[DeTomaso] Amp gauge

[John Buckman]

>I have always been under the impression that if an electrical component is 
powered directly from the battery, that the ammeter will not register that 
load, because the current that drives that component does not pass through 
the ammeter.   That's what I meant by wiring 'outside' the ammeter.

>Not true?   I can't see how that could be not true.   But edjumacate me if 
I'm wrong?

Mike,

Yes, and no.   With the alternator not charging (engine off), any electrical load that is 
connected on the battery side of the ammeter will not register on the ammeter, as its 
current comes directly from the battery.  With the alternator charging (engine running), 
any load connected on the battery side of the ammeter will receive its current from the 
alternator, which passes through the ammeter to the load, thus causing the ammeter
to indicate a flow of current.  In this case, the ammeter needle will move to the plus side,
giving the "appearance" of a "charge".  The ammeter (for this load) has become a "load"
meter instead of a "charge" meter.

John