Clamp current meters and why lack of DC current? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2019, 02:00:14 pm
content: I have just got a clamp meter delivered from online seller. It said on the listing "AC/DC Voltage Current ... blah blah" so I thought it would do both AC DC Current, but found out it does only do AC Current. No DC Current. Because of this, I will be returning the meter for full refund.Why do they not include DC Current capability in the meter?I was looking at many other clamp meters, and most of them only does AC Current. Why do they do that?

author: ogden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2019, 02:18:00 pm
content: Would be nice for you to be more specific because there are many clamp current meters with both AC and DC measurements. Anyway your question is answered here:

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2019, 05:44:36 pm
content: My point of the question was simple and specific = why many clamp meters do not have DC current capabilities?You can see them on all online sellers clamp meters. Some do include both AC and DC current capabilities, but many of them don't.My use of clamp meters would be more for DC current measuring, so it was pointless buying AC current only meters.And they mention in the listing as if it is for AC and DC current, but when you get it in hand, it is not.Thanks for the vid. It looks like about how clamp meters work, not why many clamp meters on the market do not have DC current capabilities?

author: BillB
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 17, 2019, 05:53:19 pm
content: Quote from: vinlove on July 17, 2019, 05:44:36 pmIt depends on how they are constructed. Cheap AC clamps may be nothing more than coils. AC/DC clamps use hall-effect sensors with smarts for conditioning. See here:https://www.transcat.com/media/pdf/CurrentProbeSelectionGuide.pdf

author: Kleinstein
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2019, 06:05:45 pm
content: An AC current clamp can be relatively cheap and still good performance.A DC clamp function needs a magnetic flied sensor and a more demanding core material and mechanics and is thus more expensive. Still the performance at low current is usually poor, especially at low currents. The video describes the problem quite well.So DC clamps are rare and more expensive special instruments.

author: eKretz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2019, 06:55:05 pm
content: Exactly right Bill. The clamps with AC current measurement only are measuring current with a coil of wire - which can't measure DC current. Hence, those meters don't measure DC current.To measure both AC and DC current, the clamp needs to be made with a hall effect sensor, which as noted adds to the complexity and cost.

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2019, 07:21:55 pm
content: If you want a cheap clamp that can do DC current, then UT-210E may be a good candidate:http://www.uni-trend.com/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=show&catid=189&id=231It has a 2A range, so it is useful even for low currents and not only for an electrician.

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2019, 07:42:31 pm
content: Quote from: janoc on July 17, 2019, 07:21:55 pmIll 2nd for the UT-210E. There are plenty discussions on the forum about this meter and a couple of hacks too. I have 1 and it's a great wee meter for what it is.

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2019, 08:11:18 pm
content: Great explanations, thanks.Imagine buying DMM with just AC voltage capability only? It shouldn't be called then MM anymore. MM means all functions are in one box, I would imagine.So getting just AC Current Clamp Meter just sounded odd to me. I can see it requires more sophisticated parts for DC Current, but these days price of these parts and modules keep coming down, hence we could even afford a 20 dollar DSOs, and 10 dollar FGs, Freq counters ...etc.I have returned the AC only current clamp meter, so will need to shop for another one, = definitely with both AC and DC current clamp meter.

author: CDaniel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2019, 08:30:46 pm
content: You must understand that this is primary a professional's tool , and a traditional electrician simply doesn't need to measure high DC currents , another reason why even big companies like Fluke still sell some only AC clamp meters.

author: jfiresto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2019, 09:17:17 pm
content: Quote from: vinlove on July 17, 2019, 08:11:18 pmIf you are in Europe or Asia and after a professional, general purpose meter, theBenning CM-11was the least expensive unit I could find when I was looking a couple years ago. It pretty much provides +/-1 mA + 1% absolute accuracy on the lowest DCA range. Originally it was to do better than that, but achieving such accuracies is hard.

