In all the digital multimeters I've seen there are three test lead
terminals, there's the common terminal, a terminal for V and ohms, and then
there's a third terminal for current. You have to plug the positive lead
into the current terminal on the meter to measure current. And you will do
what everybody doe's. Re-Set the range switch to volts and then connect it
as a current meter, bang your fuse goes.



-----Original Message-----
From: Tim Hart [mailto:Tim.Hart@HAWORTH.COM]
Sent: 11 September 2003 5:20:pm
To: PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU
Subject: Re: [EE]: Simple DC Current...


I have a simple question....

I'm attempting to measure the current draw of a DC fan.  I hook up a simple
panel current meter and it shows 200 ma....(It's a small fan) and then I
hook up my supper nice DVM and it shows ZERO!  I changed the range, set it
to auto etc.  Nothing!

It's currently wired with the fan connected to the Positive post on the
Battery, the Negative battery post goes to the negative probe and the
positive probe goes to the Negative wire on the fan.  As I said, simple
question.  But it doesn't read anything!  I can change it over to Voltage
and it shows the voltage of the battery!

Can someone prod me in the correct direction?

Thanks
Tim

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