'40 coupe - ammeter

[fordman]

please show me the wiring diagram for adding an ammeter underdash with the original battery condition in dash still working.

thank you,

fordman

 

[flatheadmurre]

Somewhere along the wire going between the dash connecting point and the battery will be where you want to have your ammeter.
If you don´t want to cut anything connect the wire at the dash connecting point to an extension wire with a bolt then have another wire going from the ammeter back to the dash connecting point.

 

[JSeery]

In order for an Amp meter to work you have to be sure that all of the current going to and from the battery passes through it. If it is one of the older "loop" style this wire just has to pass through the loop. Most modern meters have the terminal connections, so the wire will have to be cut and connected to the meter.

 

[19Fordy]

fordman, 40 Ford cars came with voltmeters.
Installing an amp meter is an electrical fire hazard.
Don't do it. Not worth the risk.

 

[JSeery]

fordman, 40 Ford cars came with voltmeters.
Installing an amp meter is an electrical fire hazard.
Don't do it. Not worth the risk.

Only on the terminal style, not the loop style.

 

[19Fordy]

Thanks. I didn't know that.
Wonder how he will make it work and with what gauge?

 

[JSeery]

Thanks. I didn't know that.
Wonder how he will make it work and with what gauge?

The "loop" style amp meter is only sensing the field around the wire passing through it and has no physical connection to the circuit. The terminal style of amp meter has the current actually passing through it and in theory can malfunction and cause a direct short. I have no idea how often this has actually occurred, however if I was going to use a terminal amp meter, I would use a good quality one just to be on the safe side.

Again, to function properly all of the current into and out of the battery must pass through the amp meter. Also keep in mind that the generator/alternator much be on the opposite side of the amp meter as the battery (you are wanting to see the current going toward the battery or away from the battery).

 

[flatheadmurre]

An ammeter is a voltmeter measuring the voltagedrop over a resistive piece of metal so if built well there should be no more issues with it then any other component.
Poor quality can turn anything into a fire hazard.