A clamp meter reduces the workload of a user by measuring current through a non-invasive method. Because of this factor, it became famous among electricians and engineers.
Electricians use clamp meters for repair, maintenance, and diagnosis. On the other hand, engineers use it for research purposes to get accuracy in readings.
We have already discussed clamp meters for electricians. However, today we will help our colleagues get the best clamp meter for accuracy.
Every brand claims “accurate results” for introducing their clamp meter and the market is flooded with these claims. However, claims are not enough for sophisticated tasks of research.
A researcher needs a more accurate and precise clamp meter than a common model because a tiny error can ruin a huge research.
Hence, through this blog, we will explain the determining factors of the best clamp meter for accuracy and we will also recommend our top selections to make things simple for you.
So stay with us till the end…
Choosing the best clamp meter for accuracy
Research needs accurate data. Once we have a good clamp meter, we should not worry about the sophistication of our tasks.
Upon keen observation, we select Kaiweets HT-206D for accurate and precise results. This clamp meter is new in design. Hence, it suits the needs of modern researchers in the field of electronics. Besides its accuracy, this model provides additional features that make it a clamp meter-cum-multimeter.
However, some factors determine the effectiveness of a clamp meter. These factors are discussed below.
a. Accuracy
Of course, our prime target is accuracy. Accuracy tells us about the closeness or nearness of a reading to a true value. An increase in accuracy means a reduction in error.
Hence, we rely on accuracy for our research. Every clamp meter is provided with accuracy in different forms.
Commonly, the accuracy is represented in the form of error, for example, ±0.02 or ±0.02%. We would go for the least value of error for more accuracy.
b. True RMS Reading
As we are talking about research, we need an accurate reading for all types of signals. Here, True RMS reading comes to the rescue.
A good clamp meter must have this facility. We can accurately read the corresponding value of sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal signals.
This capability not only helps us to understand the signal but also improves the accuracy of reading.
c. Additional Functions
You might have witnessed the use of a multimeter for research purposes. Again, we face difficulty in measuring current in a conventional way.
We need a clamp meter that replaces a multimeter. It will happen if we get a clamp meter with extra additional functions.
In this regard, we would be checking a clamp meter for measuring resistance, voltage, capacitance, frequency, temperature, and testing diodes.
d. Durability and Sustainability
We face different scenarios in our experiments. High fluctuations of current and voltage are very common. Moreover, we can lose focus on instruments in intense experimentation.
Here we need a self-caring clamp meter. This clamp meter must be physically durable and internally sustainable.
By this virtue, an engineer can experiment without caring for any damage on the side of the clamp meter.
e. User Friendliness
A good clamp meter helps the user to get reading comfortably. For this, the user-friendliness of a clamp meter is crucial.
To check this factor, we judge a clamp meter based on handling, knob placement, clamp size, automation in range, easy grip, well-defined display, dimensions, and weight.
These are some common checked factors. However, we are not limited to these parameters. We can check a clamp meter on our terms.
f. Longevity
There is always a wish for a long-time working clamp meter. Every clamp meter does not adhere to this demand. Although there are some claims.
The best way to find the longevity of a clamp meter is through an experienced person. Hence, knowledge does not work here.
Through this blog, we will share a few clamp meters. These clamp meters fulfill this demand. Our colleagues have tested them.
List of top accurate clamp meters
Based on the above factors, we selected clamp meters. Let’s go through our list without further delay.
1. Our Selected: HT-206D
We went through different brands and their products. Afterward, we concluded that Kaiweets HT-206D(Amazon link) best suits our needs for electronics research.
This model is impressive for accuracy, durability, and user-friendliness. Let’s see some qualities of this model.
The Good
We can measure up to 600 Amps of current, both AC and DC. This value is quite impressive for research purposes. Often we deal with current less than 300 Amps. Hence, this value gives us more satisfaction.
Low pass filter(LPF) and Low input impedance(LowZ) improve accuracy. These two features give us accurate results and exclude any ghost or stray voltage from reading. In this way, we get a more accurate reading.
All values are provided in True RMS value, which increases accuracy. To improve accuracy, True RMS reading is compulsory for an instrument. This makes clamp meters not only accurate but also compatible with any type of signal system.
Additional functions make it a clamp meter-cum-multimeter. Auxiliary functions of measuring voltage(AC/DC), resistance, capacitance, temperature, and frequency make it a perfect tool for research. Diode and connectivity tests are also installed in it.
We found it a user-friendly clamp meter. After checking its grip, dimensions, weight, display, and accessibility, we found it user-friendly. Also, there is no compromise on the accuracy of these features.
The safety of CAT-III rates 600V and extra casing helps us protect. It gives us more freedom to work on different projects without keeping our safety concerns. The extra double casing around the clamp meter makes it more physically tough.
This model can be trusted for durability and sustainability. We are confident to state that this model is one of the most durable and sustainable clamp meters. Its long life helps us economically.
NCVT(Non-contact voltage test) reduces the chances of shock. We test the voltage in a material before going to touch it through NCVT. This feature keeps us safe from electric shock and makes us aware of any possible danger.
