Load testing battery pack

[Conradconrad]

I have a small incline I would like to load test individual batteries in my cart. The multi-meter I use has two straight pins for probes. Can anyone recommend a reliable and more importantly safe way to attach my multi-meter to each battery to do each of the 7 batteries in my pack?

[yurtle]

https://www.amazon.com/Push-Alligato.../dp/B002AMO5EI

Google search. You may be able to find something at a local automotive store or hardware store.

[scottyb]

Personally for a battery I like something bigger. I think HF has something cheap.

[yurtle]

I don't know if those have them, but all of mine have a larger "throat", which will fit over the stud, but larger's good too.

Here are three different ones I have. I had to remove the rubber insulator from the smallest one, but it fits the most secure. The WaveTek one closes up real tight, so is probably the safest if it comes loose. The big 'un is probably too big. I forgot, I have some that came with my trickle charger, and they would probably be best.

[Cobra,1]

I used small gauge jumper leads with alligator clips on each end. Taped the alligator leads where they clipped on volt meter probe leads so they would not move or become disconnected, then you can move other end of leads/ alligator clips to measure pack or individual battery voltage as needed depending on battery post it’conneacted to
Nothing perminent but works for getting voltage values.
Just be sure to tape,insulate any bare connections to prevent a short.

Your measuring voltage,not amperage so wire size not really a concern as long as clips connected to battery or ring terminal connected at battery post are clean.😊

[ThreeCW]

This is what I use:

[cgtech]

Lol, most people don't have a clue wtf a banana plug is, or ever had a set of leads that could take "alligator clips" , but around here, a set of clips is just about mandatory for what we ask for doing testing. I'm surprised more folks haven't balked at the idea of getting clips, and just how the "f" that happens.

[yurtle]

I have dedicated wires for all nine batteries. A rotary switch goes from Off, Pack, Battery one through eight, then Aux battery. Overkill, but I had the parts laying around, so...

[cgtech]

My meter has threaded provisions for screw-on "alligator clips" on it's leads, but I'm betting most users don't have that luxury. No problem tho. Cheap clips are available easily at harbor frig. Since no amp load will be involved in the measurements, the crappy ones will do just fine.

I personally wouldn't buy any meter leads without clips included, but im a little picky. I hate to say that, because my "a little picky" meter leads are total trash compared to "real good ones", they don't even have a bit of gold in them, and I consider them as "consumables" that I know won't last too long. A "fresh set" of meter leads to me is cheap, like a new set of socks from walmart, they feel great for the short while they last, but you know they are consumables. "Decent/acceptable" ones cost about $26, and you know you will wear them out when you use them many times a day. I have a full coffee can of "got 'em at a yard sale" crappers leads for emergency/ "I don't even care about this meter" use. All the leads generally fit all the meters, awesome leads work on harbor freight meters. I have meters for the "I don't care if it gets ran over" status. And I have $18 oscilloscope for that "I don't care if it gets ran over" as well.

I will say, once you use any "better" meter leads, even on a junk meter, you won't want to go back. (It will make you want a better meter, with good leads)

[yurtle]

I have both types. The WaveTeks are screw on. My Fluke and Meterman are push on.