T&T: Westerbeke Genny question

[Dennis OConnor]

A voltmeter works by measuring the current through a resistor, which connected
between the plus and minus leads...  The more voltage, the more current, and
vice versa... Since the value of the resistor is known the ammeter face can be
marked to read each given current flow as a voltage number...  All resistors
work by converting current into heat - just like your electrical space heater,
etc......

I am surprised that your voltmeter is generating palpable heat...  Since most
meters are in the 50microamp to 1 milliamp range, the currents drawn through
the resistor are small and therefore the heat generated is small..  However,
if the space around the meter is dead air with no ventilation, then over time
the case will heat up...Assuming that the case of the meter is not hot - as in
burns your fingers - all is probably well...

denny / k8do

-*********************************