How do I Attach an Amp Meter?
- 1). Check your whole system where you want to attach the amp meter. Make sure to draw a sketch, using a schematic diagram style, to present all the elements and check the accuracy of the system. The simplest system would consist of an amp meter, a lamp and a battery as a source of power. Use the common electronic symbols to present the three elements before proceeding with the project. If you are working on an existing device, simply check the scheme diagram to see if everything is properly connected.
- 2). Connect the battery to the lamp to form the basic, rudimentary electric circuit. If you have another system, connect everything as it should be, without the amp meter, for now. If you choose a 6-volt battery, you should choose a 6-volt lamp, too. You can also use 9-volt or 12-volt elements for the electric circuit. If you already have all the elements of a system or you are attaching the amp meter to an existing device, then simply obtain an amp meter with a mounting kit.
- 3). Break the circle by adding the amp meter. What is most important is that the amp meter should be attached in series, meaning in-line with the electric circuit. This way, the electric circle is broken by the amp meter, causing the electrons to flow though it, thus making is easy to measure the amount of current. Connect the positive, red part of the amp meter with the positive part of the battery. Connect the negative part of the amp meter to the lamp that is itself connected to the negative part of the battery. If attaching an amp meter to an existing device, follow the schematic instruction to connect the amp meter properly. Use a wrench to tighten the nuts on the amp meter.
- 4). Mount the amp meter to the surface, using either the hardware of the old amp meter or new hardware from the kit. This step is necessary if you are repairing an existing device.
- 5). Read the amount of electric current on the amp meter’s display to check if the amp meter is functioning.