413863601&pf_rd_s=center-41&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000LY4UBA&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1E0E2BD6NN0K6XVDHHEA

You can find them cheaper, just make sure it measures DC amps and not just AC.

[EltonBrandd]

You could also buy this. It says 20 amps but will measure up to 25.
http://www.amazon.com/Electronic-Specialties-Fuse-Buddy-Tester/dp/B000W1T64S/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1220071328&sr=1-4

[Westcoastrocks]

Ok understood. I can't use the fused one cause it only supports 200MA the one that isn't fused is 10Amps. It says 10 Amps 10 sec max lol. So hopefully I won't melt it by testing 15+ amps just for like 5 sec

[Q-Hack!]

Your 10A side isn't fused??? Thats bad ( I didn't even see that at the beginning ). What that means is that when you do overload the meter it burns up. What brand of meter is it?

[Q-Hack!]

If you want to save some money and not purchase the clamp style meter. There is an alternative. Create a poor mans Shunt. BoyntonStu pointed me to a real good site a while back...

http://reuk.co.uk/Make-a-Shunt-Resistor.htm

It talks about how to make and use one. It will save your meter.