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General => The garage => Topic started by: LowlifeDubber on 28 December 2010, 21:05

Title: How to check current draw with a multimeter?
Post by: LowlifeDubber on 28 December 2010, 21:05

As per title really.Ive just installed a load of bumf in the car,cd/dvd headunit which has sepearate recievers for satnav,tv tuner,autochanger etc.
All these boxes require permanent live feeds.
However id like to check now it is all just about installed if the boxes are pulling any current when the ignition is off and the car is left.

I have a decent multimeter but im not too sure how to check to see if they are pulling any current?

Any tips/ideas/help would be appreciated.Thanks

Title: Re: How to check current draw with a multimeter?
Post by: danny_p on 29 December 2010, 01:31

set the multimeter to AMPS and measure ????

Title: Re: How to check current draw with a multimeter?
Post by: LowlifeDubber on 29 December 2010, 07:58

Is that a guess? :grin:Or am i being thick and its that simple lol

Title: Re: How to check current draw with a multimeter?
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 29 December 2010, 10:03

As Danny says, if you want to test one item for drain, remove the fuse, and see what difference it makes.

Title: Re: How to check current draw with a multimeter?
Post by: brendan on 29 December 2010, 10:08

When testing make sure you aren't using fused test leads. If you've got a clamp meter use that.

Title: Re: How to check current draw with a multimeter?
Post by: LowlifeDubber on 29 December 2010, 15:05

Cheers boys,well tbh i don't even know if i have a drain yet,i just thought as there were about 6 different bit's of kit requiring a permanent live it would be wise to see if there was any drain when it's all switched off.
I don't have a FLUKE style clamp guage just a standard multimeter that has more settings than i know what to do with.
 :angry:

Title: Re: How to check current draw with a multimeter?
Post by: danny_p on 29 December 2010, 23:25

DC 10 Amps setting for you then,  probaly need to move the probes to diffrent sockets to use that setting, be carefull not to overload it else fuse will pop or damage meter

Title: Re: How to check current draw with a multimeter?
Post by: LowlifeDubber on 30 December 2010, 08:41

Great stuff,will give that a go shortly.Thanks Danny