AMPS or Voltage?

Godslayer · 08-01-2002, 11:27 PM

This might seem like a dumb question but what the hell

The ammeter in my 86 GT doesn't work. It sits right in the middle at all times. I plan on replacing it with an autometer eventually but have a few questions:

1) Does the guage measure AMPS or Voltage? (It's labeled AMP)

2) I assume I will be replacing it with a Voltage guage right?

Or should I replace it with an ammeter? Which is more important? I haven't measured the AMPS but the voltage is ~14.5v at idle. Thanks guys.

Please don't be infuriated by my lack of electrical knowledge.

Bob

PKRWUD · 08-02-2002, 04:46 AM

Replace it with a voltmeter. An ammeter is pretty much useless these days, since most only read 30 + or -, and your system is capable of putting out much more. Besides, it really doesn't tell you anything. A voltmeter, on the other hand, tells you a lot.

Take care,
~Chris

Godslayer · 08-02-2002, 10:20 AM

Thanks Chris. That's what I thought but I wasn't 100% sure.

Bob

magicmerll · 08-02-2002, 10:39 AM

Actually, that is backwards.

Voltage is simply 'the ability to carry current'.

Amperage is the actual amount of charge being used. If you have a faulty alternator, it may still produce 14 volts of 'potential energy', but only 15 amps of actual energy.

The more important measurement is the amperage. Also, you <b>can</b> find guages that read higher than 30 amps!

Hope this helps...

magicmerll · 08-02-2002, 10:55 AM

Or, think of it this way...

If I hook up a 9-volt battery to your voltmeter, what's it going to say? 9 Volts!

But how much actual current do you think you're getting from that 9-volt battery? Maybe 2 amps. Do you see my point?

08-01-2002, 11:27 PM	#1
Godslayer Registered Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Largo, FL USA Posts: 274	AMPS or Voltage? This might seem like a dumb question but what the hell The ammeter in my 86 GT doesn't work. It sits right in the middle at all times. I plan on replacing it with an autometer eventually but have a few questions: 1) Does the guage measure AMPS or Voltage? (It's labeled AMP) 2) I assume I will be replacing it with a Voltage guage right? Or should I replace it with an ammeter? Which is more important? I haven't measured the AMPS but the voltage is ~14.5v at idle. Thanks guys. Please don't be infuriated by my lack of electrical knowledge. Bob __________________ Negative Mustang @ present time.

08-02-2002, 04:46 AM	#2
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	Replace it with a voltmeter. An ammeter is pretty much useless these days, since most only read 30 + or -, and your system is capable of putting out much more. Besides, it really doesn't tell you anything. A voltmeter, on the other hand, tells you a lot. Take care, ~Chris __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!

08-02-2002, 10:20 AM	#3
Godslayer Registered Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Largo, FL USA Posts: 274	Thanks Chris. That's what I thought but I wasn't 100% sure. Bob __________________ Negative Mustang @ present time.

08-02-2002, 10:39 AM	#4
magicmerll Registered Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 19	Actually, that is backwards. Voltage is simply 'the ability to carry current'. Amperage is the actual amount of charge being used. If you have a faulty alternator, it may still produce 14 volts of 'potential energy', but only 15 amps of actual energy. The more important measurement is the amperage. Also, you <b>can</b> find guages that read higher than 30 amps! Hope this helps... __________________ Ever notice the people that know the best way to raise kids are the people that don't have any?

08-02-2002, 10:55 AM	#5
magicmerll Registered Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 19	Or, think of it this way... If I hook up a 9-volt battery to your voltmeter, what's it going to say? 9 Volts! But how much actual current do you think you're getting from that 9-volt battery? Maybe 2 amps. Do you see my point? __________________ Ever notice the people that know the best way to raise kids are the people that don't have any?

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