author: Bratster
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2019, 09:22:18 pm
content: Quote from: Terry01 on July 17, 2019, 07:42:31 pmI'll third for the UT-210E, it's a nice little current meterSent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2019, 09:33:38 pm
content: Quote from: jfiresto on July 17, 2019, 09:17:17 pmThat looks a great clamp meter, but wow price seems very high. I am just a hobbist, and learner, so I don't need highest spec and quality instruments for professionals.But I thought there are many situations where DC current is important, for example, when even simple task like battery is being recharged, sometimes I don't know whether charging is working or not without any measurement. In that case, I could measure the DC current from the charger, and know whether it is getting charged or not.Because DC current varies according to its charging state, and without having to break the circuit and insert meter, hence using clamp meter would be handy thing, if it worksIt is very useful to be able to measure DC current in many occasions like that, and it is just one example. Also when recharging is finished, the DC current from the charger will read 0A.

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2019, 10:59:11 pm
content: QuoteHere a comparison I did between UT210E and ZES LMG 670 ( Base Accuracy 0.1%, Price 30000€) on 50/400Hz:Amazing performance for it´s price.DC-current comparison following after my holidays.

author: bob91343
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2019, 11:14:33 pm
content: Measuring direct current with a clamp meter isn't impossible but it won't work in the usual manner. Its basis is a transformer, which won't go to dc.I have a clamp-on meter that measures dc. But it's a sophisticated HP unit that is line powered. No transformer here, but a circuit that matches the magnetic field in a feedback loop.My ac clampon meter is simple and cheap but won't work for very low frequencies or for dc.A little thought about the principles of operation will reveal the reasons.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 12:15:24 am
content: Quote from: vinlove on July 17, 2019, 05:44:36 pmIt most likely measures DC current through the probes, just not with the clamp. This will be clear if you look at the specifications and not just the headline.Actually, "everyone" knows that regular clamp meters do not measure DC current with the clamp. You have now become part of "everyone"

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 01:21:11 am
content: The UT-210E is a good choice for home and hobbyist use. Just note that the hall effect sensor is very sensitive. For best results, null the meter prior to taking each measurement and don't move it or the wire during a measurement.Variations in the magnetic field in the clamp and around the meter will affect your readings. Hence, the position and location of the wire within the clamp, the direction of current flow, the orientation of the meter, other nearby current-carrying wires, magnets, motors, etc., and even build up of magnetic flux in the clamp can cause values to be different.Clamp meters are handy and good to have, but they do require additional attention, especially with low currents.

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 07:05:06 am
content: UT-210E seems getting good reviews.I managed to order a lot cheaper one called Proster 6000 count. It does AC DC Current.Yeah you must read the specs. real carefully, not just main descriptions. But why can't they write the main descriptions accurately, and allow us saving time?Other applications I could use DC clamp meter would be for automotive problem diagnosis and check ups, where you could just clamp the meter, and read voltages and currents. Would be so handy.I was checking voltages on my car's Oxygen sensor leads, and it was nightmare using DMM with probes because the access hole was tiny. Clamp meter which works on dc voltage and current would have done great service for the job.

author: graybeard
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 07:32:35 am
content: Quote from: vinlove on July 18, 2019, 07:05:06 amThe Proster if I read the specs correctly the least significant digit in current mode is 100mA the UT-210E is 1mA, 100X more sensitive. The UT-210E is far more useful.

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 08:38:47 am
content: Quote from: graybeard on July 18, 2019, 07:32:35 amI could not find official quoted spec. for the least sig digit in current mode in the listing both Proster and UT-210E. Maybe you could supply the link for the spec.?Two points on the UT-210E would be,1. Good reviews mostly, but some concern is its build quality, that it seems made with flimsy parts and lousy control knobs.2. Not sure how useful it would be for home diy use to get 1mA accuracy. Mostly I seem happy reading in A and 0.1A. Most of little devices in house such as phones and chargers and radios are running 100mA - 1A. My phone charger runs at about 800mA - 900mA.Is there any device or parts which runs at 1mA - 9mA ?

