Digital Voltmeter heat?

jbsmith05 · 10-07-2016, 06:30 PM

So I'm planning on putting this voltmeter in this weekend - and was going to leave it on 24/7 for the most accurate reading by wiring directly to the pack +/- terminals.

In testing it today (I of course arc'd it since the terminals on the back are exposed - seems to be ok minus some melted plastic -

). I noticed that it does seem to warm up some...

is it ok to leave on 24/7 or should I wire it through the key switch - which I read will have a slightly lower voltage reading. It's DROK brand, 15 - 120v input, 2 wire.

55BigBlock · 10-07-2016, 06:42 PM

My suggestion would be to wire a toggle switch in the circuit to cut the meter on and off. This is mine.

jbsmith05 · 10-07-2016, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 55BigBlock

My suggestion would be to wire a toggle switch in the circuit to cut the meter on and off.

That's not a bad idea - I need to get some battery ring connectors tomorrow at Lowe's for this anyway, maybe I'll pick a switch up too.

jbsmith05 · 10-07-2016, 06:50 PM

I wonder if the extra switch vs the key switch still reduces the voltage reading - perhaps it's so minimal it doesn't matter - I guess I could look at it as insurance so that I'm home before the pack gets to low.

55BigBlock · 10-07-2016, 06:55 PM

The switch will not add any resistance into the circuit.

jbsmith05 · 10-07-2016, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 55BigBlock

The switch will not add any resistance into the circuit.

How come you added a separate switch instead of the key switch?

55BigBlock · 10-07-2016, 07:36 PM

The separate toggle switch only controls the voltmeter. I wired it directly from the battery pack. I generally leave it on when I'm using the cart but switch the meter off when the cart is not used. Depending on the cart, wiring the volt meter through the existing switch may or may not give you an accurate reading. I would use some jumper wires to connect the meter directly across the battery pack and record the voltage. Then hook it up the way you have already done and make sure the readings are the same. JMHO.

jbsmith05 · 10-07-2016, 07:44 PM

^^ Got it. Thanks

jbsmith05 · 10-08-2016, 12:53 PM

Got the voltmeter installed...wired to key switch.

10-07-2016, 06:30 PM	#1
jbsmith05 Gone Wild Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 288	Digital Voltmeter heat? So I'm planning on putting this voltmeter in this weekend - and was going to leave it on 24/7 for the most accurate reading by wiring directly to the pack +/- terminals. In testing it today (I of course arc'd it since the terminals on the back are exposed - seems to be ok minus some melted plastic - ). I noticed that it does seem to warm up some... is it ok to leave on 24/7 or should I wire it through the key switch - which I read will have a slightly lower voltage reading. It's DROK brand, 15 - 120v input, 2 wire.
jbsmith05 Gone Wild Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 288

10-07-2016, 06:42 PM	#2
55BigBlock Gone Wild Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: NC/SC Posts: 1,012	Re: Digital Voltmeter heat? My suggestion would be to wire a toggle switch in the circuit to cut the meter on and off. This is mine.

10-07-2016, 06:50 PM	#4
jbsmith05 Gone Wild Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 288	Re: Digital Voltmeter heat? I wonder if the extra switch vs the key switch still reduces the voltage reading - perhaps it's so minimal it doesn't matter - I guess I could look at it as insurance so that I'm home before the pack gets to low.
jbsmith05 Gone Wild Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 288

10-07-2016, 06:55 PM	#5
55BigBlock Gone Wild Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: NC/SC Posts: 1,012	Re: Digital Voltmeter heat? The switch will not add any resistance into the circuit.

10-07-2016, 07:36 PM	#7
55BigBlock Gone Wild Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: NC/SC Posts: 1,012	Re: Digital Voltmeter heat? The separate toggle switch only controls the voltmeter. I wired it directly from the battery pack. I generally leave it on when I'm using the cart but switch the meter off when the cart is not used. Depending on the cart, wiring the volt meter through the existing switch may or may not give you an accurate reading. I would use some jumper wires to connect the meter directly across the battery pack and record the voltage. Then hook it up the way you have already done and make sure the readings are the same. JMHO.

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10-07-2016, 07:44 PM	#8
jbsmith05 Gone Wild Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 288	Re: Digital Voltmeter heat? ^^ Got it. Thanks
jbsmith05 Gone Wild Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 288

10-08-2016, 12:53 PM	#9
jbsmith05 Gone Wild Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 288	Got the voltmeter installed...wired to key switch.
jbsmith05 Gone Wild Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 288

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