How to Measure 12 Volt Amps

The ampere (amp) is usually considered as the standard unit to measure the electrical current. A car with standard 12-volt battery can generate 600 amps. It can be more particularly in those vehicles which are designed for very cold weather. An ammeter specifically designed for car battery has very thick cables that can easily control this level of current.

Things you’ll need:

The things you will probably require include:

Step 1:

First of all, acquire a car ammeter. Car ammeters are normally available in auto supply stores that must have the capability to generate at least 800 amps. The cables in car ammeters are normally prepared with 10-gauge or else thicker wire and it is needed as an ammeter has to carry the current in the circuit, not like a voltmeter.

Step 2:

Then disconnect the battery cable from the positive terminal of the battery in order to put in the ammeter for the moment to test it. It usually requires installing the ammeter just earlier than the alternator in the circuit in case if you want to put in a permanent meter.

Step 3:

Now connect the alligator clamp at the end of the ammeter’s positive cable to the positive terminal of battery. In this way, current will flow from the positive terminal to the negative terminal, and ammeter will be on the positive side of the circuit.

Step 4:

Attach the alligator clamp on the negative cable of ammeter to the positive battery cable.

Step 5:

Now calculate the amperage of your car battery. The dial on a car ammeter not only points to the current direction but it also indicates the amount of current. If dial position is in the center then it shows that there is no current flow at all. Whereas the values on the left side of the ammeter dial point to negative current which denotes that, the battery is being discharged to drive other electrical devices. The positive current is shown by the values on the right side of the ammeter dial which means that at this moment the battery is being charged through the alternator.