What setting on my voltmeter to check for draw?

[GNICETRY]

Which on do I use. I have DC V and DC A. DC V is 1000,200,20,2000m,200m. DC A is 200u,2000u,20m,200m,2000m. Thanks!

 

[Dan Thompson]

What are you trying to measure? If you want to check current (dc amps) then use DC A. Start with the highest scale and come down.

I don't think your meter has a high enough range. 2000m is 2000 milliamps or just 2 amps.

 

[TURBOV6]

Most DVM's can check amps but no many can do up to 10 amps. If you look at the bottom where the test leads go you will see if it says max current. DC A is to measure current but you will have to switch the leads around. And what Dan said 2amps seem like the most it can measure anything higher will blow the fuse of fry the meter if you're checking current draw on you car.

 

[GNICETRY]

I am trying to measure my battery drain. I have a drain coming from somewhere. I am going to disconnect the neg cable and put one lead on the terminal and the other lead to the detached cable to measure the drain. On the bottom where the leads go it says 2A max right below 1000vDC and another lead says 10A max UNFUSED. ANYONE???

 

[tom h]

Originally posted by GNICETRY
On the bottom where the leads go it says 2A max right below 1000vDC and another lead says 10A max UNFUSED. ANYONE???

the UNFUSED input on your meter means there is NO fuse inside to protect the meter, in case of overcurrent. Only use this if you are VERY sure you have less than 10amp current flow, and are willing to risk frying the meter.

Start with the "DC 2000m" scale (2 amps DC). If you're draining more current than that, the meter's internal fuse should blow and protect the meter.

 

[TURBOV6]

You got a ditigal camera? Shoot me a pic of your meter and i'll expail to you better hows it done. 2 amps is still too low, if you're going to have one of the doors open (many do that) its going to drain more than 2 amps. But seems like you meter can do 10 amps.

 

[salvageV6]

Use the 10 ampere scale and turn everthing off such as the key, underhood lamp since the hood is open, and close the doors.

Just take the meter leads and attach one firmly to the negative cable.

Take the other one and quickly okay very quickly hit it on the battery.

If the needle moves hard right too much draw if it stays on the scale you are safe for a slightly longer contact time so you can read it.

If it's a digital meter than don't bother trying this.

 

[GNICETRY]

Damn, should've not throw away the directions!

 

[twin 93 svt]

just pull noff neg lead untill, untill you no longer get an arc after of course you isolate the leads