Ammeters, Voltmeters and Such.

[SDR76]

Hi kids, I wrote a long opening thread about what I'm trying to do, but somehow it didn't post. Now I'm keeping it short and sweet. My Question: Is it possible to run an Ammeter on only PART of the electrical system, even when sharing batteries? More specifically, I want to Monitor the draw on everything except the starter. A normal Ammeter puts the SHUNT in the Negative Common connection, by doing this it meters everything. Do I need to run a higher AMP SHUNT, or could I break the system up a little? The only way I see this is to Shunt the positive going to the various places needing monitored, ie- Panel, Inverter, and Wheelchair lift. Can I use a Shunt in the positive (I find mixed answers online)? If Not, what AMP shunt would I need? The highest load on the batteries will be starting a nice, easy starting 12valve 5.9 Cummins.

Also, Im not running 2 banks of batteries, nor do I want to.

Thanks--

[milkmania]

On the Generac generator I scavenged....
It's ammeter, voltmeter, & Hertz meter were set up with the control panel gauges like this


Then inside it had the coils like this


I saved the parts, because it stands to reason that I could use them in the future to isolate what I'm trying to read...

Internet pic of my control panel


I don't know if it's what you're trying to setup or not... But, it looks like the coils would read any fields you put through them.

[milkmania]

Also this:


How To Wire Ammeter With Current Transformer (CT Coil)

[SDR76]

YES! Thanks milk, I think that's the ticket for what I want to do.

[milkmania]

I'm here till Tuesday, try the veal!