Hi:
What is the best way to measure the current (mA) consumed by a DC motor?.
Break the circuit and put your ammeter in series. If your meter has more than one red lead socket for currebt, probably prudent to start on the highest and work down: my Fluke for example has a 10A socket and a 400mA one.
Thanks for the hint!. I was aware of connecting the ammeter in series with the motor but I didnt realize I had to connect the read lead socket on A or mA.
When measuring current the meter has to approximate a short-circuit, hence the
separate socket for that. Usually 10A is a separate socket only for use with the 10A
setting on the dial (10A uses a high current shunt resistance).
I'd advise you to always put a multimeter away with the leads plugged in for voltage
since otherwise you could accidentally short out a circuit you are intending to probe
the next time you use it and forget to check the leads.
MarkT:
When measuring current the meter has to approximate a short-circuit, hence the
separate socket for that. Usually 10A is a separate socket only for use with the 10A
setting on the dial (10A uses a high current shunt resistance).I'd advise you to always put a multimeter away with the leads plugged in for voltage
since otherwise you could accidentally short out a circuit you are intending to probe
the next time you use it and forget to check the leads.
I'll keep that in mind. Thank you!
BTW current is never consumed, its power and energy that are consumed. The current comes
straight back out the other wire!