115 VAC #1 Panel

[nolacarver]

When I turn on my sure power the volt meter reads 115volts but my A.C. amperes meter stays at 0 and the breaker trips when my portable a/c compressor kicks on. The battery charger is also on the same circuit and the A/C worked well for 1 week prior to this happening. The amperes meter is still 0 with the circuit breakers off. What could cause this? Thanks for any suggestions . 1979 carver33' all original.

[AaHubb]

What is a sure power? Did you mean shore power? It's possible the amp meter is not working and you are actually drawing too much power. Check for other heavy amp draw equipment on at the same time ( water heater comes to mind).

[nolacarver]

Lol.. Yes shore power .. Not a electrician but assuming if I use a hand held amp meter and test the amps at the outlet , this should tell me if my on board panel meter is not working.. Is this correct?

[AaHubb]

You can check voltage at an outlet. To check for current (amps) you need a clamp on style meter. The meter should be clamped around the black (hot) wire only to get a proper reading. This is easiest to do from inside the AC panel. Be careful as there is exposed 115vac. Safest way is to turn off main breaker, connect amp meter, while watching meter turn on main breaker.