Amp readings are useful when checking the condition of a motor. In the picture below we are checking the amp draw of a functioning motor that is not giving us any problems. Note the clamp has been placed around one power wire feeding the motor. The thumbwheel was turned to AC Amps before placing the meter clamp around the wire. Always set your meter properly before connecting. This motor has a FLA (Full Load Amp) rating of .5 A  If the motor is drawing more than that there is an issue that needs to be corrected. It could be bad bearings, bad capacitor, incorrect motor, incorrect fan blade, loose wiring.  If the motor is drawing over the FLA the motor will overheat and shut off. This motor is drawing .4 A so it is in good operating condition.