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What Is A Digital Clamp Meter?

What Is A Digital Clamp Meter?

Digital clamp meters are popular tools used by electricians and electrical contractors to obtain measurements from:

  • industrial controls and equipment
  • electrical systems; and
  • commercial HVAC systems.

This article further defines what digital clamp meters are, lists their benefits, then highlights some typical product examples, including notable features and applications.

What Is A Digital Clamp Meter?

A digital clamp meter is an electrical test tool that combines a digital multimeter with a current sensor.  Each device comprises a handheld meter with a digital screen and an attached hinged jaw. The jaw clamps around cables, wires or other conductors at any point in an electrical system to determine the amperage inductively.

Key Benefits of a Digital Clamp Meter

Digital clamp meters measure the current in a circuit safely, quickly and conveniently:

  • without cutting wires, disconnecting or de-energising an electrical system; and
  • over an amperage range of at least 0A to 100A. (Many models are capable of measuring up to 600A).

Digital Clamp Meter Uses

Electricians and electrical contractors use digital clamp meters on industrial equipment, electrical systems in commercial and residential settings, and commercial/industrial HVAC/R applications.

Common uses include:

  • Installation: Digital clamp meters troubleshoot installation issues and perform final tests before commissioning a system.
  • Service and Maintenance: Preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, analysing and repairing identified issues.

Digital Clamp Meter Examples

 

400A AC/DC TRUE RMS DIGITAL CLAMP METER W. TEMP
Product code: FLUKE-325

 

The FLUKE-325 Clamp Meter is a popular general-use troubleshooting tool for HVAC, commercial and residential systems. This meter will:

  • verify the presence of load current
  • measure Direct Current (DC)
  • determine AC voltage; and
  • confirm the continuity of circuits, switches, contacts, and fuses.

 

Specifications

AC Current Range: 40.00 A / 400.0 A
DC Current Range: 40.00 A / 400.0 A
AC Voltage Range 600.0V
DC Voltage Range: 600.0 V
Resistance Range: 400.0 Ω / 4000 Ω / 40.00 kΩ

 

DETACHABLE 200A TRMS AC/DC CLAMP METER
Product code: IC-FLUKE-365

 

The notable features of the innovative Fluke-365 clamp meter include:

  • a small, thin clamping jaw that makes it easy to get around tightly packed wires; and
  • a detachable clamp head with a flexible lead – great for gaining access to wires and simultaneously viewing displayed results.

 

In short – the Fluke-365 is recommended for commercial and residential troubleshooting and maintenance.

 

Specifications

AC Current Range: 200.0A
DC Current Range: 200.0A
AC Voltage Range: 600.0 V
DC Voltage Range: 600.0V
Resistance Range: 600.0 Ω/6000 Ω 

 

Clamp Meter True Rms 1000a Push Switch
Product code: IC-DM6008

The compact and heavy-duty IC-DM6008 is multi-functional; it measures ACA, ACV, DCV, and OHMS, displaying its results on a large LCD.

 

The model’s key feature is a large-scale integration (LSI) circuit designed to ensure reliability and durability.

 

Multifunctionality and large measurement range make the IC-DM6008 suitable for preventative maintenance and troubleshooting in industrial, commercial and residential settings.

 

Specifications

AC Current Range: 200A/1000A
DC Current Range: 200A/1000A
AC Voltage Range: 200V/600V
DC Voltage Range: 200V/600V
Resistance Range:  2 Kohm

 

Amprobe DGC-1000A Clamp Ground Resistance Tester
Product code: IC-DGC-1000A

 

The Amprobe DCG-1000A is a straightforward and easy-to-use digital clamp ground resistance tester used by electricians and electrical contractors to measure:

  • current flowing through an electrical circuit
  • ground resistance; and
  • any power leakages - so you can determine whether it is safe to work.

 

A notable feature of the Amprobe DCG-1000A is its capacity to store up to 116 measurement records.

 

Specifications:

Ground resistance: 1500 ohms
AC Current: 10.00 A 

 

Conclusion

Digital clamp meters offer a safe, fast and convenient way to measure electrical current in a circuit without the need to cut wires or disconnect a system.

Browse the complete range of digital clamp meters here

For more information on digital clamp meters or multimeters, speak with an Instrument Choice Scientist! Call 1300 737 871 or email customer-service@instrumentchoice.com.au.

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