I have two wires that have current going in the same direction. Can I put them both between the clamps of a current meter and read the sum?
Edit: I should mention that both wires carry DC current, and I have a clamp meter that also measures DC.
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In theory: yes. In practice: probably yes but I'll wait for someone who's actually tried it to answer. – user253751 Jul 28 '22 at 17:27
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1A clamp meter will read the algebraic sum of all the currents passing through the clamp. – Neil_UK Jul 28 '22 at 19:14
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Yes, assuming your clamp meter is an AC type, and both conductors are carrying AC current you will read the sum of the 2 currents assuming both have the same phase. If it's an AC meter and one/both of the conductors is carrying DC, you won't get the correct current.
If your clamp meter is capable of reading DC, and your conductors are carrying DC then you should read the sum of the 2 DC currents.
John D
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I have both wires with DC. see my latest edit of the op. should work right? @John D – HYQ Jul 28 '22 at 17:42
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If your clamp meter works for DC, then you're good, you should read the sum of the 2 currents. – John D Jul 28 '22 at 17:45
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