Quote:
Originally Posted by redpoint5
Does measuring alternator output reliably tell you accessory draw? I used battery draw only since I know it's reliable and will only output what is being consumed. With an alternator, you don't know if it's feeding the battery, or supplying a load.
I suppose if you take a baseline measurement with the car running, you can subtract it from whatever the reading is when an accessory is turned on. Still unsure of accuracy since alternators can vary output depending on the load it senses and bump up voltages.
I've got a decent DC clamp meter that goes up to 400A that I use to measure starter draw.
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Mine is wired:
"Alternator* -> Battery/capacitors -> Car
So, I just clamp between the battery and car on the positive and I have an accurate reading. You're right in that in most vehicles, the alternator isn't a great place to measure instantaneous current, but the average should still be correct.