DC clamp meters? Any thoughts about them?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: BiOzZ
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2013, 06:29:28 pm
content: I was concidering getting a DC clamp meter like this one herehttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001TCWL1E/ref=s9_psimh_gw_p60_d0_i4?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1FQ9ETXKMDH3FAG64TJ6&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1389517282&pf_rd_i=507846i would use it just for inaccurate small measurements and relative accuracy measurements above 5 amps (the best DMM i have goes to 10amp if i want to break the circuit)whats the performance of these? how good are they? how stable are these?

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2013, 07:03:52 pm
content: These appear to be the full specs from the mfg:http://www.gtc.ca/EN/CM100_EN.htmlI don't know anything about that particular brand or model current clamp, but looking at their product page we can add them to the list of people rebadging Brymen multimetershttp://www.gtc.ca/EN/CT8030_EN.html

author: BiOzZ
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2013, 07:23:45 pm
content: after watching the video i am pleased and have purchased it!thanks guys!

author: smashedProton
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2013, 07:30:10 pm
content: What are you using the meter for that would draw so much current? I'm curious!

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2013, 07:36:09 pm
content: This particular clamp meter is probably made to order by C.E.M, with the specs required by GTC.

author: BiOzZ
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2013, 07:55:44 pm
content: Quote from: smashedProton on April 12, 2013, 07:30:10 pmwell today i encountered a problem with my stepper motor power supply (home built transformer one) blew the fuse on my 10A meter thats what triggered me but i also work with allot of high current SMPSs and capacitor discharges and such ... i dont plan to go past 50A steady but with peak surges 100A will do menext up i got to make an adjustable load ... TO THE BUCKET OF FETS!

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2013, 09:22:27 pm
content: Meters like that really only work with constant signals. You probably want something with a decent bandwidth for the stuff you are talking about.::Edit::Probably should stay away from this guy on ebay, xux2007See other thread on current clamps.

author: notsob
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2013, 10:03:29 pm
content: As an example of low voltage current where a DC clamp meter would be of use. The starter motor on a tractor draws over 200Amp.However generally accurate measurement is not required so most people use an induction ammeter.

author: smashedProton
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2013, 05:22:34 am
content: For that, a current sense trafo connected to your oscilloscope would work wonders

author: Pentium100
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2013, 05:31:21 am
content: If I had to measure DC current more often, I would buy a DC clamp meter too. Having to break the circuit to connect the meter is annoying. And the standard meter only goes up to something like 10A. 10A is not a lot...

author: DenzilPenberthy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2013, 01:04:39 pm
content: I bought one of these little DC clamp meters a while ago.http://www.justoffbase.co.uk/Mini-AC-DC-Clamp-Meter-Sealey-MM405?gclid=COns6cvdzLYCFSXLtAodbScAIwI love it to bits, it makes working on 12v stuff so easy, e.g. automotive and solar stuff.