How to measure DC current with clamp meter
Clamp ammeter is a special instrument specially designed to measure AC current. Its front end is a current transformer. It achieves measurement tasks through the principle of electromagnetic induction.
Clamp ammeter cannot measure DC current because DC does not have an alternating magnetic field, so no secondary current will be generated in the clamp transformer, so it is impossible for a clamp ammeter to measure DC current.
Today's electronic clamp ammeters have more complete functions and can measure voltage, resistance, current, etc. However, if you are testing DC, you should set the gear to the DC range and use red and black test leads connected in series to the DC power supply for measurement.
The clamp ammeter is generally used to test AC current. It is made based on the principle of AC worm current. It is somewhat similar to a transformer. It obtains signals through electromagnetic magnetic induction. I always use string ammeters to measure DC current on the circuit. , but in theory, it is possible to make a DC clamp meter.
The method of measuring DC current with an AC and DC clamp ammeter is similar to the method of measuring AC current with an AC clamp ammeter. Select the appropriate range, insert a wire to be tested for current into the center of the jaw, and the corresponding current will be displayed on the display.
The difference is that Hall elements are generally used in the jaws of AC and DC dual-purpose clamp ammeters to measure current, while transformers are used in the jaws of AC clamp ammeters to measure AC current.
Another difference is that some AC and DC dual-purpose clamp ammeters have universal AC and DC measurement ranges. When using this kind of meter to measure current, you do not need to distinguish between the AC range and the DC range. You only need to set the appropriate current range. Measured. Some dual-purpose clamp ammeters have separate AC and DC measurement ranges. If this kind of meter is used to measure DC current, the range must be set to the appropriate DC current range before measurement can be made.
