A clamp meter is an essential tool for the automotive industry. It diagnoses different electrical problems occurring in cars, buses, SUVs, etc.
The best clamp meter for automotive can easily detect these problems and of course, it costs less when we know the problem.
Common folks have little knowledge about car circuits. These circuits span throughout the car. Moreover, modern cars have small computers to operate.
Issues can arise from connections, wiring, alternators, batteries, lighting systems, speakers, cameras, horns, and the main computer of cars.
However, if we have a proper clamp meter with us, we can diagnose many electrical issues in our cars and can fix them.
There are bundles of clamp meters in the market. It perplexes a user to get a proper clamp meter for automotive use.
Hereby, we will help you to get a proper clamp meter for cars. This will not only help you in troubleshooting but also reduce your repair cost.
Besides, we also listed the determining factors for the best clamp meter for automotive.
So stay with us till the end…
Choosing the best clamp meter for automotive
No matter how complicated a problem occurs in an automotive vehicle if we have a proper clamp meter in our toolbox, we can fix the problem.
Commonly, when we talk about a clamp meter specific to automotive vehicles, Mastfuyi MK-06 pops up. We rely on its durability and accuracy. Moreover, it is tested and proved an efficient clamp meter in the corresponding industry. Besides, it has many additional but relevant functions for cars, buses, trucks, or SUVs users.
However, certain parameters made us select the best clamp meter. These factors are written below:
a. AC and DC Measuring capability
Although the use of AC is little in vehicles, its presence is important. Alternators are used to charge batteries. In a deep sense, its output is pulsating DC.
Meanwhile, DC is thoroughly used in automobiles. We need to have a clamp meter with DC measuring capabilities.
And of course, the range of the clamp meter for current should be smaller than the common clamp meter.
b. True RMS
As mentioned earlier, an automobile has different types of electric signals. All we need is an accurate reading of the current, no matter which type of signal we are dealing with.
Hence, the capability of true RMS boosts the accuracy by providing the RMS (root mean square) value of signals.
In this regard, we are free from the tension of measuring sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal signals.
c. Durability and Sustainability
A car, bus, or truck is not the best place for keeping a fragile instrument. Thus, our clamp meter should be durable enough to keep in an automobile.
Moreover, we must go for a sustainable clamp meter. It is an important factor to check for in a clamp meter.
Additionally, the longevity of the battery is pivotal in the selection of a clamp meter. A good clamp meter should consume less power and increase the life of the battery.
d. Safety
Safety is important for users working in automobiles. A clamp meter should be extra safe for automotive repair.
There is no direct threat to users in automobiles. However, whenever a capacitor is connected to a circuit, the chances of a big spike of current increase. And there are capacitors in the car’s wiring.
Moreover, spark plugs and electromagnetic coils are also dangerous areas for sudden shocks.
Nowadays, electric cars are excessively used. They are loaded with electric and electronic elements. We need a safe clamp meter for diagnosing their issues.
e. Physical Toughness
The best clamp meter for automobiles should be tough enough to sustain minor drops. As mentioned, the work environment of a driver is not friendly to any electronic instrument.
Besides, high-temperature tolerance is also to keep in check. Often working beside the engine is inevitable. Running an engine is extremely hot for electronic components.
f. Necessary Functions
Measuring current is the basic function of a clamp meter. However, testing connectivity, measuring temperature, measuring voltage, and NCVT are also very important for a clamp meter specific for automobiles.
Thus the mentioned qualities are not additional for a clamp meter, rather these are necessary.
By keeping these factors in check, let’s dive into our selection.
List of top automotive clamp meters
Based on the above parameters, we have made a list for our clients. The aim is to stop them from picking the wrong clamp meter for automobiles.
Without further delay, let’s delve into our list.
1. Our Selected: MK-06
When it comes to checking the performance indicators, we pick Mastfuyi MK-06 (Amazon link) for automobile owners. This brand is new in the market.
This emerging model can diagnose different issues occurring in the wiring of an automobile. The testing of DC is quite reliable and efficient.
Let’s go into more detail to distinguish our selection from other clamp meters for automobiles.
The Good
This clamp meter can measure AC and DC with accuracy. The clamp meter reads up to 400 Amps (although 40 Amps would suffice for DC) accurately. These values are enough for our use.
We can other perform necessary functions through it. We can measure voltage(AC/DC), frequency, resistance, and temperature. Likewise, we can test diode, capacitance, and wire (connectivity).
It alarms us about AC voltage with LED and beep. Whenever it detects AC voltage, it warns us about the existing danger. Hence, it makes us cautious about further steps.
Double insulation and overload protection save us and the clamp meter. Overload protection is crucial for a clamp meter while double insulation helps us protect ourselves from shocks. In this way, we can easily fix the problem.
The role of LCD is impressive in reading. The LCD is more visible than other clamp meter. Moreover, the backlight in LCD makes us read the data in a dark environment.
The “Zero” push button reduces the chances of errors. To improve accuracy and reduce the chances of the earth’s magnetic field messing with our reading, the Zero button returns the reading to zero to take a more accurate reading.
Amazingly, it powers off after 30 min of idleness. This not only increases the life of the battery but also increases the life of the clamp meter. In this way, the battery is saved from unwanted working.
It is comfortable and user-friendly. While using it, we can do the diagnosis by using only one hand. When we grab it, our thumb is placed on the knob while our fingers open the clamp.
We can use it to test wires, check currents, and detect voltages. As mentioned earlier, all these functions are installed in this one clamp meter. We can perform these functions with ease and comfort.
The Bad
Although the clamp meter has many qualities, there is a negative feature while using it in night mode – the period for backlight.
