As long at the right meter/amp clamp is used!

On Jan 8, 2017 3:31 PM, "Dennis Haynes" <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:

> The MS2108A meter has both AC and DC current capability with the clamp on.
> AC is easier to measure this way due to the constantly changing current
> basically making a small transformer. For sensing DC this way the meter has
> to rely on the one time change.
>
> Dennis
>
>
> From: Ralph Meyermann [mailto:ralphmeyermann@gmail.com]
> Sent: Sunday, January 8, 2017 4:26 PM
> To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
> Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Multi meters, Was Dang Headlights.
>
> Depending on meter, some prefer AC current. I think but not sure DC
> current is usually connected in the current path to read?
>
> On Jan 8, 2017 3:23 PM, "Dennis Haynes" <d23haynes57@hotmail.com<mailto:
> d23haynes57@hotmail.com>> wrote:
> This meter has both a 40 and 400 Amp range. Measuring small DC currents
> with a clamp on meter can be a bit challenging. This meter seems to work ok
> for small currents down to about an amp but I wouldn't use it as my first
> choice say for finding small battery drains.
>
> Dennis
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Steve Williams [mailto:steve@williamsitconsulting.com<mailto:steve@
> williamsitconsulting.com>]
> Sent: Sunday, January 8, 2017 1:03 PM
> To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM<mailto:d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>>;
> vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com<mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
> Subject: Re: Multi meters, Was Dang Headlights.
>
> Hi Dennis,
>
> Thanks for the information and the link.  I have a $20 Radio Shack (is
> that dating myself?) meter in my tool box.  The lack of the ability to
> measure current is real frustrating with it.
>
> The meter that you specify, what is the smallest current that it can
> accurately pick up with the inductive clamp?  I've never used one.
>
> Thanks again!
>
> Cheers,
> Steve Williams
>
> On 06/01/2017 10:51 PM, Dennis Haynes 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
>