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| [title] Current basics | |
| - | [* icon_note] Current describes the flow rate of electrons/ions at a particular point in a circuit. The SI unit of measurement for current is an ***Amp (A)***. Oftentimes, portable devices operate at lower ranges |
| + | [* icon_note] Current describes the flow rate of electrons/ions at a particular point in a circuit. The SI unit of measurement for current is an ***Amp (A)***. Oftentimes, portable devices operate at lower current ranges of microamps (μA) or milliamps (mA). |
| [* icon_note] You can use current measurements to help calculate a variety of power and energy estimations, such as how long a battery can power a device, or how much energy a device uses in a day. | |
| [* 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 short-circuit 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 while you set up.*** 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 this happens to your iFixit multimeter, [guide|163239|follow this guide|new_window=true] to replace the fuse. |