Re: Ammeter

[Pat.Catchpole@netc.co.uk (Pat Catchpole)]

Dave

I'm sure some better informed sparky will correct me if the following is 
incorrect, but an ammeter will indicate the net difference of currents in the 
car electrics.  Therefore your calculation below will be true only if you are 
parked up with the motor off.  When driving the alternator will be providing 
juice back into the wires so the overall difference should never be 17A.  This 
is where an ammeter will be useful - if you see this sort of current then you 
should be preparing to push :(

The largest current draw that I can think of will be the starter motor.  I'm 
sure that these meters will have some kind of overload protection in for when 
the motor is being cranked over, so I would be inclined to get the 30-0-30 type 
as it will give a more visual indication for small variations in current.


Cheers

Pat

Subject: Ammeter
Author:  "Childs; David" <dchilds@epri.com> at Internet-po
Date:    11/06/98 07:52


Hello all,
     
I was thinking of putting an ammeter in the Spit.  What range should I 
get? 30-0-30 or 60-0-60.  What in that little car would pull more than 
30 amps? One of the biggest loads I can think of would be the lights. 
 I would guess that the lights are 55 to 60 watts so lets assume 100 
watts to be safe.  100/12*2=17 amps.  What is the general experience 
here?
     
TIA
     
Dave C