how to measure current on electric motor?


  #1  
Old 12-03-06, 12:51 PM
J
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Carlsbad NM
Posts: 127
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
how to measure current on electric motor?

i have a small motor that runs off 6v DC. I am trying to figure out how to read the current of the motor so I can put an AC adapter on it. I have a multi-meter and I'm not getting any readings. I've been putting the multimeter on the + and - of the power cable going to the motor. what am i doing wrong?
 
  #2  
Old 12-03-06, 01:03 PM
J
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Carlsbad NM
Posts: 127
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
ok i figured out i had to break the circuit and got it to work. new question tho. if i set the multimeter on DCA @ 20m I get a reading between .10 and .12. It fluctuates a bit. So being this is a 6V system what AC adapter would I be looking for? 6V and what current?

Thanks.
 
  #3  
Old 12-03-06, 01:21 PM
G
Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Hamilton County, Ohio
Posts: 3,927
Upvotes: 0
Received 2 Upvotes on 2 Posts
Actually any AC/DC adapter with an output of 6 volts and an amperage greater than the motor's draw. I would look for 6 volts and 300-600 milliamps output. The adapter only supplies as much current the motor needs (draws).
 
  #4  
Old 12-03-06, 01:32 PM
J
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Carlsbad NM
Posts: 127
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
1 more question. id like to wire in a fuse for this. what size would i need?
 
  #5  
Old 12-03-06, 04:26 PM
G
Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Hamilton County, Ohio
Posts: 3,927
Upvotes: 0
Received 2 Upvotes on 2 Posts
Check a place like "the shack". 1 amp or less inline fuse wired on the plus side of the 6 volt output.
 
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
 
Ask a Question
Question Title:
Description:
Your question will be posted in: