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Current Flow Testing Procedures

To check a circuit for Current Flow we recommend the following:

 

Current Testing Using a DMM

Overview:
The procedure for measuring CURRENT is different from measuring voltage.

  • When measuring VOLTAGE, the meter leads are connected to the points in the circuit being tested. Very little power (current) is drawn into the meter.

  • When measuring CURRENT, the meter is connected in series and becomes part of the circuit being tested. All the power in the circuit flows through the meter.

MEASURING CURRENT:

  1. Turn the meter ON.

  2. Turn the rotary function switch to DC Amps.

  3. Connect the test leads to the DMM;
    a.  Plug the black lead into the COM input,
    b.  Plug the red lead into the Amp input.

WARNING: Turn OFF power in the circuit before going to step 4.

  • Do NOT check current flow exceeding the maximum amp rating of the DMM.

  • If it is possible for amperage in the circuit to exceed the maximum rating of the DMM we recommend using the ACM6100 Clamp-on Current Probe.

4. Connect the test leads in series with the load under measurement.
5. Turn power to the circuit ON.
6. When measurements are complete:

Turn circuit power OFF before removing meter from the circuit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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