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 08:47:20 am
content: Put it simple, if you are looking for "cheap" say <100 US bucks for a new, current "clamp" that can do DC measurement reliably at below 1 A with mA resolution, then forget it.

author: ogden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 09:12:12 am
content: Quote from: vinlove on July 17, 2019, 08:11:18 pmYes you are right. Clamp meters are indeed Clamp Meters, not Multi Meters. DC current option became popular/widespread only when low cost solid state hall effect sensors became widely available.QuoteYes, it is happening with clamp meters as well. Today decent <= 50$ clampmeter usually offers everything - AC/DC current and AC/DC voltage measurement while 20 years ago you could only dream about such.

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 09:38:42 am
content: This is a real detailed review on UT-210E, and it doesn't seem much different from the Proster Clamp Meter in specs.https://lygte-info.dk/review/DMMUNI-TUT210E%20UK.html

author: ogden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 10:08:24 am
content: Quote from: vinlove on July 18, 2019, 09:38:42 amPlease comment how you came to that conclusion?UT-210E have 100, 20, 2A ranges. Down to 1mA resolution and 3%+10_counts accuracy @2A range. Proster don't even have multiple ranges for current. To be honest, I can't even find any specs for that... thing. Well... except clamp opening28mm28m if it counts

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 10:35:40 am
content: Quote from: ogden on July 18, 2019, 10:08:24 amI didn't conclude. I had an impression from the review by quick glance to it.On the Proster 6000 count clamp meter, you could be right. I couldn't find any specs at all. I have cancelled the order.

author: ogden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 10:46:42 am
content: Quote from: vinlove on July 18, 2019, 10:35:40 amGood decision. If you can afford mentioned UT-210E - get it. IMHO it has very good price/performance/accuracy, everything about safety seems to be right as well.

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 11:15:12 am
content: Quote from: ogden on July 18, 2019, 10:46:42 amI bit the bullet, and ordered a UT-210E. Thanks for info & advice, much appreciated

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 11:18:21 am
content: This review on UT-210E is quite nice.

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 06:52:30 pm
content: Quote from: vinlove on July 18, 2019, 08:38:47 amYou get what you pay for.Quote from: vinlove on July 18, 2019, 08:38:47 amA lot of electronics (especially battery powered) has currents inmicroamps, 9mA is a lot already - e.g. the Nordic Semi nRF52 series can run a bluetooth radio at <9mA. However, if you want to measure low currents and accurately to boot, then a clamp meter is the wrong tool for the job (low resolution on the cheap ones, finicky on DC ranges, low accuracy compared to a normal multimeter).Also if you are expecting to measure something like a phone charging current by putting the clamp over the charging cable, you are going to get a surprise. The clamp meter won't measure anything because the currents in the power and ground lines are flowing in opposite directions and thus create magnetic fields that cancel each other out. You would need to take the cable apart so that you can put the clamp around only a single wire at a time. Or make some sort of a breakout box - but then you can use one of those cheap USB power analyzers or a regular multimeter as well ...Clamps are best for measuring high currents (whether AC or DC) where breaking the circuit could be either dangerous or impractical (e.g. because you could damage your multimeter with too high current). And where a few (tens of) mA error doesn't matter - e.g. industrial automation, motors, heaters, similar stuff. It is really a specialized instrument, not a replacement for a multimeter.

author: nali
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 07:33:43 pm
content: Quote from: vinlove on July 18, 2019, 07:05:06 amI hope you're not expecting to measurevoltagewith a clamp, they are for current only as they measure the magnetic field generated by a wire carrying current. Asinglewire as Janoc says...

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 08:21:49 pm
content: Quote from: nali on July 18, 2019, 07:33:43 pmOh no no, good heavens. That was just wish lists for the future. I was just saying, how great and handy it would be, if clamps meters could do voltages and dc currents very well. It would be so easier to trouble shoot electric problems in many applications especially in cars.I am sure someone who are clever will come up with device like that in the near future.

