Testing electrical draw

[atrophy]

I think someone posted how to determine how much electrical draw the TT has when just sitting.  I can't seem to find it.  I would like to know what the normal draw is for the ECU and any other normal draw for a base line.
Can anyone tell me how to get this number?  I have a digital multi meter.

[Volfy]

Best way to do this is with a clamp type DC ammeter with good sensitivity.  It allows you to measure DC current without breaking the connection, which you'll have to do with a multimeter.

I have one and can do a quick test if you want to know some numbers.

[atrophy]

That would be interesting.
I think someone  previously posted a number like .04 amps.

[Volfy]

Sounds about right.  I'll check mine and post the results.

[DonTom]

Originally Posted by atrophy

I think someone posted how to determine how much electrical draw the TT has when just sitting.  I can't seem to find it.  I would like to know what the normal draw is for the ECU and any other normal draw for a base line.
Can anyone tell me how to get this number?  I have a digital multi meter.

A jumpy 14 ma max (jumps a bit with the led that flashes). Keep key out and put current meter in series with negative side of battery lead (black current meter lead on battery negative).

Analog meters are MUCH better when things (such as this) are jumpy. A cheap analog meter with a 20 MA (or so) scale would be perfect. 50 MA scale would be fine too.  100ma scale  will work for this too.

One of my favorite meters is the 7030. It has the 20 ma scale and is both, digital as well as analog.

-Don-  Reno, NV

[DonTom]

Originally Posted by atrophy

That would be interesting.
I think someone  previously posted a number like .04 amps.

Nope, .014 amps (14 ma). I would consider .04 amps to be an excessive current draw, as it's almost four times the current draw of my TTSE.

-Don-  Reno, NV

[DonTom]

Originally Posted by Volfy

Best way to do this is with a clamp type DC ammeter with good sensitivity.  It allows you to measure DC current without breaking the connection, which you'll have to do with a multimeter.

I have one and can do a quick test if you want to know some numbers.

If you ever find a clamp on meter that can do as low as 14 ma on DC, please let me know.

-Don-  Reno, NV

[Volfy]

Originally Posted by DonTom

If you ever find a clamp on meter that can do as low as 14 ma on DC, please let me know.

-Don-  Reno, NV

Ask and you shall receive:  http://www.grainger.com/product/MILWAUKEE-Milliamp-Clamp-Meter-46N348?s_pp=false&picUrl=//static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger/46N348_AS01?$smthumb$

4-20mA process meters are quite common in industrial instrumentation.  When you are troubleshooting control panels with spaghetti wiring, not having to break every circuit you're checking is a godsent.

This one is spec'ed at 2% accuracy.  At 20mA FS, that is +-0.4mA, but they will usually display down to 0.1mA.