The meter itself doesn't usually draw much power, just a few mils. But
if it is an actual LED meter the the LEDs are generally pretty large and
do draw a fair amount. LCD meters are pretty low current and it is the
backlighting that draws most of the power. A better solution is an
energy monitor link the Link 10 or eMeter. It is made to draw little
power and the display goes blank to save power after a minute of so.
Also monitors currrent, amp-hours, etc. The one I have (Ample
Power ESP) hardly draws anything and I leave it on all the time.
Actually no way to turn it off. Goes into a low power mode
automatically.

Doug
s/v Callista

"Steve" wrote in message
...
I want to replace my anolog voltage meter with a LED meter that I can
easily
read accurately at a glance.

I see them in the catalogs but don't notice any spec on the amount of
current they draw if I leave it on all or most of the time.

The way my power panel is set up (OEM), you have to push a momentary
switch
to activate the anolog meter.. I never considered that this meter would
draw
enough current to be of concern.

Presently, for accurate digital volt readings, I use my Fluke muli-meter
but
if I leave that hooked up the 9 volt battery will run down.

Any thoughts??

Steve
s/v Good Intentions