When this model was tested for the night mode operation, a strange awkwardness arose. The duration of the backlight is extremely small, 2 to 5 sec.
We have to push a button to reactivate the backlight. This act leads to a reduction in the comfort level of our task. Moreover, the additional task of pushing the button distracts us from our task.
The Downright Ugly
We have had a bad experience when it comes to portability. The dimensions and weight of the clamp meter reduce the option of portability.
The length of this clamp meter is more than 9 inches while its weight is 1.14 pounds (half of a kilogram). These parameters do not promise more portability.
Although we keep this product in the toolbox of cars, we have to be concerned about our comfort level while using a clamp meter.
2. Also Great: Fluke 362
Fluke is a well-known brand in the field of instrumentation. This model specifically suits automobiles.
This model is simple and best suits a layman. It does not have any complicated structure. We only get two buttons and one knob.
In this regard, this model is an excellent choice for simple applications. Commonly, car mechanics prefer this model.
Let’s discuss its salient features.
Salient Features:
- One of its key benefits is its simplicity and to-the-point function.
- We found it portable with its dimensions and weight (369 grams).
- It measures current more than our desired value. The range for the current is 200 Amps which is more than enough
- The range for voltage is 600V. Although, for common electricians, the value might not be good; for car owners, it is a perfect value.
- The hold button helps us to stop the value from disappearing.
- The safety of CAT-III (600V) makes us safe while dealing with high voltages.
Without any doubt, the Fluke 362 (Amazon link) is the best clamp meter for automotive vehicles when it comes it portability, durability, and accuracy.
Its ratings suit best for commoners and electricians. Many car electricians and technicians prefer this model for their straightforward tasks.
We must confess that some additional functions are absent in this model. But it works fine when it comes to its basic task.
3. Also Great: UT-210E mini
This model is also a good choice for automobiles. We must keep in mind that the model is functionally the same as UT-210E of UNI-T. The only difference is the dimension.
We can enjoy the properties of durability, accuracy, AC/DC measurement, and some other functions in this mini model of UT-210E.
Let’s delve into its distinguishing features
Salient Features:
- We can measure both AC and DC voltage and current through it. This property is rarely found in clamp meters.
- Like other clamp meters, this mini model provides additional functions of NCVT(Non-contact voltage test), measuring resistance, checking connectivity, etc.
- A low pass filter helps to increase accuracy and reduce the chances of high-frequency disturbance.
- Of course, it is super portable due to its light weight of 170 grams and small size.
- Although it is comparatively small, there is no compromise on its accuracy.
- The safety of CAT-II (600V) and CAT-III (300V) make it safe enough for automobile applications.
Observing the above points, we can say that the UNI-T UT-210E mini (Amazon link) is a suitable clamp meter for automotive users.
This model is smart, efficient, and small in size. Commonly, it is known for its portability but it does not mean that its properties are compromised.
We found it helpful in automobiles and other portable uses. It is the best clamp meter for automotive drivers to keep in cars.
Conclusion
In short, the best clamp meter for automotive vehicles should best suit the needs of a driver. A good clamp meter for a driver is determined by the following factors:
- Having AC and DC measuring capabilities
- Gives true RMS value in reading
- Durable, sustainable, and having a high working battery
- Safe to make the user comfortable in repairing work
- Physically tough
- And have all the necessary functions for a user
By summing up all these qualities, we found that Mastfuyi MK-06 (Amazon link) is the best clamp meter for automotive vehicles. It is simple to use, durable to carry, sustainable to keep, safe to use, and accurate to read. Moreover, it is cost-effective.
I hope our little help might have solved your problem.
Stay in touch…
Questions
There might be some questions regarding the use of clamp meters for automotive vehicles. We are going to replay a few FAQS here.
Q1: Why is a clamp meter useful in automobiles?
Instruments like multimeters, DMMs, or Smart multimeters are made for the in-depth study of a circuit. Moreover, they are sophisticated and their operating procedure is entirely changed.
A clamp meter is a basic instrument. It measures current without disturbing the complicated circuitry. Basic data is collected through a clamp meter by electromagnetic induction.
We must keep in mind that a multimeter can also be used for the same purpose but we would need extra effort to apply it to connect it in series with the corresponding circuit.
Q2: Why do we need to check the output of Alternators?
Alternators provide current to the battery for charging. This current must be according to the needs of the battery. Its fluctuation can damage the car battery.
Hence we need a clamp meter to keep the alternator’s output in check and troubleshoot if there is any problem.
It is worth noting that the connectivity of the wire connecting the battery to the alternator must be checked. We can also measure the value of resistance for a quality wire.
Q3: Can a clamp meter detect parasitic currents?
A clamp meter is an excellent tool for the detection of parasitic currents. We can easily detect these currents through the clamp jaw.
In this case, the current withdrawn from a battery increases from a fixed value. This exceeding value tells us that there are some sort of short circuits or a device is withdrawing more power.
By sensing this value, we can easily tackle the issue.
Q4: How can a clamp meter help in any failure in accessories?
As we know a clamp meter measures current through a non-invasive method. After the failure of an accessory like a headlight, AC, heater, etc., we check the arrival of current through a clamp meter.
If the current is properly supplied, there is something wrong with the accessory. Otherwise, a wire might have snipped for no current.
In this way, we can avoid paying extra money for very little issue.
Q5: Is a clamp meter good for checking spark plugs or ignition wires?
Yes, we can check spark plugs and ignition wires with ease. The catch is these assemblies have high voltage and low current. Hence we can measure currents and voltages easily through our listed clamp meters.
Be aware that these assemblies provide an impressive shock to users. We must be careful while dealing with it.
In this regard, we can use NCVT (non-contact voltage tester) installed in clamp meters.
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