Anybody used a Hall Effect ammeter?

[SlowlyButSurely]

I'm looking for a simple way to add an ammeter to my 12v system and came across this cheap hall effect meter:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JIK8J3C/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza

It seems pretty straightforward and would save the hassle of fitting a shunt but are there any problems with it?

 

[RichardS]

These things are not as accurate as shunt meters but if that +/- 1% figure is correct for current then that seems pretty good.

For voltage it would mean that an actual battery voltage of 12V could be reading 11.9 or 12.1 which is probably not accurate enough for determining precise state of battery charge but it depends what you want to use the readings for.

Richard

 

[VicS]

Does it actually indicate current direction (and voltage polarity) or does it only display the numerical value ?

 

[rogerthebodger]

I'm looking for a simple way to add an ammeter to my 12v system and came across this cheap hall effect meter:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JIK8J3C/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza

It seems pretty straightforward and would save the hassle of fitting a shunt but are there any problems with it?

I use a hall effect ammeter that was supplied to me on one of the guys from this fora called Brian.

It been in operation for a good 5 years or more without a problem.

I have 3 fitted in the negative return line to each of my 2 domestic battery banks and one to my engine start battery.

Mine does indicate both negative and positive current flow and used any DVM that is compatable

I changed from shunts to hall effect due to the volt drop I had when either my bow thruster or engine start was operated. The hall effect amp meter does go out of range when these are operated but had no effect on the accuracy once the load is removed.

Very happy with the operation

 

[William_H]

The device in the link seems to indicate that it will show + or- current which is desirable. I think probably a good device. However you might look around for similar from China when I look at volt meters from same supplier at 5 times price of direct from China. olewill

 

[JumbleDuck]

The device in the link seems to indicate that it will show + or- current which is desirable.

Difficult to see how it can do that - certainly for currents over 100A - with a 3-digit display.

 

[VicS]

Difficult to see how it can do that - certainly for currents over 100A - with a 3-digit display.

Quite. That's why I queried it. Depending on the application it may not matter but it will if it is required to show and discriminate between charge and discharge currents

 

[JumbleDuck]

Quite. That's why I queried it.

My apologies - I should have given you credit. I wondered why you said what you did, then I looked and thought "Ah..."

 

[Chalker]

I doubt if any ammeter or voltmeter onboard is better than 1% accuracy. Voltmeter reading for battery state of charge is very poor unless left standing for hours with no load or charging.