Q&A for How to Measure Amperage

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How can I measure amperage of a plug by using a multimeter?

Ralph Childers
Electrical Professional
Ralph Childers is a master electrician based in the Portland, Oregon area with over 30 years of conducting and teaching electrical work. Ralph received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and holds an Oregon Journeyman Electrical License as well as electrician licenses in Louisiana and Texas.

Ralph Childers

Electrical Professional

Expert Answer

If there is nothing plugged into a plug there will not be any current at that plug since current is a measure of the flow of electricity.

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Question

If I have 20a breakers in my box, can I assume there is 20a at the outlets?

Ralph Childers
Electrical Professional
Ralph Childers is a master electrician based in the Portland, Oregon area with over 30 years of conducting and teaching electrical work. Ralph received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and holds an Oregon Journeyman Electrical License as well as electrician licenses in Louisiana and Texas.

Ralph Childers

Electrical Professional

Expert Answer

There will be 20A between all the outlets on that particular circuit. Make sure that the outlet in question does actually connect to that circuit breaker, though.

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Question

What do I put the multimeter on to see if I am getting power to my breaker?

Ralph Childers
Electrical Professional
Ralph Childers is a master electrician based in the Portland, Oregon area with over 30 years of conducting and teaching electrical work. Ralph received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and holds an Oregon Journeyman Electrical License as well as electrician licenses in Louisiana and Texas.

Ralph Childers

Electrical Professional

Expert Answer

In order to do that you would need to take off the breaker panel cover, which is not recommended unless you are trained. If you have power to other parts of the house, it is a good assumption that the breaker is getting power.

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Question

How do I test the amps on a battery?

Ralph Childers
Electrical Professional
Ralph Childers is a master electrician based in the Portland, Oregon area with over 30 years of conducting and teaching electrical work. Ralph received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and holds an Oregon Journeyman Electrical License as well as electrician licenses in Louisiana and Texas.

Ralph Childers

Electrical Professional

Expert Answer

First, you'll have to disconnect the battery positive lead. Then, you'll insert the meter into circuit by connecting the meter probes to the wire and battery post. Look at the article again for more information.

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Question

Should I use "AC" or "DC" when I'm testing amperage with a multimeter?

Jesse Kuhlman
Master Electrician, Kuhlman Electric
Jesse Kuhlman is a Master Electrician and the Owner of Kuhlman Electric based in Massachusetts. Jesse specializes in all aspects of home and residential wiring, troubleshooting, generator installation, and WiFi thermostats. Jesse is also the author of four eBooks on home wiring including "Residential Electrical Troubleshooting" which covers basic electrical troubleshooting in residential homes.

Jesse Kuhlman

Master Electrician, Kuhlman Electric

Expert Answer

In a residential setting, most things are going to be run on AC power. However, if there's a transformer that's converting the electricity to DC, you'd need to use the DC setting, so you have to check the voltage label to be sure.

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