Ammeter vs. Volt meter

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Jun 3, 2009 | 02:28 PM

grnlzrd

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Mountain Pass

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 164

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From: NW Ohio

Ammeter vs. Volt meter

I picked up a set of aftermarket gauges dirt cheap, and they came with the ammeter. Now, I'm wondering if a volt meter would be a better choice. Which one would be more useful for keeping tabs on things?

Jun 3, 2009 | 02:37 PM

BPofMD

FTE Legend

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 65,938

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From: Millersville, MD

My preference would be voltmeter....I want to see where the alt/batt system is at! Could care less about how many amps I'm drawing.... the fuses do that for me.

Jun 3, 2009 | 03:09 PM

Steina

CO River Rat

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 3,209

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From: Lake Havasu City AZ

Ammeters require large (10ga or better) cables to hook up, plus they need to be matched to the charging system; installing one rated at 30 amps in a 60 amp system can get exciting real quick. I'd stick with a voltmeter 'cause I don't want that kinda current inside the cabin - JMHO.

Steve

Jun 3, 2009 | 04:57 PM

Franklin2

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Joined: Jan 2001

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From: Virginia

Voltmeters are easier to hook up. The ammeters do require large wiring to enter the cab, and it's usually not fused, so if your wiring practices are not very good, it can be bad news.

Both give good info on the charging system, though I have never seen a factory ammeter that actually worked very well. The aftermarket one you have will work good, but be careful with the wiring.