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 08:24:26 pm
content: Quote from: nali on July 18, 2019, 07:33:43 pmMost clamps are full-featured multimeters and actually can measure even voltage and resistance - that's why they come with probes!Of course, that's not why one would buy a clamp meter, but the function is there.

author: Lunasix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 08:52:09 pm
content: I think that Brymem BM079 could also be a good choice.

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 09:06:45 pm
content: QuoteOr, like some of Chauvin Arnoux models, even power....

author: ogden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 09:25:17 pm
content: Quote from: Lunasix on July 18, 2019, 08:52:09 pmFYI OP initially ordered cheapest clamp meter one can find. Then we convinced him to get 50 EUR tool. BM079 price is 119 EUR. Sounds like too much.Quote from: janoc on July 18, 2019, 08:24:26 pmYou never know. When you need to measure voltage - you can use clamp as 3rd hand to hang your tool nearby.

author: bob91343
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 09:28:34 pm
content: The UT-210E appears to be a nice unit. I am tempted to buy one although most of its functions would only duplicate what I already have. My clip-on HP milliammeter is more sensitive perhaps, and my ac clamp-on unit does most of the other functions. The LED test is of some interest although of coruse one can easily do that otherwise.Now what we can use is a device that can measure current on a PC trace. They exist but are expensive. And a smaller clamp to grab a wire in a bundle. The wish list keeps growing and the engineers keep fulfilling it.

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 09:30:51 pm
content: QuoteThere´s a border between cheap and useful, depending on the needs."How low can You go"....I think, the UT210E is the lowest one what useful and cheap in general concerns.

author: ogden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 09:56:09 pm
content: Quote from: Martin72 on July 18, 2019, 09:30:51 pm"How low can You go" with your salary or piggybank of kid in some still developing country? - I believe that treshold level of useful cheapness depends and vary

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 10:05:07 pm
content: I think, theextreme cheapUT210E fulfill all needs, it couldn´t get any lower for the same "quality".

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 10:43:53 pm
content: Hmmm I am not sure if cheap is always not useful. I have bought a lot of cheap tools, and they performed same as expensive high end tools, especially on wood work and automotive tools. Electronics tools might be different, but they are getting very similar to other field of work tools = cheap and very useful and reliable. Remember a few years ago, when good variable voltage PSUs were costing hundreds? Now they can be picked up for 50 dollars, and they work great, just same as ones costing a few hundreds.But these clamp meters were exception. Really, the cheap ones are not very useful at all. But maybe that is what clamp meters had been made for = just read AC currents.To be honest, I don't have much use for AC current reading meter. It is the DC current reading I am more interested in.Some people think when you say recharging phones and batteries, they automatically imagine you would use factory phone charger which gives you lights for charging status, and on cables hidden in one sleeve. Wrong !!In many occasions, I charge batteries and phones using worktop variable voltage DC power supply with separate plus and minus leads. In this case, DC current meter would be very useful.

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2019, 10:50:28 pm
content: UT-210E arrived by same day delivery service of Amazon. Impressive !!And it works great. I was measuring DCA using a bulb powered by LONGWEI Variable PSU with 1.5V gradually increasing to 3V DC.I connected DMM, and also clamped the UT210E for reading the DCA in the circuit, and they were reading very same.

author: shteii01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2019, 03:46:44 am
content: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N014USE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1Don't forget 20% off coupon.

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2019, 06:31:45 am
content: Quote from: shteii01 on July 19, 2019, 03:46:44 amThere was no coupon offer for UT210E

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2019, 06:39:18 am
content: For DC clamp, at high sensitivity setting, "sometimes" surrounding big metal object can affect the reading, and even earth's magnet too. Learned it through the hard way, many years ago when I was confused and suspect my meter was defective.

