Amp Meter giving different reading from CC

Seanadirondacks
Seanadirondacks Registered Users Posts: 20 ✭✭
in General Solar Power Topics #1
On the positive incoming line from solar array im getting an amp reading of 12+ on the CC its reading around 20. Its a new amp meter and im new to using them. Thanks
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  • mcgivor
    mcgivor Solar Expert Posts: 3,854 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 2018 #2
    The second image shows an ammeter set on the AC scale, what's needed is a DC clamp on ammeter, AC amps are not the same as DC amps,, the reading will always be inaccurate, you need an ammeter capable of reading DC amps.
    1500W, 6× Schutten 250W Poly panels , Schneider MPPT 60 150 CC, Schneider SW 2524 inverter, 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Battery Bodyguard BMS 
    Second system 1890W  3 × 300W No name brand poly, 3×330 Sunsolar Poly panels, Morningstar TS 60 PWM controller, no name 2000W inverter 400Ah LFP 24V nominal battery with Daly BMS, used for water pumping and day time air conditioning.  
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  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #3
    The best advantage of a clamp on DC ampmeter, is you will never be tempted to use it in the AMPS mode, when you measure the volts on your battery.  Doing that pretty much will ruin several peoples day.
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

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  • littleharbor2
    littleharbor2 Solar Expert Posts: 2,102 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #4
    mike95490 said:
    The best advantage of a clamp on DC ampmeter, is you will never be tempted to use it in the AMPS mode, when you measure the volts on your battery.  Doing that pretty much will ruin several peoples day.

    Been there, done that. Bought new DVM.
     Fortunately the meter died a fast, flame free death.

    2.1 Kw Suntech 175 mono, Classic 200, Trace SW 4024 ( 15 years old  but brand new out of sealed factory box Jan. 2015), Bogart Tri-metric,  460 Ah. 24 volt LiFePo4 battery bank. Plenty of Baja Sea of Cortez sunshine.

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