Just purchased my first multimeter. I've been playing around with it, was able to get a voltage reading on the battery. Can anyone direct me on how to measure power usage of specific devices (ie lights, fans)? Is this possible? Tried searching around youtube and this forum with no luck. I'm obviously a total newbie here.
Multimeter?
#11
Posted 14 July 2019 - 09:42 PM
2021 Ford XL SuperCrew HD Payload Pkg
2008 FWC Hawk
Western Colorado, USA
Instagram: @lukeyfiasco
#12
Posted 15 July 2019 - 04:15 AM
Does your MMeter have a DC current measurement option? If so, put that in series with your battery to ground connection, and turn on/off the various bits and measure the draw. With NOTHING on (or all the fuses pulled) you should have NO current draw. Some campers have their CO/Propane detectors wired in direct, with no fuse or switch, and that can be a parasitic drain. Your MMeter will show that.
2012 ATC Puma Shell build - https://www.wanderth...012-puma-build/
Power considerations thread - https://www.wanderth...e-power-scotty/
Building out an electrical system - So, you want to setup a good electrical system in your camper? - Electrical, Charging, Solar, Batteries and Generators - Wander the West
#13
Posted 15 July 2019 - 02:15 PM
Cover the solar panels before disconnecting the battery as some charge controllers don’t do well with solar power and no battery.
Other than that, you will learn a lot about your equipment with the meter.
Paul
#14
Posted 15 July 2019 - 03:40 PM
Yes, it does measure DC. Awesome good to know. I thought I had everything 'off' and detected some draw from the battery (did not have fuses pulled). Will try with pulling fuses and check. I wonder if it is the CO/propane detector.
Does your MMeter have a DC current measurement option? If so, put that in series with your battery to ground connection, and turn on/off the various bits and measure the draw. With NOTHING on (or all the fuses pulled) you should have NO current draw. Some campers have their CO/Propane detectors wired in direct, with no fuse or switch, and that can be a parasitic drain. Your MMeter will show that.
2021 Ford XL SuperCrew HD Payload Pkg
2008 FWC Hawk
Western Colorado, USA
Instagram: @lukeyfiasco
#15
Posted 10 September 2019 - 07:10 PM
Edited by karsonb, 11 September 2019 - 09:56 AM.
#16
Posted 11 September 2019 - 03:18 AM
When I started in Aircraft Maintenance my first meter was a RadioShack clamshell analog meter, worked well for a long time. I upgraded years ago to a fluke 77, which was a decent meter. After a hangar fire at work, where my almost new fluke got roasted, I went back to old school and bought a new Simpson 270-5 precision meter. Re built to last forever, literally, and are extremely accurate. Nothing beats being able to watch a needle swing when you are looking for subtle faults in an electrical system. You can find many different models of the Simpson vanguard 260 series meter on flea bay for relatively cheap money. I don’t want a digital for anything. If space is a concern a cheap digital fits the bill. If you want an analog might still find a vintage radio shack (micronta) or a Sanwa(fine Japanese meters) with smaller form styles.
Totally agree. I have an ancient RS meter and a new fluke. I tend to grab the old one when I need a meter....
2012 ATC Puma Shell build - https://www.wanderth...012-puma-build/
Power considerations thread - https://www.wanderth...e-power-scotty/
Building out an electrical system - So, you want to setup a good electrical system in your camper? - Electrical, Charging, Solar, Batteries and Generators - Wander the West
#17
Posted 11 September 2019 - 10:37 PM
I remember my uncle used a Simpson. I might get one just because they're inexpensive and look cool
Craig K6JGV_________________________ 2004 2500 CTD 4X4 FWC HAWK 1960 CJ5
#18
Posted 12 September 2019 - 01:36 AM
I am haunted by waters
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