How to properly use an ammeter to monitor an electrolytic cell

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on the proper use of an ammeter with a shunt to monitor an electrolytic cell. Participants share wiring instructions and precautions related to the setup, emphasizing the importance of correct connections to avoid damaging the equipment.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks guidance on wiring an ammeter with a shunt for measuring current in an electrolytic cell, expressing uncertainty about the connections.
  • Another participant advises connecting the shunt in series with the battery and specifies how to connect the positive and negative leads of the LCD display to avoid damage.
  • A participant confirms the wiring setup by sharing a link to an image and receives validation on the correctness of their understanding.
  • It is noted that the ammeter functions by measuring the voltage drop across the shunt, with different current ranges potentially using different shunt resistor values for accuracy.
  • A later post expresses satisfaction with the setup after testing, indicating successful implementation of the advice given.
  • A general note is provided that emphasizes the distinction between measuring current in series and measuring voltage in parallel.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the wiring method and precautions for using the ammeter with a shunt, with no significant disagreements noted in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the importance of using a separate power source for the LCD display to prevent damage, highlighting the need for careful consideration of connections in the setup.

Squall
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Hi i recently acquired an ammeter with a shunt can anyone explain how to wire this so i can measure amps in an electrolytic cell. Does the positive lead have to be wired across the shunt so that it doesn't burn out the lcd display. I've never used such an ammeter so any suggestions will be appreciated.
 
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Connect the shunt in series to whatever you are doing, like to the battery for instance. The positive LCD lead has to be connected to the shunt where it is closest to the positive end of your battery and negative lead of LCD to the more negative end of the shunt.

Just a precaution. The LCD display has to be powered by a separate battery. If you attempt to power it by the battery you are measuring amps from, you might risk blowing up the LCD display.
 
Squall said:
Just to make sure is this what you mean:
http://s106.photobucket.com/albums/m261/Squall_11/?action=view&current=Ammeter.jpg
Thanks A lot

Correct. The "ammeter" is just a DVM measuring the small voltage drop generated by the current flowing through the low-resistance shunt. Different current ranges on the ammeter will often switch in different shunt resistor values, in order to keep the measured voltage large enough (10-100mV?) to give an accurate current reading on that range.
 
Thanks I just tested it out and it works great. i appreciate your help everyone
 
Quite note:
Always measure current by connecting it in series
Always measure voltage by connecting it in parallel
 

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