Standard pointed probes on a multimeter not doing the job? Can’t reach a conductive point with the pointers? There is a solution. A clamp meter allows a user to measure a current without any grounded connection to the device. Also known as a clamp-on ammeter and tong tester, a clamp meter is a readout device used to measure currents flowing through a conductor in an electrical system. They are available for purchase on sites such as www.madisontech.com.au/.
How to Use It?
To use the clamp meter, simply set the dial to the correct setting, place the clamps around the conductor you wish to measure, and read the display. If the display fluctuates, wait for it to settle and then take the reading. By placing multiple wires through the clamp, the vector sum of all the wires can be measured at once.
You can also check the below video about how to use the clamp meter:
What is it Used For?
Clamp meters can measure just about anything: AC current, voltage, resistance and even frequency, making them an extremely versatile tool. They are used on industrial equipment and controls, electrical systems, and commercial or industrial HVAC. You can use it on just about anything in just about any environment, from your house or car up to large industrial complexes.
You can also read my post Low Voltage DIY Electrical Repairs where you can read some very useful DIY tips which are useful for your day to day life.
When Should You Use It?
Clamp meters are used when you want to get a stable current reading in what is possibly a hard to reach place. They are mostly used by industry professionals as a diagnostic tool for measuring problems within multiple wires at once. It is much faster than its pointed probe counterpart, which would require possible disassembly of entire circuits, just to get access for the probes. Maintenance technicians, control technicians, electricians and service organisations all use clamp meters on a regular basis to find faults, for basic check-ups and for the installation of circuits.
Safety Considerations?
Before taking a reading of a current, switch off the source of power. Once the power is off, place the clamp meter on the conductive point, and set the dial to the right setting, remembering to set it higher if you do not know what value to expect. Turn the power back on, waiting for the reading to stop fluctuating, if it does at all. When you are finished, do not remove the clamp without first turning the power off. Remember that electrical currents can be fatal. Do not do work with electrical wires without proper knowledge or supervision.
How Does it Work?
The clamp meter works by picking up magnetic flux that is generated by the current flowing through a wire or other conductor. A current proportional to this current is obtained by the clamp meter using electromagnetic induction into the clamps transformer, which is connected to the measuring device in the clamp meter. The measuring circuit then shows the current on the display.
Clamp meters are a great alternative to the standard multimeter, not only for professionals but also for anyone doing minor electrical work. They are the perfect tool for finding faults in any kind of electrical circuit. What do you use your clamp meter for?
