When measuring current draw in a circuit, where must meter leads be placed?

To measure current draw in a circuit, the meter leads must be placed in series with the circuit. This configuration is essential because current is defined as the flow of electric charge through a conductor, and in order to measure this flow, the current must pass through the meter itself.

When the meter is connected in series, it becomes part of the circuit, allowing it to accurately measure the total current flowing through that point in the circuit. If the circuit remains intact while performing this measurement, it ensures that the current continues to flow as normal, allowing for an accurate reading.

Other configurations, such as placing the meter in parallel, would not yield valid current measurements. In a parallel setup, the meter could create a short circuit, leading to potential damage to the meter and inaccuracies in current measurement. Therefore, placing the meter leads in series with the circuit is the correct method for measuring current draw.