Introduction to the Comparison between Clamp Ammeter and Multimeter
Main "Strengths" of the Clamp Ammeter
From its common name, we can tell the main "strength" of the clamp ammeter. Sometimes, it is also called a current - measuring clamp. It is an electrical instrument used for measuring large currents. It can measure alternating currents up to 1000 amperes at most, and the minimum measurable current is 1 ampere. It can't measure accurately below this value. So, its accuracy ranges from 2.5 to 5 levels. When measuring large currents, there are many precautions to take, which beginners need to memorize.
Main "Strengths" of the Multimeter
The multimeter is also commonly known as the "universal meter". Its main strength lies in its strong comprehensive capabilities, just like someone who is proficient in all kinds of skills. It can measure not only alternating current but also alternating voltage, direct current and voltage, resistance, inductance, capacitance, audio level, diodes, transistor amplification factor, transistor type, etc. Moreover, its measurement accuracy is much higher than that of the clamp ammeter, reaching up to 0.1, especially for digital multimeters. It can measure currents up to 10A, which is sufficient for most general equipment. When I repair and debug equipment, I use a multimeter nine times out of ten to complete the tasks. Therefore, in terms of usage frequency, the multimeter is used far more often than the clamp ammeter. That's why I think the multimeter is more useful when repairing electrical equipment.
Multimeters with Clamp Ammeter Function
With the popularization of digital technology and the research, development of new products, more and more instruments are adopting digital technology, which has become a development trend. Analog instruments are gradually fading out of use. Now, there are also digital clamp ammeters. Their functions are no longer limited to single - parameter measurement. While improving the measurement accuracy, the measurable physical quantities of digital clamp ammeters have also become "richer". For example, they can measure physical quantities such as current, voltage, resistance, active power, frequency, phase angle, and power factor. They have the dual functions of a multimeter and a clamp ammeter. I believe that such instruments will be favored by electrical technicians in the future.
