DC clamp meter recommendation
Looking for an accurate but inexpensive DC clamp meter. Suggestions? Thanks.
Forum Discussion
Harvey51 wrote:
I have a Uni-T 204A and am very happy with it.
Be careful when buying a cheap clampmeter - some say "AC/DC clampmeter" when in fact the current range(s) are AC only. A "magic" Hall Effect device is necessary to measure the steady magnetic field around a DC current carrying wire and having that name in the description guarantees it can measure DC current. This one clearly shows high current DC ranges.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-120V-100A-Battery-Monitor-State-of-Charge-Remaining-Capacity-AMP-Voltage-AH-/182147916411?hash=item2a68dca27b:g:gWUAAOSwyQtVz1vp
The accuracy is indicated in that description, too. Mine is not all that great at low currents but I can tell a parasitic draw from a battery within 100 mA without resorting to opening the circuit to run the current through a multimeter. The advantages of the clampmeter are not having to open the circuit and no risk of burning out the current range on your meter.
And just a tip for those that are using a Fluke, Triplett, or other good multimeter that has a a fused circuit to protect the 10 amp ammeter circuit: You don't need to buy those expensive fuses from Fluke. I found standard fast blow fuses that work well. In fact, I blew them again so will try to get a picture and description up here in the next couple of days.
