Current Draw measurements

Hello,

Can we use a clamp meter to measure the current draw for each component in the circuit to help with choosing wire size?

I'm currently planning a motorcycle harness build, and the info isn't really available. I want to know what's the best way I can measure the current drawn.

Thanks

Yes, An amp meter is a possible option in addition to 3-4 other methods. There is a course on this specific topic in the PDM Installation and configuration course. I would suggest watching that to get a better understanding of this.

https://www.hpacademy.com/dashboard/courses/pdm-installation-and-configuration/technical-background-theory-determining-current-draw/

Yeah i saw it, but a oscilloscope with an inductive current clamp probe is a problem I'd rather use a regular clamp meter with everything connected on the bike and take measurements since i don't have good test bench setup.

is there a specific type amp meter i should look for or any is suitable?

And thank you for the confirmation .

Ideally you have something that will provide enough logging and resolution to accurately identify the various points as stated above. A multimeter with the internal typically 10a max current meter, an inductive probe attached to a multimeter or a standalone inductive clamp, will just give you a steady state current draw. It might not have enough resolution to pick up the inrush current.

alternative options are benchtop 20-30a power supplies with current display. Or if you already have your PDM and dont mind some additional wiring. You can use that to drive an output with an over rated wire awg and connecctions. If your PDM has graph logging/playback, or it is connected to a dash logger, you can get all of the current info you need there.

What PDM do you have and what are you trying to determine the current draw of?

I'll be using PMU-16

I want to measure the following:

Fuel pump

Fan

Coils

Injectors

Horn (quick check)

Headlight (just to verify)

Yeah, the PMU16 has a graphlog function. You can do some basic bench top wiring to power up the PMU and supply power to the necessary devices. You can set a manual trigger to turn them on/off. You will then log the output being turned on and off. This will show you all of the info you need.

thank you

No Problem. Post back here if you need guidance with anything furhter.