The Ford Barn

vern hodgson · 07-16-2018, 12:11 AM

How do I use multimeter to measure output on a generator?

Tom Wesenberg · 07-16-2018, 02:01 AM

You should only use an analog meter. Connect the + lead to ground and the - lead to the generator output post.

Switch the meter to a low DC volt scale, such as 10 or 15 volts.

vern hodgson · 07-16-2018, 07:54 AM

Thanks

larrys40 · 07-16-2018, 10:39 PM

Vern,
If you are using a digital meter you can measure the battery voltage at the battery. It should be charging about 7.1 volts or a little more. There is too much noise from the generator to measure anywhere else but the battery for most digital meters. As Tom said the reflective type meters aren’t as sensitive to the noise. Of course your ammeter will be a guide as far as your charge and discharge state. Remember that not all ammeters Are accurate and are just a guide.

I think tom may agree and may have more to expound on .
Larry shepard

eagle · 07-16-2018, 10:48 PM

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If you are setting the charge rate, use an inline ammeter or an inductive clamp. The dash ammeter is not accurate or at least not precise. In my case, I have a fun projects voltage regulator in place of the stock cutout. While the cutout was still in place, I used an inline analog ammeter and set my charge current to 14 amps. Then removed the cutout and installed my voltage regulator. Has worked well for 5 or 6 years and lots of night driving.

07-16-2018, 12:11 AM	#1
vern hodgson Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: langley, wa. Posts: 642	Testing generator How do I use multimeter to measure output on a generator?

07-16-2018, 02:01 AM	#2
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: Testing generator You should only use an analog meter. Connect the + lead to ground and the - lead to the generator output post. Switch the meter to a low DC volt scale, such as 10 or 15 volts.

07-16-2018, 07:54 AM	#3
vern hodgson Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: langley, wa. Posts: 642	Re: Testing generator Thanks

07-16-2018, 10:39 PM	#4
larrys40 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: St Charles , Missouri Posts: 1,998	Re: Testing generator Vern, If you are using a digital meter you can measure the battery voltage at the battery. It should be charging about 7.1 volts or a little more. There is too much noise from the generator to measure anywhere else but the battery for most digital meters. As Tom said the reflective type meters aren’t as sensitive to the noise. Of course your ammeter will be a guide as far as your charge and discharge state. Remember that not all ammeters Are accurate and are just a guide. I think tom may agree and may have more to expound on . Larry shepard

07-16-2018, 10:48 PM	#5
eagle Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Eagle Bend, MN Posts: 2,025	Re: Testing generator Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) If you are setting the charge rate, use an inline ammeter or an inductive clamp. The dash ammeter is not accurate or at least not precise. In my case, I have a fun projects voltage regulator in place of the stock cutout. While the cutout was still in place, I used an inline analog ammeter and set my charge current to 14 amps. Then removed the cutout and installed my voltage regulator. Has worked well for 5 or 6 years and lots of night driving. __________________ "There are some that can destroy an anvil with a teaspoon and shouldn't be allowed to touch anything resembling a tool."