Here is an example to make sure you know the importance of amperage in a circuit. You have a 12 Strand wire that needs testing. There is a break in the wire at some point and only 1 strand is still connected at the break. The meter displays the correct amount of voltage at the end of the wire, but the component hooked up still does not work. This is because the remaining 1 strand at the break point is carrying all the load that the 12 strand wire should be handling. This will not allow the proper amperage through the circuit.
Types of ammeters
Clamp on ammeter
DC analog ammeter
Clamp ammeter with digital readout
Amperage Testing
To test for proper amperage, you can either use a load light at the end of the circuit, or use an AC/DC ammeter. To use an ammeter, follow the steps below.
Step 1- Insert the test probes in series with the circuit.
If you are using the probe type meter, make certain that you place the test probes in series with the circuit.
Step 2- Clamp the probes around the harness.
If you are using the clamp type meter, then all you have to do is place the clamp around the harness or wires.
Step 3- Review the test results.
Your ammeter will either have an "ok/good - not ok/not good" indicators, or it will have a digital/analog readout. If you are using the readout type meter, just match up the result of the test to what is the correct amount for the circuit.
