I want to install an ammeter into the charging circuit of the system on my boat that charges a large bank of 12v batteries. I have 100Amp alternator & a Balmar "smart reg" that manages & delivers a high charge rate & sustains it for a longer period. The charge varies with the engine revs with full 100Amps being delivered at 1500 revs. However at some point the Reg cuts back the charge rate & at that point I can cut back the revs ( & the cost ) if I match Amp output to revs.
So I want to install a 100Amp Ammeter so I can manage this better.
My problem is that all the units on sale show the shunt being installed in the negative side - but on my boat I have so many wires going around ( I know little about electrics obviously ) I get confused every time I try to trace out where the negative lead from the batery goes & using a clampmeter it seems to read a lower level of amps than the positive lead that runs straight from the alternator to the battery.
My question:
After reading lots of comments on ammeters & circuits on this site, which note only that it must be installed into the circuit - can I just install the shunt & the meter into the positive side without blowing anything up?
All the directions that go with these if you buy them state "Must be installed in the -ve side of the circuit only.
So I want to install a 100Amp Ammeter so I can manage this better.
My problem is that all the units on sale show the shunt being installed in the negative side - but on my boat I have so many wires going around ( I know little about electrics obviously ) I get confused every time I try to trace out where the negative lead from the batery goes & using a clampmeter it seems to read a lower level of amps than the positive lead that runs straight from the alternator to the battery.
My question:
After reading lots of comments on ammeters & circuits on this site, which note only that it must be installed into the circuit - can I just install the shunt & the meter into the positive side without blowing anything up?
All the directions that go with these if you buy them state "Must be installed in the -ve side of the circuit only.