Hi there,

I have just purchased a Digitech WT-5340 Car Fuse Adapter, which plugs into my Multimeter. ($12-00 Jaycar )

By removing 12 volt Automotive "Blade Fuses" & putting this unit in it's place, I can measure the current being drawn by the electrical appliance, eg radio, TV etc.

I have then listed my fuses, what appliance is connected to each fuse & the current drawn by each appliance in our van.

Easier to do this at home rather than on the road.

Also it's handy to know how much each appliance uses before swithing it on, particularly when "Freedom Camping".

By knowing how much power is consumed & being a little careful, it's amazing how long a 120 amp hour battery will last before recharging.

We do a lot of "Freedom Camping" & don't use a generator or solar panels.

Copy of my usages below:-

ELECTRICAL DETAILS


FUSES:-


1) Range Hood Fan & Light, Kitchen Fluorescent, Sink Fluorescent Lights

2) Bedroom Lights

3) Dining Fluorescent, Dining Reading, Outside Light

4) Water Pump, TV Socket

5) Radio, TV Aerial

6) Step Light, Shower Light & Fan


CURRENTS DRAWN:-


Bathroom 0.87 amps (Halogen Light) 1.90 amps (Fan)

Ceiling Lights (Fluorescent) 1.09 amps

DVD (DSE) 0.65 (Playing) 0.03 amps (Standby)

Outside light (Halogen) 1.70 amps

Radio / Stereo 0.54 amps

Range Hood 0.12 amps (LED Light) 0.82 amps (Fan)

Reading Lights (LED) 0.19 amps

Sink Light (Fluorescent) 0.63 amps

Step Light (Halogen) 1.43 amps

TV (12 Volts) 2.04 amps (TV On) 2.38 amps (DVD On)
0.03 amps (Standby)

Water Pump (12 Volts) 9.0 amps (Startup)

Wineguard TV Aerial 0.09 amps

Yeah, it is a handy little device.

The volume of the TV/DVD/radio will affect how many amps flow.

Very useful good tip. At $12 bucks affordable as well.

Dunaruna That explains why my battery is always flat. LOL

Had a customer in the other day complaining about a flat battery, we could not fault the solar charging system or the battery. Turns out that their teenage son uses the van every night to watch TV, through the stereo system, with amplifier, at full bore. Estimated amp draw was around 15 - 20 per hour, not including lights.

240v was not plugged in, it is now.

did similar but used a peak hold meter in series and done each item individually, the sound level (& disc turning) does affect the power dramatically.
i also then did a measurment in the battery with the (smart) charger in float mode, first item showed very small drain from battery, as i increased the loading the battery current fell (surface charge lost).
the battery current remained very low (less than 1/10th amp) until the total draw was around 20amps (charger limit) then it increased as the load increased until the van was using 24amps, about 20.5 from the charger and 3.5 from the battery, i am pleased with the charger's performance, it is a combined power supply and smart charger.
however given the battery size, those halogens are too costly for bush camping and the outside incandecents also need to go!! also movies on a memory stick and not in the stereo !!
(figures avail if anyone wants to ask)

Try using LED replacement bulbs they are extremely efficient and will last almost forever. I have changed most of my downlights and can keep six on for a draw of less than 1.25amp. They now come in warm white so not as harsh as cool white. They can be found on the net at a reasonable price. I paid $5 each for MR11 from a company in Melbourne. Hope this helps.