How to check AC current Through multimeter

[Durai]

Hai Guys...

I want to check the AC current by using digtal multimeter.Please give me instruction.

 

[mgb_phys]

No,
Sorry - but assuming you mean household line/mains current (ie 120/230V) then anybody who needs to ask is probably not safe dealing with potentially lethal voltages.

 

[russ_watters]

A regular multimeter won't do. You need a clamp-on meter: http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xgy/R-100047661/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

 

[mgb_phys]

Thanks russ - I was picturing somebody with a $5 DVM and it's optimistic 10A range trying to measure the current to a water heater.

 

[pwreimers]

No,
Sorry - but assuming you mean household line/mains current (ie 120/230V) then anybody who needs to ask is probably not safe dealing with potentially lethal voltages.

I have a situation with a very small indicator lamp. The voltage is 5.4Vac. One lamp is burned out (I want to replace both). With a common multimeter in series with the good bulb, the range set to 200mA, the meter fluctuates, maximizing around 40mA. I am trying to reverse engineer the lamp for replacement, and only have a cheapo multimeter.

Do you have any suggestions I might use for my situation?

Thanks

 

[russ_watters]

Well as said above, you can't find the amperage, but why do you want to anyway? You already have the voltage of the lamp...

 

[pwreimers]

Thanks Russ.

If I know the current draw, the voltage and the physical size I can (maybe) find a replacement bulb. Without the current draw known, the replacement bulb might draw more or less than the original and burn bright or dim.

 

[Studiot]

5.3volts (RMS?) AC?

5 volts DC supplied by a mains adapter should be close enough to measure on the good bulb.
Or perhaps you can make up with batteries and a few resistors?