Solar Multimeter Testing

[Paul Elliott]

[QUOTE=TheThunderbird;2040469]

Originally Posted by Paul Elliott

No, there are DC/AC clamp-meters -- I've got a couple myself. They use Hall-effect sensors. Here are the ones I currently have:

($270) - Amazon.com: Fluke 325 40/400A AC/DC, 600V AC/DC TRMS Clamp Meter w/ Frequency, Temp, & Capacitance Measurements: Home Improvement

Paul, I'd like to be wrong, 'cos they asked me 500+eur for a DC Ammeter... sorry.

Here is your Fluke:

"Measurement capability
400 A ac current measurement

600 V ac and dc voltage measurement

True-rms ac voltage and current for accurate measurements on non-linear signals

Resistance measurement up to 4 kΩ with continuity detection"

No DC A reading.... the current must go thru the meter, when DC

You're right, my mistake. I linked to the wrong meter. I have the Fluke 376, or one just like it. Here's a link: Fluke 376 Clamp Meter
This one costs around $360.

That cheap Sears meter works quite well, but I haven't done a direct comparison between the two.

[socaldmax]

[QUOTE=TheThunderbird;2040469]

Originally Posted by Paul Elliott

No, there are DC/AC clamp-meters -- I've got a couple myself. They use Hall-effect sensors. Here are the ones I currently have:

($270) - Amazon.com: Fluke 325 40/400A AC/DC, 600V AC/DC TRMS Clamp Meter w/ Frequency, Temp, & Capacitance Measurements: Home Improvement

Paul, I'd like to be wrong, 'cos they asked me 500+eur for a DC Ammeter... sorry.

Here is your Fluke:

"Measurement capability
400 A ac current measurement

600 V ac and dc voltage measurement

True-rms ac voltage and current for accurate measurements on non-linear signals

Resistance measurement up to 4 kΩ with continuity detection"

No DC A reading.... the current must go thru the meter, when DC

I'm afraid Paul is correct, it does do 400A DC. These specs are direct from the Fluke website.

Measurement capability

400 A AC and DC current measurement
600 V AC and DC voltage measurement
True RMS AC voltage and current for accurate measurements on non-linear signals
Resistance measurement up to 40 kΩ with continuity detection
Temperature and capacitance measurement
Frequency measurement
Features

Slim, ergonomic design
Large, easy to read backlight display
CAT IV 300V/CAT III 600 V safety rating
Hold button
Two-year warranty
Soft carrying case

Nobody in their right mind would run 400A through a set of meter leads. That's the whole point of clamp meters, to measure more current without having the meter in the circuit. It will measure up to 40A through the meter leads and 400A through the clamp.

Specifications
AC current Range 40.00 A / 400.0 A
Accuracy 2% ± 5 digits (45 Hz to 65 Hz)
2.5% ± 5 digits (65 Hz to 400 Hz)
DC current Range 40.00 A / 400.0 A
Accuracy 2% ± 5 digits

[Empty Pockets]

When I couldn't get my panels to charge, I tested them the same as the OP, with the same results. Normal voltage, but no current. I called the distributor I bought them from, and was told that when the panels fail that's what they see. I sent them back and they confirmed my results and offered me a refund or replacement panels.

[TheThunderbird]

@ HappyMdRsailor
Thank you for support :-)

I'll check and get it... is it accurate!? It is worth a try....

[Paul Elliott]

Originally Posted by Empty Pockets

When I couldn't get my panels to charge, I tested them the same as the OP, with the same results. Normal voltage, but no current. I called the distributor I bought them from, and was told that when the panels fail that's what they see. I sent them back and they confirmed my results and offered me a refund or replacement panels.

I think you will find that there was *some* current flowing in your broken panel, just not very much. I mean microamps or a few milliamps, instead of amps. In this case the OP was measuring exactly zero. And of course, if I recall correctly he eventually discovered some blown fuses in his meter.

[HappyMdRSailor]

Originally Posted by TheThunderbird

@ HappyMdRsailor
Thank you for support :-)

I'll check and get it... is it accurate!? It is worth a try....

Tbird...

I find it very accurate over 0.5A...

I have to trust it for cranking current. .. checked against a 90A charging load, spot on... panel and meter agreed. ..

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app