Can a clamp-on ammeter measure a direct current?
Clamp current meter, also known as clamp meter, is an instrument used to measure the current of an operating electrical circuit. It is composed of a current transformer and an ammeter.
Compared with ordinary ammeters, the advantage of clamp ammeters is that they can measure current without cutting off the circuit, making them suitable for measuring the current of many normally operating motors.
How to measure current with a clamp ammeter
Clamp on ammeter is very convenient to use in electrical maintenance and has a wide range of applications. The steps for its use are as follows:
1. Pre use inspection
Before using a clamp ammeter, carefully read the instruction manual to determine whether it is an AC or AC/DC dual-purpose clamp ammeter and choose the correct measurement gear.
And before measuring with a clamp meter, the magnitude of the measured current should be estimated first, and then the range to be used should be determined. If it is impossible to estimate, you can first use the maximum range gear and then switch to a smaller one to obtain accurate readings. Do not use low current range to measure high current to prevent damage to the instrument.
2. Steps for measuring current
(1) Before measuring the line to be tested, the data of the clamp meter should be zeroed to prevent errors in subsequent measurements.
(2) After determining the voltage of the test line, select the appropriate range.
(3) Press the wrench on the side of the clamp to open the clamp, place the circuit to be tested in the center of the clamp, and close the clamp.
(4) Obtain data.
(5) After the measurement is completed, adjust the range adjustment knob to the maximum range to prevent accidental overcurrent during the next use.
