What Is a Clamp Meter?

A clamp meter is a tool that measures current on a wire. It is a combination of basic digital multimeter and a current sensor, where clamps measure current and probes measure voltage. The clump on the electrical clamp meter is placed around a live wire in order to measure the current on the wire without interrupting the operation of the clump meter.

What can be measured with a clamp meter?

Clump meter can measure: AC and DC voltage, AC current, continuity, resistance and some clump meter models can even measure DC current, temperature, capacitance, frequency, etc.

It can measure to the nearest 10th of a unit what makes this device perfect for electrical work.

Who uses clump meters?

• Control technicians
• Industrial technicians
• Electricians – in-house and contractors
• HVAC technicians
• Service organizations
• Facilities, building maintenance

Clamp meter applications:

• Industrial controls
• Industrial equipment
• Commercial and industrial HVAC
• Electrical systems

These tools are used for:

• Service: Repairing existing systems.
• Installation: Installation problems, performing final circuit tests and supervising beginner electricians while installing electrical equipment.
• Maintenance: Performing regular and preventive maintenance on electro-mechanical systems.

Types of digital clamp meters:

• Current Transformer Clamp Meters – These work with alternate current (AC) and to induce current in a circuit.
• Iron Vane Clamp Meters – These clamp meters because of their size, are usually used for frequencies around 100 Hz.
• Hall Effect Clamp Meters – Extremely flexible; can work for both AC and DC and can measure currents from 200 mA to 1 mA. The Hall effect clamp meters are one of the most popular and useful meters, so you can completely rely on their measurements.

Why opt for a clamp meter?

Normally, industrial technicians are required to carry two meters: one to measure voltage and one to measure electrical current. For electricians, the clamp meter is the most effective diagnostic device that gives them a clear picture why a specific electrical system or a piece of equipment is not operating accurately.

What is different about new clamp meters?

• According to HelloWebz, the extended measurement ranges and flexible coil in latest clamp meter models can resolve some common problems like:
• Bundled wires and tight cabinets (in such situations, it is impossible to use a regular clamp meter).
• Large and awkward conductors (a regular clamp meter cannot measure them).
• Measuring more than 1,000 amps AC.