Measuring current

[magnetman12003]

What is the most accurate way to measure current using a true RMS multimeter?
I am talking DC current.  Plan to use some value resistor in series with the positive lead.
Is this the way to go for an accurate reading?

[poynt99]

It's very simple.

First, you don't need a true rms meter. Obtain a non-inductive current viewing resistor, say 1 Ohm and place it in series with your positive lead. Use your meter set on DC volts (or millivolts) to measure the voltage across that resistor and compute your average current.

[magnetman12003]

It's very simple.

First, you don't need a true rms meter. Obtain a non-inductive current viewing resistor, say 1 Ohm and place it in series with your positive lead. Use your meter set on DC volts (or millivolts) to measure the voltage across that resistor and compute your average current.

If my voltmeter is in series how can I measure the voltage "ACROSS" the resistor?  Can you show a small diagram so I get this straight?  I always had a hard time measuring current.  Thanks for your reply.

[TinselKoala]

I'll jump in here with a diagram. If the system is really and truly straight, nonvarying DC, (like a battery powering a simple light bulb) you don't even need your resistor to be non-inductive. But for general purpose use you should use non-inductive resistors, and your voltmeter (or oscilloscope) should be connected as close to the body of the resistor as possible.

Then you simply measure voltage drop across the resistor and use Ohm's law to calculate the current. With a 1 ohm resistor the calculation is easy: what you read on your voltmeter in volts = the current in amps.

[memoryman]

Just to add: the 1 Ohm value for the current sense resistor may be too high (or even too low); I would pick a value of ~1% of the total load resistance.