Thread: Installing cooktop - do I need an electrician - and if so why?

Originally Posted by Ashore

The 10 amp (non fused) connection on your multimeter is for measuring DC amperage over a short time span 10-15 sec's max , never for AC amperage, for that you need a clamp meter.

Rgds

Thanks for that Ashore.

Originally Posted by Ashore

The 10 amp (non fused) connection on your multimeter is for measuring DC amperage over a short time span 10-15 sec's max , never for AC amperage, for that you need a clamp meter.

Rgds

Hey ashore, can you explain why ?
I am puzzled by your assertion about the DC only ?

As for the 10A non fused inputs, where did you get such a device ?
I don't think I've ever seen a non fused current input on a multimeter.

You will notice in the specs/manual of your multimeter is has a mention about continuous and peak reading with time limits. That is what you should refer too, your multimeter might only be able to hold the 10A reading for 5 seconds ...

Nic

Originally Posted by nic

Hey ashore, can you explain why ?
I am puzzled by your assertion about the DC only ?

Why I said not to test AC current was because a lot of multi meters will only play nicely with ac current under 20milliamps and in answering metal heads question the meters I have used that had a 10amp unfused socket were for DC only , I have not bought any good meters for the last 10 years as my old ones are all working and are more than I need, there may be new thecnology in the latest meters that allows you to test high range AC current if there is I haven't seen it , so rather than offer an opinion or give advice that may cause someone to damage their meter I went on the safety side in saying only use a clamp meter to measure AC Current .

Originally Posted by nic

As for the 10A non fused inputs, where did you get such a device ?
I don't think I've ever seen a non fused current input on a multimeter.

Picture below of two meters both with non fused 10Amp DC current input sockets .

Originally Posted by nic

You will notice in the specs/manual of your multimeter is has a mention about continuous and peak reading with time limits. That is what you should refer too, your multimeter might only be able to hold the 10A reading for 5 seconds ...

Nic

You are of course correct you should always read the specs , trouble is very few do until all else fails , and even then may find them hard to understand . My saying 10-15 secs max was from the lower limit of my meters and I should not have generalized as 15 secs may indeed damage a diffrent meter,


Rgds

Originally Posted by Ashore

so rather than offer an opinion or give advice that may cause someone to damage their meter I went on the safety side in saying only use a clamp meter to measure AC Current .

Makes sense now

Nic

so rather than offer an opinion or give advice that may cause someone to damage their meter I went on the safety side in saying only use a clamp meter to measure AC Current .

that, and it's heaps easier anyway

Originally Posted by thatirwinfella

that, and it's heaps easier anyway

You can say that again

Rgds