DC Clamp Meter for low current auto diagnostics?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: The_Dsigner
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 30, 2017, 05:30:56 am
content: Looking for a decent DC clamp meter good enough for auto diagnostics especially in low current wiring.I've been looking at the Uni-T UT210E, but is anyone else using something better on the market right now?Thanks

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2017, 05:44:44 am
content: Quote from: The_Dsigner on May 30, 2017, 05:30:56 amfor low current measurements, low voltage potential, can't beat that clamp meter for the value.

author: The_Dsigner
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 30, 2017, 05:45:27 am
content: Thanks!

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2017, 05:48:59 am
content: just remember to zero it out when measuring dc amps, and don't move it around on the wire, and you'll find it's quite accurate as far as clamp meters go...

author: Jeroen3
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2017, 06:01:58 am
content: And don't bring it near permenant magnets or laminated transformers.

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2017, 06:05:20 am
content: Quote from: Jeroen3 on May 30, 2017, 06:01:58 amThat's good advice for most electronic test gear.

author: Jeroen3
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2017, 06:10:02 am
content: Most electronic gear does not care about clipboard magnets and laminated transformers. But these hall sensing clamps become offset and all following measurements until calibration are wrong. The same applies to unshielded LEM current sensors.Trap for young players perhaps?

author: P90
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2017, 06:13:35 am
content: Quote from: Jeroen3 on May 30, 2017, 06:10:02 amyeah, but when in doubt, keep it away from those salvaged hard drive magnets lying around... LOL

author: Alister
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 31, 2017, 01:26:24 am
content: I've done a research recently.You might also want to have a look at UNI-T UT211B. 60A, 6000 count, DC current ranges: 6000ma/60.00A. Looks the same as UT210E. Costs $70+.And also there is a UT258A. This model is positioned as a "Leakages Clamp Meters" with only 7 mm clamp jaws. Price is around $90.Other UNI-T models don't have ranges with 1mA resolution.UT210E has minimum range of 2000 mA +/-(2%+8) for DC current and I can't find better for it's price of $34. The only cons it has no min/max function.As for me, there is no better choice for small DC current. But I didn't search other brands, just UNI-T. Maybe someone knows better alternative for UT210E?

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 31, 2017, 03:14:46 am
content: As much as I don't favor buying -some- Uni-T products, the UT210E does appear to be top of the heap for price/performance,and next on my'oh no, not another meter'buy list.If there's a 'better' one for a few more dollars, I might go for that.It has to be reasonably compact (not a deal breaker btw) and MUST do both milliamp AC and DC clamp function,and min/max clamp readings would be an awesome time saver.

author: Jeroen3
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 31, 2017, 05:25:49 am
content: I know of the Fluke i30s. Fantastic device, but the price....

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 31, 2017, 10:40:47 am
content: Quote from: Jeroen3 on May 31, 2017, 05:25:49 amIt's nice and so is the usual Fluke pricesome of us will just have to wait for an inheritance or sugar mom,or a red coloured knock-off