Can a clamp-on ammeter replace a multimeter?
Clamp ammeters and multimeters are necessary "equipment" for electrician technicians. These two instruments are different in terms of function. Clamp ammeters focus on measuring large current lines while multimeters focus on measuring low voltage and small currents. When repairing circuits, it is sometimes necessary to use the two in combination. For example, when repairing electrical equipment with strong currents such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and electrical control equipment, the two are sometimes used indiscriminately. If I have to say which is more important, I think so, let's chat with my friends below.
The main "specialties" of the clamp ammeter
Clamp ammeter We know its main "specialty" from its common name, and we sometimes call it a current measuring clamp. It is an electrical instrument for measuring large currents. It can measure up to 1000 amperes of alternating current, and the minimum can only measure the current of 1 ampere. If it is lower, it will not be accurate. Therefore, its accuracy is only 2.5 to 5 grades, and there are many things to pay attention to when measuring large currents, which need to be memorized by beginners.
The main "specialty" of the multimeter
The multimeter is also commonly known as the "universal meter". Its main feature is its strong comprehensive ability, just like "eighteen martial arts can afford everything", it can not only measure AC current but also AC voltage, DC current and voltage, Resistance, inductance, capacitance, audio level, diode, transistor magnification, transistor type, etc., and its measurement accuracy is much higher than that of a clamp ammeter, and its accuracy can reach 0.1, especially a digital multimeter. For large currents, current values up to 10A can be measured, which is sufficient for general equipment. Nine times out of ten when I repair and debug equipment I use a multimeter to get the job done. Therefore, in terms of the frequency of use, the utilization rate of the multimeter is much greater than that of the clamp ammeter, so I think the multimeter is easy to use when repairing electrical equipment.
Multimeter with Clamp Meter
With the promotion of digitalization and the research and development of new products, more and more instruments have adopted digitalization and become a development trend, and analog instruments have gradually withdrawn from the "stage" of use. Now the clamp ammeter has also appeared digital, and its function is no longer a single measuring instrument. While the measurement accuracy of the digital clamp ammeter is improving, the physical quantities it measures are also "enriched", such as current, voltage, resistance, active power, frequency, phase angle, power factor and other physical quantities. Has the dual function of multimeter and clamp ammeter. I think such an instrument will be favored by the majority of electrical technicians in the future.
