A technician performs a series parasitic current drain test. Who is correct about the readings regarding a security system draining the battery?

In a scenario involving a parasitic current drain test with a focus on a security system, it's important to understand the typical behavior of these systems and how they interact with the vehicle's battery. Security systems are designed to consume a minimal amount of power when in a standby state, as they need to be alert for unauthorized access without fully draining the battery.

If neither technician's interpretation of the readings accurately reflects how a security system should function—either indicating an unrealistic level of current draw or misunderstanding the normal operation of the system—this leads to the conclusion that neither technician has made an accurate assessment regarding the battery drain caused by the security system.

A well-functioning security system typically should draw a small amount of current, generally in the range of a few milliamps. Readings significantly higher than this could indicate a malfunction or excessive drain, which would not align with proper operation of a security system. Thus, if both technicians failed to acknowledge the reasonable current draw for a security system, their conclusions may be flawed.

Understanding these operational parameters is crucial for accurately diagnosing issues related to parasitic drain, particularly with systems like security that are meant to remain active yet not deplete the battery.