10 a ammeter wiring.

[james quinn]

I am trying to measure amps straight from the panels and have already blown one meter.I am unsure how to wire it up. I have only 1 panel and have purchased a small 10A meter analog. I will enclose 2 photos of system and ammeter.Could someone help me with simple instruction as to how I should wire it.Thanks JQ
Meter does NOT require shunt.

[SunEagle]

What is the voltage rating of that ammeter? It needs to be at least 1.25% higher then the panel Voc rating.

One of the best inline DC meters I have used for my RC batteries & motors is made by Turnigy. Although since it can measure wattage it will require both positive and negative wire connections on both sides.

[bcroe]

Because of the difficulties of connecting ammeters into power circuits, I prefer to use clamp on
meters, though DC tend to be pricey and of limited resolution. Another solution is build a shunt
into the circuit and just connect a voltmeter to it for readings as needed. Bruce Roe

[james quinn]

Its a 10Amp rated Ammeter.I recon the panel puts out about 3 Amps. I need to know the wiring setup.
Thanks.

[littleharbor]

Are you testing the amperage of a connected panel? You may be actually getting the battery in the mix, if so and that will blow the fuse every time. A 3 amp panel, by itself couldn't do this.

[james quinn]

Trying to get the amperage coming directly from panel. Require wiring guide.
Thanks

[SunEagle]

Trying to get the amperage coming directly from panel. Require wiring guide.
Thanks

If that meter really doesn't need a shunt then the red wire on the output side should go the charge controller.

Just make sure you first connect the battery to the charge controller and then connect the panel (with the ammeter on the positive red wire) and the black negative wire to the charge controller terminals.

If that panels is only rated with an Imp of 3 amps the ammeter should never see the 10amp rating.

[james quinn]

Great, should the red output from the meter be connected to the charge controller at solar panel input (+) Would setup in attached pic be ok.

[max2k]

Its a 10Amp rated Ammeter.I recon the panel puts out about 3 Amps. I need to know the wiring setup.
Thanks.

No, you need to learn about electricity first- there's no way you could blow ammeter from the panel alone. Since you managed it clearly indicates you didn't know what you were doing. Currently you're dealing with 150-200 W power levels and ammeter was the only victim but if you move up the power level keeping your ignorance consequences will be much more severe. Please consider spending few days / weeks learning how DC behaves using some bulbs/switches and 9V - 12V power source with overload protection. It will spare you a lot of frustration and will save time in the long run.

The wires coming from the meter are inputs, not outputs you need to understand the difference.

[james quinn]

I,m not here looking to be told off by anyone.

[max2k]

I,m not here looking to be told off by anyone.

I wasn't trying to, you're just really off base here. Trust me, even most experienced ppl on this board were clueless at some point in their lives and still made it where they are today so there's a way. Electricity just doesn't work too well using 'cookbook recipe' approach.

There are bunch of study guides available on the Net, even free of charge - pick the one which suits your level, study and come back with questions here or on some other forum and ppl will help you along the way but you need to do your part.

[SunEagle]

Great, should the red output from the meter be connected to the charge controller at solar panel input (+) Would setup in attached pic be ok.

No. Only one red wire should go to the CC not 2 as you show. The ammeter is just in series with the panel positive lead. Think of the ammeter as being part of the red positive wire.

I am a little concerned that you do not understand electrical circuits yet you are trying to wire up this ammeter. Both max2k and I are trying to help you. Trust me when I say that electricity can kill you if you handle it incorrectly.

[james quinn]

Not a nice forum, byeeeeeeee

[SunEagle]

Not a nice forum, byeeeeeeee

Please try to not get hurt with electricity. Come on back if you have any more questions.

[Sean_Ork]

Great, should the red output from the meter be connected to the charge controller at solar panel input (+) Would setup in attached pic be ok.

It'll work if you remove the red wire that goes from the panel directly to the charge controller - all its doing now is bypassing the meter.