Low amp Current clamp with backlight!! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: aus_sparki
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 08, 2011, 10:34:52 am
content: Hey, been looking around for a current clamp.I currently do domestic electrical and was after a current clamp to check loads on individual circuits.I cant seem to find a clamp that1, has a backlit display2, can measure current from about 5A - 80A accuretly.Most decent clamps i see are all 400 -600 amp clamps, which makes me question their accuracy down low.Im open to any brands and price hopefully under $250 USDAny help is welcome!Thnax guys

author: ejeffrey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2011, 12:15:06 pm
content: I don't know about specific models, but try looking at "leakage current clamp meters" These devices are used for measuring current imbalances and ground leakage current. They typically have multiple ranges and can measure down to milliamps or even microamps.

author: aus_sparki
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 08, 2011, 12:27:09 pm
content: Hey, thanx for the reply.I was just googling leakage clampsBut they are a fair bit more expensive and hard to get with a a backlight.You think for domestic, 240v single and 3 phase, a True RMS meter is required?Regards

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2011, 01:35:35 pm
content: True RMS is a must have nowadays and DC measurement would be nice to have for alternative energy and automotive use.

author: aus_sparki
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 08, 2011, 02:29:21 pm
content: Yeah i was hopping to get something with RMS.DC would be nice for the cars, but i can do with out.I checked out the AEMC meters (model 675 and F05) and they look quite nice.Anyone had any experience with theres?

author: PetrosA
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2011, 03:06:53 pm
content: AEMC, Hioki and Fluke would be my first tier recommendations. Extech, Ideal, Amprobe, Greenlee and Klein would be the second tier recommendations. All of them sell TrueRMS clamps.I would probably add the Agilent (U1213A) to the list of first tier recommendations but I haven't had a chance to try one. My U1211A has too many issues for me to give a recommendation for that model. I think the next generation of Agilent clamps will be redesigned enough to make it into the first tier.

author: aus_sparki
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 08, 2011, 03:17:25 pm
content: Thanx for your advice,Ill check out them meters and let you'se know what i decide.So many too choose from! I should buy all of them!

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2011, 05:05:45 pm
content: What about a hall effect transducer or current transformer which you can connect to your existing back-lit multimeter?Here are a couple of links:http://www.rapidonline.com/netalogue/specs/90-4021.pdfhttp://www.farnell.com/datasheets/35255.pdf

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2011, 12:58:03 am
content: LEMs seem to be quite common for contactless current measurement. I have used one at work to troubleshoot an inrush problem and I have also used several in some power electronics classes. I have no idea how much they cost, though.

author: PetrosA
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2011, 01:46:40 am
content: LEM (the brand) was bought out by Fluke and is no more.

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2011, 03:00:46 am
content: Quote from: PetrosA on August 09, 2011, 01:46:40 amhttp://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=398-1050-NDI don't think so.

author: aus_sparki
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 09, 2011, 05:57:05 am
content: Anyone had any experience with Klein meters?They seem to have all the features at a great price. But i cant find the spec sheets for em on their site.Not sure if they just another re-baged mass produced meter or if the actally put some engeniring into their product....Cheers

author: qno
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2011, 09:03:55 am
content: Use the Fluke 80i-110s AC/DC Current Clamp 0.1 to 70 amps.Connect it to your backlighed DMM

author: aus_sparki
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 09, 2011, 10:58:41 am
content: Thanx for all the suggestions fellas.I have decided on the Fieldpiece SC56.Didnt go the Fluke path because for the amount yoy pay, you get bugger all features.I know some people are anti Fieldpiece, but i look after my tools so i think the SC56 will serve me well.They are going for about $180usd on ebay, so it comes in under budget tooStay safe

author: PetrosA
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2011, 11:21:20 am
content: Quote from: NiHaoMike on August 09, 2011, 03:00:46 amMy bad. We're talking about two different LEMshttp://www.tequipment.net/LEM.html

author: Zero999
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2011, 05:47:52 pm
content: Quote from: aus_sparki on August 09, 2011, 10:58:41 amI agree, although it's good to get a well-known brand for safety reasons, you'll mostly just paying for the name.I prefer Meterman/Amprobe to Fluke because they're basically the same. I would've suggested the product linked below but I couldn't see anything about a 40A range on the data sheet.http://www.rapidonline.com/netalogue/specs/90-4015.pdf