MJLorton Solar Power and Electronic Measurement Equipment Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: MJLorton on November 07, 2012, 07:21:56 AM

Title: GTC CM100 clamp meter to measure automotive battery parasitic loads
Post by: MJLorton on November 07, 2012, 07:21:56 AM

Hi Folks,

I was asked by a viewer to test if the GTC CM100 low current clamp meter could be used to measure automotive battery parasitic loads when the vehicle is turned off.

Here are two pictures of the meter as I zero / delta it...and then take the measurement.

Cheers,
Martin.

P.S...it can be purchased here:
http://astore.amazon.com/m0711-20/detail/B001TCWL1E

Title: Re: GTC CM100 clamp meter to measure automotive battery parasitic loads
Post by: retiredcaps on November 07, 2012, 04:49:16 PM

I remember doing a parasitic drain test with my multimeter about 8 months ago and it was a bit of a pain to put it in series and to remember not to short out anything (4:20 in video below).   

I used this video from Eric the car guy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF1gijj03_0

Martin also warns about shorting out a car battery too in a recent video (can't remember which one).

With a DC clamp meter, it is way easier to test.