is there any way to literaly measure the current draw of your amplifier???

Question

i know theres ways to calculate the current draw of an amplifier...
but is there any way to literaly measure the live current draw of a sound system....

example:::
i can take the wattage of an amp, and multiply it by e=mc2(squared) to the root of the radius of the world..and it will equal 200 amps.

but even though the math will add up to something, i doubt it really is that in the car...
because there are things that could lower the actual power of the amp....
like not having correct gauge wire, not upgrading alternator, battery wires, battery, etc.....

so i wanted to know if there is an actual way i can measure the current draw, like if can use a multimeter????
i dont want to fry my multimeter though so i wanna know if it can be done first....

Answer 1

Yes you will need a clip on induction unit like the one in the link below.

Answer 2

An ammeter is what you need. Calculations are close enough as well. You can use something like this Audio-Calc I made:

Here is a guide that will calculate what size alternator and power wires you need as well as how to set the gain http://www.datafilehost.com/download.php?file=6d26c621

You'll need Microsft Excel to use it.

See my site for more info http://spkrbox1.spaces.live.com

Answer 3

Yes you need a meter designed for it, radio shack is one of the placed I would think to get one