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2019, 06:59:39 am
content: Quote from: BravoV on July 19, 2019, 06:39:18 amThis is very true. Last night when testing, I had to be very careful with zeroing the meter, and also trying to clear any magnetic and electric items around before measuring.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2019, 07:12:19 am
content: Quote from: vinlove on July 19, 2019, 06:59:39 amRemember I was like a dork, standing in the middle of big grass field, waiving my meter at different orientations, while keep zeroing to see how the earth's magnet affects the meter, at the end, I sort of turning into an expert using my DC clamp meter as an expensive compass.

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2019, 08:10:12 am
content: Quote from: BravoV on July 19, 2019, 07:12:19 amMaybe for the reason very sensitive DCA meters are not needed? It picks up anything around. I would be quite happy to be able to measure over 10 mA. Accurately !!

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2019, 12:24:02 pm
content: this thread is responsible for my UT-210E order just now... previously i owned Uni-T UT202 (AC current only) but died prematurely few years ago, so losing trust in Uni-T i bought Hantek CC-65, its DC current capable and designed to be connected to a DMM or DSO (BNC output), so if anyone thinking to connect to DSO to see real AC/DC current jumping up and down in however sinusoidal or non sinusoidal manner, its another option. resolution is 1mV/10mA and 1mV/100mA. so hopefully UT-210E will complement my Hantek CC-65 in term of portability and standaloness and i dont have to convert mV to mA unit...

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2019, 01:19:44 pm
content: Quote from: Mechatrommer on July 19, 2019, 12:24:02 pmI think Uni-T meters are popular and many people seem using them. But I am still wondering what use is having AC only current meter. Because DC devices are far more in every day life. In my house, the only AC devices are room lights. Everything else is DC devices. And of course, cars are all DC electrics. Can't imagine cars using ACBut wow, Hantek CC-65 seems interesting meter connecting to DSO for real time sinusodial display on current changes, wow.I wonder if your old and dead UT-202 would be repairable. Would be interesting if it comes back to life by some troubleshoot and replacing one or two parts. I know some people love Uni-T meters, but then some people hate it, because of this reliability and longevity issues associated with their products. I was a bit apprehensive on them because of the issues, but then I though I would give them second chance.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2019, 01:37:43 pm
content: Quote from: vinlove on July 19, 2019, 01:19:44 pmlast time i just wanted to chart some of my home appliances mains current consumption, not too demanding need.. and later DCA requirement came in to probe some circuit, thats why i looked for DCA and found Hantek CC-65 after UT202 is dead. while purchasing the Uni-T UT202 iirc i was not aware of DCA clamp meter at cheap, including the UT210E, i believe these cheapish DCA meters are recent... and iirc i did try to fix it but failed... for now, time is much valuable to me, furthermore UT210E is very well affordable and better speced, so its not worth the trouble on UT202, time can be spent on projects and repairing used equipments thats beyond affordability when new. ymmv.

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2019, 01:47:24 pm
content: Quote from: Mechatrommer on July 19, 2019, 01:30:26 pmI suppose if AC mains current consumption is to be investigated, and sure, all PSU takes off the power from AC, so to troubleshoot them, AC current could be read. But these PSUs are so reliable, once they get switched on, and connected, they get forgotten forever in hereIn my case, only last week I was thinking about having DC current clamp meter, to work with some battery chargers, amps and Ham Radio transmitter.I thought DC current meter would be standard functions of these clamps meters, because it is so useful in daily life electrical works. I was wrong.Yes, I am with you on your thoughts about more value on time rather than fixing the old meter. You will have a new UT-210E. Not a bad meter. I am impressed with accuracy in reading mA. I just hope it will last long time.Here is my youtube video, me testing the meter with my scanning radio. When no audio, and stand by mode, it runs about 50mA. When signal is received, and depending on the strength of the signal, DC current increases. Max I have seen is about 118mA at 9V. It worked faultless. Last moment of the vid, the scanning radio is switched off, and the DCA reading drops.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2019, 02:24:12 pm
content: if DCA is your main subject, esp the low range, a DMM with current mode is all you'll need, those clamp meters are very suited to non invasive probing or when cutting or disconnecting wire is not feasible such as mains line and existing product to be tested, otherwise the royal cheap Aneng Q1 DMM that i converted to bench DMM can measure down to 1uA range, and my main DMM Uni-T UT71A down to 10nA

