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Clamps & Current Measurement

Clamps & Current Measurement

Clamp meters are more versatile and flexible as diagnostic tools for electricians – while providing less resolution in its measurement than multimeters.

Essential check list for buying a clamp meter

  • Minimum and maximum current levels
  • Safety Installation Category Rating for your application
  • Resolution and accuracy to accurately measure the minimum level of current
  • Jaw size for access and maximum conductor size
  • AC only current or AC and DC Current
  • Ease of use, including features such as auto ranging, backlight and thumbwheel for function selection
  • Any additional functionality including AC/DC Voltage, Resistance and Min/Max recording
Filters

Tips for measuring current

  • For all general purpose applications excluding leakage current, clamp around a single current carrying conductor. This may mean splitting out the conductor for the rest of the cable.
  • For low currents: multiplying the number of turns of the current carrying cable within the jaw will multiply the reading by the number of turns.
  • Always try and keep the conductor in a central position in the jaw for the most accurate readings.
  • Watch out for current carrying conductors outside the clamp meter jaw, but next to it. The magnetic field from current flowing in the external conductor can cause reading errors.
  • Always make sure your clamp has the right safety category for the area of the installation you are working in.
  • Use a True RMS current clamp meter to ensure accurate and repeatable measurements, particularly when troubleshooting overloads.

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