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posted on May 12th, 2014 at 05:10 PM
AMP Gauge reading in Car
Hi guys
What should the amp gauge be reading when installed in a 12 volt car? At idle and when operating?
Assuming the gauge is -30amp to +30 amp.
Regards
Greg
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posted on May 12th, 2014 at 10:54 PM
no easy answer for this one. it depends where it is installed in circuit, whether the battery is discharged and needing a good recharge, and whether
the main loads are switched on, such as head lights etc.
You need to be confident that it is installed in the right spot and have a good understanding of the circuit to make full sense of an amp meter. If
its all working properly with a fully charged battery I would expect the current flow to always be charging if you have an alternator, and if you have
generator I would expect slight discharge (2 to 3 amps) at idle. above idle to be charging at around 5 amps for both alternator and generator.
Better off having a voltmeter actually.
Lateral
A.k.a.: Greg Hanley
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posted on May 13th, 2014 at 06:36 AM
Thanks mate, I'm planning on having a Voltmeter as well.
