What is the purpose of a clamp meter?

A clamp meter is a clothespin-shaped instrument that can be clamped around a live wire in order to measure the current it’s carrying. As a measurement principle, clamp meters detect the magnetic field emitted by current flowing in a wire in order to measure the current value.

What is difference between clamp meter and multimeter?

A digital multimeter is essentially a voltage-measuring tool with some current abilities. A clamp meter is basically a current-measuring tool with some voltage abilities. They are distinctly different instruments, each with its own advantages.

How accurate are clamp meters?

Accuracy of a Clamp Meter These meters are usually pretty accurate with AC and DC measurements within 2\%. Specialty models can be as accurate as 0.5\%. The vast majority of clamp meters can measure up to 600A AC.

Why do multimeters have clamps?

Architecturally, clamp meters are just that; non-contact test tools that clamp around a cable to determine amperage inductively. Multimeters that can test current do so ‘in series’ within the circuit, such that you need to break it to allow current to flow directly through the meter.

Do current clamps work on dc?

Current clamps are typically used to read the magnitude of alternating current (AC) and, with additional instrumentation, the phase and waveform can also be measured. Some clamp meters can measure currents of 1000 A and more. Hall effect and vane type clamps can also measure direct current (DC).

Can an ac amp clamp measure dc amps?

Hall Effect clamp meters can measure both ac and dc current up to the kilohertz (1000 Hz) range. Like current transformer types, Hall Effect clamp meters use rigid iron jaws to concentrate the magnetic field that encircles the conductor being measured. This gap limits the magnetic flux so that the core cannot saturate.

Should I get a clamp meter?

If you are looking for basic current measurements and don’t care about exact accuracy, you should select a clamp meter. You might also want to choose a clamp meter if you are scared of being electrocuted. Below is a list of times you should use a clamp meter: Measure current without breaking the circuit.

Can a clamp meter be used as multimeter?

1. A clamp meter is an ideal option for measuring current, whereas a multimeter is suitable for measuring voltage, resistance, a frequency with better resolution and accuracy. 2.