Here is a summary of the key points for using clamp-on ammeters
A clamp meter is an instrument that integrates a current transformer and an ammeter. It is an important branch of a digital multimeter. Its working principle is the same as that of a current transformer for measuring current. A clamp meter is a combination of a current transformer and an ammeter. The iron core of the current transformer can be opened when the wrench is tightened; the wire through which the measured current passes can pass through the open gap of the iron core without cutting it, and the iron core is closed when the wrench is released. The conductor of the circuit under test passing through the iron core becomes the primary coil of the current transformer, in which current is induced in the secondary coil. As a result, the ammeter connected to the secondary coil will have an indication to measure the current of the circuit under test.
The clamp meter can be changed to different measuring ranges by turning the switch. However, it is not allowed to operate with power on when shifting gears. Clamp meters generally have low accuracy, usually level 2.5 to level 5. For ease of use, the meter also has switches of different ranges to provide the functions of measuring current and voltage at different levels.
The clamp meter was originally used to measure AC current, but now it also has the functions of a multimeter. It can measure AC and DC voltage, current, capacitance, diode, transistor, resistance, temperature, frequency, etc.
A clamp meter is an instrument used to measure the current of a running electrical circuit. It can measure the current without interruption of power supply. It is an electrical instrument specially designed to measure AC large current.
Clamp ammeters are also called clamp meters, and in Taiwan they are more commonly called hook meters.
The clamp ammeter is a convenient test instrument that clamps the wire and detects the current without cutting off the circuit (also called non-destructive measurement).
Analog pointer multimeters and digital multimeters cut off the circuit to detect current, while the clamp ammeter can detect current by simply clamping it on the outer sheath of the energized wire. It is simple to operate and can safely detect large currents without directly connecting the circuit.
Clamp meters, multimeters and insulation resistance meters are available in both analog and digital types.
The detection range of the standard type: AC and DC are both from 2A to 200A or 400A, and there are also products that can detect large currents of 2000A;
There are also leakage detection products that can detect microcurrents of several mA, and products that can detect the true RMS value (True RMS) of non-sinusoidal waves other than sine waves such as transformer power supplies and switching power supplies.