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2019, 02:40:55 pm
content: Wow, sounds great. Would love to see your modified DMM for bench DCA meter = how it works, and how it had been modified.No, I am not DCA special guy at all. I just suddenly came to this idea that DCA meter is very useful in daily life for fixing cars and other countless devices in around house.For instance, I use this tiny DCA meter from Uni-T for monitoring DC current when charging radio receivers from 20 year ago. It never shows charging status, because when usb cable is connected, the display changes to download mode, and I never knew whether charging is finished or not, making it over charged or undercharged, which is not ideal.With the meter, it shows 450mA when charging started, and it keeps at that while charging is going on. Then when charging is almost 90% it drops to 300mA, 200mA, and when the receiver is fully charged, it stops at 160 mA. I know it is fully charged.I then, wanted to expand use of DCA meters and started looking at clamp meters.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2019, 02:49:44 pm
content: Quote from: vinlove on July 19, 2019, 02:40:55 pmnot modified DCA, just modified DMM and still a normal china grade DMM just in a new body, nothing special... you may get dissapointedBench DMM from Portable DMM Conversionentirely off-topic from this thread.

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2019, 02:50:49 pm
content: The receiver is from 2001, and still works and sounds excellent.Fully charged, and working as it was NEW.

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2019, 02:59:42 pm
content: Quote from: Mechatrommer on July 19, 2019, 02:49:44 pmWell, looks interesting to me. I will have close read later when quiet. Thanks for the link

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2019, 10:49:59 pm
content: Quote from: shteii01 on July 19, 2019, 03:46:44 amThat has only a single 400A current range. The Uni-T clamp is a better meter than this, coupon or no coupon. The 2A range is much more useful. And an electrician that actually needs that 400A range will likely buy a brand name meter with a proper safety certification, in case they need to stick the pokey bits in some high current receptacle.

author: shteii01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2019, 12:50:06 am
content: Check your eyes. It has 40A too.3 weeks ago a conveyor we were building kept blowing one fuse. The fuse was on dc circuit (all the "pros" have company supplied fluke claps that only have ac). So I put it on 40A and measured 29A when it should have been 10A. Before I supplied my clamp to the team, they blew up four fuses trying to figure out what was wrong. The problem ended up being bad cable that one of the "pros" made to supply power to SMC valve manifold, he did not check the wiring diagram in the print.Bottom line. You, like majority here, are hobbyist. So yeah, uA, mA and 2A are important, to you. I work in industrial environment. I build machines for factories. For US, Canada, Mexico, we even have shop in Europe, Belgium to be precise. Earlier this summer I worked on machine that went to Poland. 2A, that you find so important, are not important in my line of work. Cheap toy clamp that I linked works just fine for figuring out things during testing and tuning. For pocking into receptacles I have Fluke dmm. This clamp is for current measurements ONLY. I would not trust it for anything above 50V. I would not trust Uni-T products either so it makes no difference if you buy the toy I linked or if you buy Uni-T toy.Quote from: janoc on July 19, 2019, 10:49:59 pm

