How much leakage current is permissible in a car?

Leakage current in a car should be minimal to prevent unnecessary battery drain and potential electrical problems. The acceptable level of leakage current can vary depending on the vehicle, but it's generally recommended to be less than 50 milliamps (mA).

Excessive leakage current can be caused by various issues such as faulty wiring, damaged insulation, or malfunctioning electrical components. It's important to identify and rectify the source of leakage to ensure the vehicle's electrical system operates efficiently and reliably.

To measure leakage current, a multimeter can be used to measure the current flow between the vehicle's battery negative terminal and the chassis ground when the car is turned off and all accessories are switched off. If the measured current exceeds the recommended level, further investigation and repairs may be necessary.