Im thinking of getting a Clamp meter? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: VladKEasternTiger
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2010, 10:34:38 am
content: Hi everyone, Im thinking of getting a Clamp meter it says from the website the following:The clamp meter detects and measures the electrical field around a wire, without direct contact or the need for slicing the wires. The meter is completely portable and is used by electricians, technicians, serviceman and anyone who wants to use it. It is accurate, reliable and ready to use.Features* Digital clamp meter with data hold function* LCD display with automatic polarity indication* Clamp meter Includes double-insulated leads* Clamp on AMP meter incldues carry case* Resistance measurements: max. 20Kohm* Voltage measurements: AC(max.750V) and DC(max.1000V)* AC current measurements: max:1000A* Uses one 9V battery, which is included* Size: ~23.5 x 9 x 3.2cm(L*W*D)What do you all think? its under £10 that is about $20 USIm going toplay around and takemeasurments of things, I currently have a standard Multimeter. I want to get an Osciliscope but thats so expensive

author: PetrosA
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2010, 12:06:11 pm
content: I'm not really sure what help a clamp meter would be for you. The voltage accuracy will be nowhere near what you need for electronics work, even as a second meter. The clamp only measures AC current, and that would only start to be accurate from 5% of the range, so assuming best case scenario you can start to measure from 2A, and on a 10 quid clamp more like 5 or 10 if at all. Again, on a meter that cheap, I doubt that even the AC or DC voltage will be accurate.Clamp meters generally are electrician's or technician's tools and as such, have a pretty limited application. A decent one generally starts at over $100 US and they can cost as much as $500 at the higher end. I wouldn't expect decent quality, safety or accuracy from one as cheap as you mention and I think you'd be better off putting that money towards the transformer for your partner to use in the kitchen - you'll win some points for sure

author: rossmoffett
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2010, 03:51:35 pm
content: There are DC clamp meters also, they're equally inaccurate.Useful for (HV, high current) electrical and (large) motor troubleshooting.

author: charliex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2010, 05:36:59 pm
content: I have a few in my toolbox, though two of them i bought off ebay didn't have a scale picture and they're massive, they look like they were used for powerline work. But you can get decent enough ones from ebay. I've got a fluke i200 which can be had new for a bit over $100 and a few other inductive clamps i've picked up on the road. you can get reasonable ones at most dept stores.I use them fairly often, but I do a lot of automotive work.

author: VladKEasternTiger
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2010, 06:12:54 pm
content: Quote from: PetrosA on March 10, 2010, 12:06:11 pmthanks for the comment, yes I have not decided to purchase a clamp meter, as for the transformer I just told my partner to go and buy another blender and make sure its just as powerful because I want my smoothies with no bits inside. Obviously I had to pay, getting money from women is like getting water out of stones

author: VladKEasternTiger
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2010, 06:14:37 pm
content: Quote from: VladKEasternTiger on March 10, 2010, 06:12:54 pm