I have a basic multi-meter that I am using to measure amp on a load.
I am trying to figure out how much amps my small entertainment system draws. (LCD TV, PC, speakers.) I want to build a small DC inverter system to feed this entertainment system.
My main power is 220V
My ammeter's lowest scale is 200, the highest is 1000. It only has these two settings. The sale is not marked as amps or milli-amps. I am assuming it's amps due to the missing mA notation.
When clamping around the lead that feeds the whole setup (multi plug), I am getting a reading of 00.3
to 00.4
on the screen (scale, 200).
The system if idling and not really doing anything accept being powered on. Tv screen is on, pc is on, and speakers are on.
I am using this meter. DT266 Multi Meter
My meter, however, just displays "A" (with an Aternating current symbol), and not "ACA".
I would normally assume that this is 0.4 amps . However, that seems low.
Alternatively, I tested this same meter and using the same scale (200) on my car battery charger charging a battery, and there it reads 02.5 . The max amps of the battery charger as written on the label, is 6 amps. So hence 02.5 is then 2.5 amps and not 25 amps.
Which brings me back to my initial question.
Is 0.4 amps a "normal" load for the entertainment system as specified?
Using an online calculator, that converts to about 88 watts.