See Figure 2. Figure 2. A clamp-on ammeter measures the current on a circuit by measuring the strength of the magnetic field around a single conductor. To measure current using a clamp-on ammeter, the following procedure is applied:. A technician must often locate one circuit in a switchboard, panelboard, or load center to turn off the power before troubleshooting or working on a circuit.
Switchboards, panelboards, and load centers are often crowded with wires that are not marked or that are mismarked.
A technician cannot start turning off each circuit until the correct circuit is found because this disconnects all loads connected to that circuit.
Timers, counters, clocks, starters, and other control devices must be reset, otherwise critical equipment such as alarms and safety circuits may be stopped. In a recent article, we discussed the differences between all the different types of meters. A clamp meter is a device that is used to measure current conveniently and safely. It is very efficient in measuring current without using test leads. To measure current, all you have to do is place a wire in the clamp meter's claws.
When current flows through a conductor, a magnetic field is generated. This device helps to detect the magnetic field so that the corresponding current reading can be provided. Dedicated clamp meters do just one thing — measure current, but most technicians carry combination clamp meters that also function as their multimeter like with the popular Fieldpiece meters. Measurements are performed quickly and safely without interrupting the flow of current and without the need for test leads.
A clamp meter works on the magnetic induction principle to measure AC without contact. Like every conductor, the current flowing through a wire produces a magnetic field. The Hall Effect sensor detects the magnetic field created by current flow to create less voltage across the sensor. We can say that this sensor mainly detects magnetic fields that are caused by low current flow. The clamp meter has various parts, and most of these are found on any modern generation clamp meter:.
Two clamps made from Ferrites Iron are used in current transformer metering. Copper coils separately cover these clamps. And are now looking for a guide that will help you use it properly to measure AC and DC amps? You want to own it, but it makes sense to first see how the thing works, right?
Well, you have come to the right place. This is the ultimate guide on how to use clamp meter , structured keeping first-time users and beginners in mind. Learning how to operate a clamp meter is easy and straightforward. You are already halfway there if you know how to operate a general-purpose multimeter.
But, it is important to know the slight differences between them, which will help you make informed decisions while testing and troubleshooting. A professional technician knows both how a clamp meter works and how best to use it in a work environment.
A clamp meter is an advanced variation of a regular multimeter with the major difference of a jaw-like structure on the top that allows contactless measurement of current and voltage.
Fluke Clamp Meter. With this being the basic principle, modern clamp meters come with functions that enable measurement of several quantities, features that make troubleshooting and analysis easier, and ultimately, more safety measures.
A clamp meter and a digital multimeter DMM usually go hand-in-hand as you cannot use them interchangeably for some testing applications. These other sensors use test leads which plug into the clamp meter. As only current measurements can be made with the clamp, other measurements do not benefit from the non-contact nature of the clamp. Clamp meters are often available with a number of features that make it easier to take accurate readings and handle the resulting data.
Of course, higher end clamp meters are more likely to include these advanced functions. True RMS: Since alternating current reverses directions several times per second, it is represented as a sine wave. Because the amplitude of the sine wave changes continuously over the wave period, current measurements may vary quite a bit at different points in time. IP rating: Ingress Protection Rating classifies and rates the degree of protection of enclosures against the intrusion of moisture and foreign bodies.
Adequately protected instruments are suitable for use in a wider range of environments. NEMA ratings are another enclosure rating system that is commonly used.
PC interface: Increasingly, clamp meters are including serial ports PC interfaces as a means to easily transfer data from the meter to a computer where further analysis or report generating can occur.
Often, software is also available to help organize data once it has been transferred to a computer. Data logger: Internal memory capable of holding a number of measured values for later recall. Inrush: The Inrush function provides users an accurate measurement of high current surges that flow into motors during startup. This measurement can be critical when troubleshooting problems such as nuisance trips of over-current protection devices.
Autoranging display: Autoranging units automatically sets the correct measurement range saving users from having to adjust switch positions while trying to position the clamp and take a measurement. Though the clamp is designed solely for current measurement, most clamp meters accept input from test leads or other probes which greatly increases the types of measurements of which they are capable and making the clamp meter a much more versatile instrument.
If you have any questions regarding clamp meters please don't hesitate to speak with one of our engineers by e-mailing us at sales instrumart.
Clamp Meters. Learn more about Clamp Meters. More About Clamp Meters. Clamp Meter Technology Clamp meters rely on the principle of magnetic induction to make non-contact AC current measurements.
Clamp Meters Features Clamp meters are often available with a number of features that make it easier to take accurate readings and handle the resulting data.
Clamp Meter Measurements Though the clamp is designed solely for current measurement, most clamp meters accept input from test leads or other probes which greatly increases the types of measurements of which they are capable and making the clamp meter a much more versatile instrument. Current can be used to generate heat as well as magnetic fields, which are widely used for motors, inductors, and generators.
Most modern clamp meters can measure both AC and DC current.
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