How do I measure Current Draw??

[JD]

Hi guys,
Sorry for the simplistic question but I need to find how many Amps an
electric water pump in a car is using. The thing has a supply and
ground wire(s). How do I do it??

Jim

 

[Spudley]

Place a multimeter in series with the supply lead to the water pump.
Set the multimeter to the highest current range. 10 Amp preferably.
Then read the pointer against the scale or the digital value represented
there in.
Make sure you get a Multimeter that contains operator instructions
on how to set the proper range and which terminals of the multimeter
you should use for highest current range. Make sure you have the polarity
the right way around as well.
*Note* If the device draws more than the maximum current that the multimeter
can read, it is likely that smoke will escape from the components inside the
multimeter and even blow the protection fuse "if one exists inside the meter
that is".

I=E/R

 

[miketinte]

Hi guys,
Sorry for the simplistic question but I need to find how many Amps an
electric water pump in a car is using. The thing has a supply and
ground wire(s). How do I do it??

Jim

Get a multimeter from Home Depot/Lowe's/etc. and place it on the
Ammeter setting. Remove the supply wire from one end and place the
Ammeter leads between the now-loose end, and the point from which you
took it off. Polarity doesn't matter, you will just get a different
sign for your current depending which way you hook the leads up.