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2019, 11:31:41 am
content: Quote from: shteii01 on July 20, 2019, 12:50:06 amWhoa dude, thanks for the attitude! The seller then better uses better quality images and actually include the actual specs on that page - because that isnotvisible anywhere on that page. I have been relying only on some comments there mentioning the 400A.Quote from: shteii01 on July 20, 2019, 12:50:06 amYou assume way too much. While there are many hobbyists here, the forum is mostly aboutelectronicsand most people deal with that, whether professionally or as a hobby, not industrial installations (even though there are plenty of electricians around too).Quote from: shteii01 on July 20, 2019, 12:50:06 amBut your line of work is totally irrelevant to the OP who wanted to measure stuff like a phone charging current. I am certainly no Uni-T fan, they do make mostly mediocre, crap products, but they are also the only ones who has put a cheap clamp having both DC and low current ranges on the market.So less attitude and check what discussion you are actually jumping into next time!

author: ogden
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2019, 11:54:16 am
content: Quote from: shteii01 on July 20, 2019, 12:50:06 amSo unlike most hobbyists here, you don't even own tools you arebraggingabout. We dont give a  what you work for and where.Quote from: janoc on July 20, 2019, 11:31:41 amRight.

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2019, 01:04:07 pm
content: Last night I did another DC current measuring test with UT210E and DMM, hooked together to the scanner reception, and they were reading more less same figures, so UT210E is giving accuracy I need for my hobby and diy pupose use.Thank you for your advice, info and suggestion on the product.I too, feel that accuracy of DCA reading is more critical below 2A, so UT210E's 2A, 20A and 100A on the main dial selection gives good assurance for the requirement.It would be even better if I could get hold of a DCA meter which has just one setting and does all by auto range, but it might be more expensive higher spec meter, which I don't need or want to spend the amount for my level of usage.

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2019, 01:42:36 pm
content: Just doing a measure, Hantek CC-65 Current Clamp vs. UT210E and Fluke87:I think, the Uni-T is the best compromise between price and accuracy.Maybe theBenning CM2will be better - but the price is appx 4-times higher.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2019, 06:36:46 pm
content: Yes, the UT-210E is hard to beat for general electronics and home/auto use. It's a favorite here for good reason.Congrats on joining the club, vinlove.

author: bob91343
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2019, 07:54:00 pm
content: I wonder if calibrating it would make it better. Some meters don't respond well and so calibration can be a waste of time. Does the UT feel like a good meter?

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2019, 08:30:03 pm
content: Yes it does.A forum colleague ("our" forum, Hifi-Forum.de) did several measurements in voltage, resistance and capacity and the UT210E performed it well.Unfortunately, his measurements were posted in our internal forum (access only for mod/admin), so I could only "say" the values he measured ( will ask him for linking the photos he did).Accuracy DC Voltage Measurement : 0.1% :Reference source Fluke 732A, 1V DC - UT210E : 1.001V1.018V - UT 210E : 1.019V10V - UT210E : 10.01VReference Capacitor R&S, value 1µF - UT210E : 1.026µF11nF - UT210E : 11.05nF100nF - UT210E : 100.3nF1.11µF - UT210E : 1.107µFResistance...100Manganin - UT210E : 100.41M- UT210E : 1.001M2M- UT210E : 2.00M5M- UT210E : 5.00M10M- UT210E : 10.00MAC-Current I did some measurements in comparison with a ZES LMG670 (0.1%), until a current of say 20A it´s got very good accuracy, above it will deviate with increasing current up to 4% - Excellent.Important for current-measurements, the conductor must be in the middle of the jaws (marked on the UT210), when measuring dc-current, after pressing zero, the clamp shouldn´t change it´s position.For me, who work everyday with professional Equipment like fluke, R&S, ZES Zimmer, Lecroy, Agilent, etc. , this clamp-meter was a big surprise.QuoteWe must calibrate our equipment every year (external).What did the guys do ?They check if the measurents are still in the ranges - that´s all.No re-adjustment, only checking...

author: bob91343
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 20, 2019, 11:55:55 pm
content: The results look very good. I wonder how it does on small capacitors, say 100 pF and less.If I didn't already have all the functions it offers in other devices I would buy one. I see them for less than $40 shipped.I may end up buying one anyway, as I am a sucker for these gadgets even if I have no need.If I could find a buyer for my HP 428A clip-on milliammeter I would get one of these units. The main complaint with the HP I have is that the demagnetizing function is on the rear panel, rather inconvenient for me. I will have to read the manual to see if I can duplicate the demagnetizing function in a separate unit. Has anyone been successful using a tape demagnetizer on one of these HPs?

