Using DC clamp meter

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just starting
just starting Registered Users Posts: 235 ✭✭✭
in Off Grid Solar & Battery Systems #1
So I have six strings of agm batteries today I put a 32 amp load on the bank and checked all strings in the center after a min they all were pulling 5.8 to 6 amps so is it balanced or should I test during bulk with inverter off
200ah LiFePO4 24v Electrodacus Sbms40 quad breaker chest freezer to fridge- Samlex PST 1524 - Samlex pst3024  - 1hp shallow well pump-Marey 4.3 GPM on demand waterheater - mama bear Fisher wood burning stove, 30" fridgarair oven ,fridegaire dishwasher  Unique 290l stainless D.C. Fridge-unique 120l portable fridge/freezer 
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  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #2
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    That seems like it would be an acceptable range for non-contact meter errors.  Did you record which strings pulled which power ? 
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  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,439 admin
    #3
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    It would not hurt to once in a while check while doing heavy charging/equalizing too... You are looking for differences that may indicate future problems (weak cell, bad connections, over heated battery, etc.).

    But it does sound like your wiring and battery bank is fine.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
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  • just starting
    just starting Registered Users Posts: 235 ✭✭✭
    #4
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    Checked while charging its the same across the bank with in one amp
    200ah LiFePO4 24v Electrodacus Sbms40 quad breaker chest freezer to fridge- Samlex PST 1524 - Samlex pst3024  - 1hp shallow well pump-Marey 4.3 GPM on demand waterheater - mama bear Fisher wood burning stove, 30" fridgarair oven ,fridegaire dishwasher  Unique 290l stainless D.C. Fridge-unique 120l portable fridge/freezer 
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  • PNjunction
    PNjunction Solar Expert Posts: 762 ✭✭✭
    #5
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    While you're at it, pick up a handheld IR pointer temp meter at nearly any home improvement store.  Some have laser pointers built-in.

    Even though your current seems to be balanced, with the handheld pointer, you can identify if anything is starting to get hotter than the rest of the system early, like loose connectors, poor crimps, even individual cells in the batteries themselves.

    Spotting something getting warmer than normal early on can easily justify getting one of these tools.
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  • just starting
    just starting Registered Users Posts: 235 ✭✭✭
    #6
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    Cool thanks
    200ah LiFePO4 24v Electrodacus Sbms40 quad breaker chest freezer to fridge- Samlex PST 1524 - Samlex pst3024  - 1hp shallow well pump-Marey 4.3 GPM on demand waterheater - mama bear Fisher wood burning stove, 30" fridgarair oven ,fridegaire dishwasher  Unique 290l stainless D.C. Fridge-unique 120l portable fridge/freezer 
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  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,439 admin
    #7
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    Keep looking at this. Really nice for a quick thermal scan:

    http://www.amazon.com/Seek-Compact-Thermal-Imager-Android/dp/B00NYWAHHM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1453755858&sr=8-3&keywords=ir+camera

    The Apple version is even quite a bit less (surprise!).

    -Bill

    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
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