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crwdns2936043:0crwdne2936043:0 crwdns2933505:0crwdne2933505:0 Arthur Shi
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| + | [title] Current basics |
|---|---|
| [* black] You can use the current measurement to help determine how much power a circuit is drawing and ballpark how long a battery can power the circuit. | |
| [* icon_caution] ***Current measurements must be performed on a live circuit. If done improperly, you can damage the circuit and your multimeter, and risk electric shock. ***Take note of these precautions when you measure current: | |
| - | [* icon_note] ***Your multimeter acts like a low-resistance wire when it's in current measurement mode***. Be very aware of what you touch with the probes to prevent unintentional short circuits, which can damage your circuit or the multimeter. |
| + | [* icon_note] ***Your multimeter acts like a low-resistance wire when it's in current measurement mode***. Be very aware of what you touch with the multimeter probes to prevent unintentional short circuits, which can damage your circuit or the multimeter. |
| [* icon_note] ***Power down the circuit as you set up your measurement.*** You can easily short something with your probes if you set up on a live circuit. This can damage your circuit and your multimeter. | |
| [* icon_note] Many multimeters will have a low and high current port, as they're protected by different fuses. The current limits are normally printed next to the port. If the current exceeds the limit for a short period of time, it will blow the associated fuse. If that happens, [guide|163239|follow this guide|new_window=true] to replace the fuse. | |
| - | [* icon_note] The iFixit multimeter's low current port has a ***600mA limit***. If you suspect the measurement will be above that, use the high current measuring method first. |