Checking amps at the breaker.

mbcabinetmaker · Post by **mbcabinetmaker** » Sat Jul 25, 2009 7:31 pm

Can anyone tell me how to check the amperage at the breaker? I have seen it done but don’t remember how to do it. Thanks for any help.

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Sat Jul 25, 2009 7:44 pm

[quote="mbcabinetmaker"]Can anyone tell me how to check the amperage at the breaker? I have seen it done but don&#8217]BE CAREFUL!!! Red (AKA JPG40504), may have an answer for you. I have an automotive amp meter that you simply hold on top of an (insulated) wire, and a needle shows the amperage of the electricity that is currently flowing through it. This meter has a 30 amp max. (this meter is relatively inexpensive) Also, there are more sophisticated testing equipment that you can use. Be advised that any such testing will only show you what the amperage is that is being drawn at the moment that you are performing the test.

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Sat Jul 25, 2009 7:44 pm

What equipment do you have for checking it? Maybe WHY your checking wood be nice to know too?

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sat Jul 25, 2009 7:52 pm

I believe this to be the safest way for anyone other than a qualified technician to test amperage in your breaker box.

http://www.myflukestore.com/p1245/fluke_322.php

The principal behind this meter is most likely the same as the one gutterman mentions.

You can also install a high wattage wire wound resister in line with the load and measure the voltage drop across that resistor. You then divide the voltage measured by the value of the resistor and the mathematical result is the amount of current that was flowing when the voltage was measured. The problem here is that the voltage to the load (Mark V motor) is reduced by the amount of voltage dropped across the wire wound resistor - thus making this not the best test for determining the current through the motor. But then the question really did not indicate that the Mark V was even involved. This was just an assumption on my part.

Final Word - buy a meter.

judaspre1982 · Post by **judaspre1982** » Sat Jul 25, 2009 8:31 pm

===================

mbcabinetmaker · Post by **mbcabinetmaker** » Sat Jul 25, 2009 8:37 pm

I have a multi meter similar to the one dusty posted. When I clamp it around a wire it does nothing. Am I supposed to attach the leads to something. I thought all you did was encircle the hot wire and it was suppose to show the amp draw. I have a breaker that is running lights and getting hot. I want to know if it is over loaded.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sat Jul 25, 2009 8:41 pm

Mark

What is the nomenclature of the meter you have and who is the manufacturer.

If it is truly a clamp on amp meter, you should not have to attach any leads while using that function. Some clamp ons can also be used as standard volt meters and those require leads.

judaspre1982 · Post by **judaspre1982** » Sat Jul 25, 2009 8:49 pm

====================

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Sat Jul 25, 2009 8:50 pm

This is less $$$

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Sat Jul 25, 2009 8:53 pm

Please DO KNOT use the automotive amp meters. My investigation finds them as being used for DC current only.