Besides all, it toggles reading to maximum and minimum by just pressing a push button. To get the average value in sinusoidal functions, we are supplied with the maximum and minimum values of the signal. This helps us to understand the signal more thoroughly.
The Bad
Although the range is automatically selected according to the measuring signal, there is manual selection between 60 Amps and 600 Amps.
We are told that the auto-range function is installed, yet there is a manual option. This not only confuses the user but is also misleading.
Let’s say we are measuring current for 60 Amps, and current increases this value. At that time, the clamp meter shows overload while it can measure up to 600 Amps.
This would certainly confuse the user.
The Downright Ugly
We do not recommend this clamp meter for measuring impedance. The value goes up and down for the same impedance. In this way, it perplexes users.
Even some of our clients witnessed the same problem while measuring resistance.
Hence, we won’t suggest trusting this clamp meter for resistance and impedance.
2. Also Great: DL-429B
This model, like HT-206D, is introduced by a comparatively new brand. It provides us with more functions and accurate measurements.
Users like it for its amenable dimensions and user-friendliness. The knob is replaced with push buttons to avoid confusion.
Let’s take a look at its salient features:
Salient Features:
- We can measure both AC and DC up to 600 Amps. Additionally, DC can also be measured up to micro-Amps.
- This model makes us comfortable in measuring AC and DC voltage in True RMS reading.
- With the value of CAT-III (600V), we feel safe while using it.
- Auxiliary functions of measuring temperature, resistance, and frequency make it ideal for research.
- We can also test connectivity, diode, and transistor by using this model.
- This model is light and portable.
- Its durability is plausible in our community.
Long story short, We highly recommend you to get UEi Test DL-429B(Amazon link) to get an accurate reading.
This clamp meter is simple to operate and accurate in results. Moreover, this model is durable and works for a long time. The operating procedure is very simple.
You can get one at a reasonable price by clicking the above link.
3. Also Great: Fluke 324
Clamp meters of Fluke are widely considered for their durability. However, their products also excel in accuracy.
And this model is no exception. Along with its durability, it is also accurate and user-friendly. We found only basic features in this clamp meter to avoid mix-up.
Let’s study its salient features.
Salient Features:
- We can measure current up to 400 Amps(only AC).
- Like other good clamp meters, it measures both AC and DC voltage up to 600V.
- Safety of CAT-III(600V) and CAT-IV(300V) extend our workplace.
- It can test connectivity and measure resistance, temperature, capacitance, and voltage.
- Its dimensions and weight (300 grams) make it more portable.
- At last, True RMS capability is installed to boost accuracy.
We are bold enough to shortlist Fluke 324(Amazon link) for accurate measurement. Besides accuracy, this clamp meter is durable and physically challenging.
We would like you to try this clamp meter for your research and monitoring purposes. This clamp meter won’t let you down.
Conclusion
In short words, the best clamp meter for accuracy must have the following determining factors:
- Accuracy in reading
- True RMS reading
- Additional Functions
- Durable and sustainable
- User-friendliness
- Longevity
By examining these factors, we conclude that Kaiweets HT-206D(Amazon link) is the best clamp meter to get accurate results.
This clamp meter contains many additional functions as discussed above. Besides, we trust this clamp meter for its durability in the field.
Upon examination, we learned this clamp meter works effectively and is user-friendly. Up til now, we tracked its longevity.
We highly recommend this clamp meter for accurate readings.
Questions
We are hereby answering some of your frequently asked questions. You can also ask questions in the comments.
Q1: What is accuracy?
Accuracy tells us the nearness of a measured value with a true value. It means the more accurate readings are the nearest to the true value.
Moreover, accuracy and error are interrelated through indirect proportionality. If the value of accuracy increases, the error will be less.
Accuracy can be measured in the form of the value of error or its percentage.
Q2: Why do we need accuracy for clamp meters?
Accuracy is a crucial term for every sort of instrument. Likewise, the more accurate clamp meter is always preferable.
However, the need for accuracy increases when we talk about research and development of an organization.
There we need more accurate tools than common ones.
Q3: What is precision?
Precision tells us the nearness of measured readings with one another. It explains the working of an instrument to find if it’s working properly.
Like accuracy, precision is also important for the readings.
More precise and accurate readings give a full set of data which reduces the possibility of error.
Q4: How can we measure the durability of a clamp meter?
The durability and sustainability of an instrument cannot be measured by any physical measurement. Rather, we can justify these factors through experience.
Hence, we need to contact an experienced person regarding different clamp meters.
Although every clamp meter is claimed to be durable and sustainable, you must take the opinion of a shrewd person.
Q5: What do you mean by the Longevity of a clamp meter?
We want to buy an instrument once in our life. We also expect that instrument to work for our whole life. Moreover, we do not want to have failure in its functions.
If all the above factors are found in a clamp meter, we say the longevity of the clamp meter is maximum.
Although it does not happen, some capable clamp meters can suit these demands.
In our blogs, we recommend only trusted clamp meters.
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