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12-19-2019, 12:39 PM
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 231
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Reading DC amps
I am trying to read the DC amps on my solar output with my multi-meter with the amp clamp. Is this possible or do I need a different multi-meter?
Thanks
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12-19-2019, 12:52 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Newmar Owners Club Spartan Chassis
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Manitoba, Canada
Posts: 555
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Most clamp amp meters only read alternating current but there are some clamp meters that do read direct current so check yours to confirm what it is capable of reading.
__________________
Jake
2005 DSDP 4024, Cummins ISL 370, Spartan MM Chassis / 2018 Ford Taurus, Roadmaster Base Plate, Blue Ox Aventa LX Tow Bar, RVI 2 Brakes
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12-19-2019, 12:56 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 4,569
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sanda
I am trying to read the DC amps on my solar output with my multi-meter with the amp clamp. Is this possible or do I need a different multi-meter?
Thanks
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You likely can use your meter "in series" if it's just one panel or so.
https://www.hagerty.com/articles-vid...suring-current
__________________
1996 Tioga Class C
2007 Monaco Diplomat 40 PDQ
TOAD 2012 Cadillac SRX 4
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12-19-2019, 02:03 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Macomb MI
Posts: 212
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sanda
I am trying to read the DC amps on my solar output with my multi-meter with the amp clamp. Is this possible or do I need a different multi-meter?
Thanks
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Yes you can. I have 3 clamp models. Only my good Fluke has DC.
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12-19-2019, 02:16 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,944
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Be sure to estimate the current before trying to measure it with a multimeter by putting it in series. Most have an 11A fuse for a max 10A measurement. And they're not cheap, like $5 each, so you don't want to make a habit of blowing them.
__________________
Tom & Jeri
2018 Coachmen Galleria 24T Li3
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12-19-2019, 03:01 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: North America somewhere
Posts: 30,897
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Please note these are all 12VDC meters.
This one should fit your requirements: https://www.amazon.com/BSIDE-ACM91-A...792649&sr=8-25
or, this one reads up to 600ADC: https://www.amazon.com/685-Amps-Curr.../dp/B000JFHMRA
I had one like this before the digital age  you just held it over the starter cable and it displayed the current draw.
__________________
2000 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom USQ40JD , ISC 8.3 Cummins 350, Spartan MM Chassis. USA IN 1SG 11B5MX,Infantry retired;Good Sam Life member,FMCA. " My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. John F. Kennedy
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12-20-2019, 06:31 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 1,513
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Most older clamp on are AC only. DC clamp on used to be a very expensive tool, but that’s no longer true. I use a clamp on I got from Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Uni-T-B4Q094-...s%2C196&sr=8-6
__________________
Newmar Ventana 4037, 2023.
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12-21-2019, 11:19 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Sacramento, California
Posts: 1,402
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I use my Fluke amp clamp. It's a bit more money but you can't beat Fluke quality!
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12-26-2019, 09:26 AM
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#9
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Community Moderator
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Central, Arkansas
Posts: 11,285
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It is more expensive by a little bit but my clamp will do both.
__________________
2004 Beaver Monterey Laguna IV
Cummins ISC 350HP Allison 3000 6 speed
2020 Chevy Equinox Premier 2.0t 9 speed AWD
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12-27-2019, 01:18 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 233
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I have a Fluke multimeter that reads DC and inadvertently hooked it up to all six of my 140 watt solar panels, and like the man said it sho nuff blew that expensive little 10 amp fuse. But at least I learned not to do that again.
I think Fluke's motto is. If it's a good meter, it's a Fluke.
theboondork.com
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