How much current is being used?

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sandy700sandy700 Forumite
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I have a multimeter set on the 2m current range and I have a reading of 1.181 with a 2 showing at the decimal point when there is no load on the output.

This is from a voltage regulator for a lithium battery.

I want to know if I should put a switch in the circuit or is the reading minuscule? 


What is the current being used?

Replies

  • km1500km1500 Forumite
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    What is the 2m current range - I assume 2 milliamps max deflection?

    If so, you are pulling 1.181 milliamps

    (Not sure what you mean about a 2 showing - unless that is the range indictor.)

    Is it miniscule? It depends on the capacity of the battery. If it is a tiny watch battery then it's a lot. If it's an electric car battery it is miniscule
  • edited 25 January at 1:04PM
    sandy700sandy700 Forumite
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    edited 25 January at 1:04PM
    Yes the 2 is the range indicator so 1.181 milliamps  seems about right.

    The battery is a 18650 with a voltage regulator set at an output of 12 volts to power a waterpump for 3 seconds once or twice a day.

    It is an automatic watering system.
  • edited 24 January at 9:16PM
    victor2victor2 Forumite, Ambassador
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    edited 24 January at 9:16PM
    The 18650 battery is rated between 2600 and 3500mAh, so a draw of 1.2mA isn't going to flatten it too fast.
    Edit: Some specs say 1200mAh, so see what your is rated at.

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  • km1500km1500 Forumite
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    You can find out how long the battery will last (in hours) by dividing the capacity in mAh by 1.181
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