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2019, 08:25:54 am
content: Just bought another Clamp meter for cheap. It is Uni-T UT202A, and AC current only meter for 16£ delivered.This meter is heavy, larger and more solid feel in hand, and old style. I thought it is good to have more than one meter just to compare and carrying around and also for spares.UT202A is just ACA only, so I cut flex off one of the AC multi adaptor to get individual wires in the cable for measuring current.I did a few testing both UT201E and UT202 hooked on, on various devices such as mains powered lamps and scanning radio PSU etc. Both meters were reading similar figurs, but UT210E was far more accurate. Because below 20mA, the UT202 was just showing 0.00A, whereas UT210E was reading consistently down to 1mA.

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2019, 11:31:53 am
content: Ac current measuring was very useful actually I realised last night. I found out that energy saving bulb lamps were running about 4 - 5 times less current than standard bulbs.

author: janoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2019, 07:02:11 pm
content: Quote from: bob91343 on July 20, 2019, 11:55:55 pmThat's really really the wrong tool for the job. That's a bit like asking how does a screwdriver drive nails. That meter has the smallest capacitance range 2nF and 4% accuracy there. It is really not designed for that. 100pF and less would make even much more expensive multimeters struggle. You need a proper LCR meter for that if you want any sort of accuracy.Also the debate about the calibration - folks, don't be ridiculous, we are talking about a $50 electrician's meter with 2.5% basic accuracy on the current ranges and 1% on voltage. What more do you want from this that would warrant a calibration beyond basic accuracy check?If you want/need a precision instrument buy a precision instrument, not a $50 cheapie that is designed to measure e.g. motor currents in some large machine or a charging current in your car.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2019, 07:09:52 pm
content: Quote from: vinlove on July 21, 2019, 11:31:53 amOK, that's amusing. Had you never thought what "energy saving" means?Also, you can tell from the packaging. A standard 100 W bulb should draw a current of 100 W / 120 V = 0.83 A. An 18 W energy saving bulb should draw a current of 18 W / 120 V = 0.15 A. You can certainly use your meter to check this and see if the package labeling is accurate.

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2019, 07:53:16 pm
content: Quote from: IanB on July 21, 2019, 07:09:52 pmYeah, funnily enough, I have never thought about energy saving by using energy saving bulbs before until I got these clamp meters.It is great to know that I will be going around and checking all the AC appliances in the house, and find out about their current consumption in real time, and maybe switch over to alternatives, if they are drawing too much. Or keep switching them off, when not needed.

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2019, 08:25:10 pm
content: QuoteThe difference between an "ordinary" light bulb and an energy-saving bulb is, that the current of a light bulb results due to it´s pure resistive behaviour.

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2019, 08:29:46 pm
content: I quite like the old style UT202A. It is ACA only, but reading is consistent, and display solid.Quite accurate too, always gives same reading as the UT210E.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2019, 11:20:53 pm
content: i dont get it why you say ACA clamp is better than ACA+DCA newer model clamp, as i said my UT202 died prematurely so i wish you luck.

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2019, 06:33:41 am
content: Quote from: Mechatrommer on July 22, 2019, 11:20:53 pmI never said ACA clamp is better. I said I like the UT202A, because it works well on ACA reading. It is made solid and heavy.It was only 16.99£ including delivery, and I too hope it will last long timeThank you for your good wish.

author: vinlove
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2019, 07:18:48 am
content: Quote from: Mechatrommer on July 22, 2019, 11:20:53 pmI think that on these factory made meters, you get one lemon out of every 100s or thousands no matter what make they are.