A Clamp meter is an important instrument. Especially for electricians, a Clamp meter should be the best and free from crucial flaws.
Then, one must ask…
Which one is the best clamp meter for electricians?
Well, there are bundles of clamp meters in the market. It confuses users to choose the best clamp meter for electricians.
Often, the described properties are not found in the clamp meter. This not only hurts economically but also endangers the life of electricians.
Moreover, Electricians excel in their corresponding fields only if they are provided with excellent instruments – in this case, a clamp meter.
Additionally, we need to have a trusted clamp meter to rely our reading on.
That is why you are here…
Hereby, we suggest a good clamp meter for electricians. These suggestions are made through our observation, experience, and of course, our knowledge.
Adding to that, we are going to explain the factors through which we opted for the best clamp meter for electricians
So, don’t miss anything, and read the blog till the end.
Choosing the best clamp meter for electricians
As I mentioned earlier, the best clamp meter is crucial for electricians. Once they get a good clamp meter, they can freely complete their dangerous tasks.
Upon our inspection, we found Fluke 902 FC a suitable clamp meter for electricians. We found this instrument both durable and precise. It is commonly known among engineers for its toughness. The amazing factor about this clamp meter is that it fulfills the needs of electricians (safety, durability, and toughness).
Besides, there are a variety of other clamp meters available in the market. You must choose the best one by counting on the following factors.
a. Accuracy and Current Range
One of the important factors is accuracy. You might have witnessed this term repeatedly in our other blogs. It is so because of its importance in the field. Hence, when choosing a good clamp meter for electricians, we must go for it.
The current range is a defining factor of a clamp meter. We need a clamp meter with a proper current range that suits electricians.
b. Safety Category
A good clamp meter provides safety for its circuit, the testing circuit, and its user. Sometimes these factors are dependent upon the user, but not always.
The Safety has been divided into different categories. Again, it depends upon the use of electricians. For example, the safety category for electricians of HVAC should be more than that of common electricians.
Thus, it is up to the user.
c. AC/DC and True RMS capability
An electrician faces different scenarios like troubleshooting AC wiring, maintenance of DC circuits, or dealing with different signals.
For these purposes, we need a clamp meter with functions measuring AC as well as DC. The measurement of Voltage (both AC/DC) is optional.
However, measuring with True RMS values is important. We deal with different sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal signals. Our clamp meter should be good enough for the task.
d. Auto-ranging
A good clamp meter should automatically pick the range for current or voltage. We face a bit of difficulty while choosing it manually.
In most cases, we forget to choose the range in manual selection. This gives us either faulty reading or low-accurate reading.
We can ignore this factor for laboratory work but field work is tough. We suggest you consider it.
e. Durability
Durability is an important factor to consider. We have no idea about the situation we will face. Our workplace could be at a specific height, with a significant temperature or pressure.
Hence, our clamp meter should be durable for every condition we face. This makes us confident to work in our space.
f. Auxiliary Functions
In this era of modern technology, the unification of functions is not new. We need an all-in-one clamp meter.
By sensing the need, brands accumulated relative functions in clamp meters. The following are a few functions found in reputable clamp meters:
- Measuring Resistance
- Measuring Temperature
- Checking the Connectivity of circuits
- Testing Diode or Transistor
- Connecting the Smartphone with a clamp meter
- Recording data for graphs
We leave these choices for our client to pick whatever suit best to their use.
Now, let’s choose the best clamp meter for electricians by keeping the above factors in check
List of top clamp meters for Electricians
We considered the above factors and made the following list for users.
Let’s go through it…
1. Our Selected: Fluke 902 FC
We have selected Fluke 902 FC (Amazon link) the best clamp meter for electricians. Alone, this single model fulfills all the needs of electricians.
Be it safety, durability, or mobility, Fluke 902 FC excels and augments these qualities. Still, there is no compromise on its accuracy.
Let’s dig deep into the qualities of this model.
The Good
It is famous for its durability. Fluke’s name is always followed by durability. We found this model durable and agile. For an electrician, a durable clamp meter is a blessing. Hence, this clamp meter is ideal for electricians
We can connect it with smartphones via Bluetooth. This model gives us more remoteness in reading. This makes it more safe to use. Besides remoteness and safety, we can record data for further analysis.
The collected data can be recorded for drawing graphs. Smartphones collect data that can be used to make graphs for measuring performance. These graphs can also forecast the behavior of that specific circuit.
True RMS capability is useful for different types of signals. We can use this clamp meter for measuring sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal electric signals. It gives us more freedom in reading and shrinks our toolbox.
It measures both AC and DC. The AC is measured up to 600Amps and low DC is also measured. These ranges are quite promising and practical. A common electrician deals with the current within the mentioned range.
The Resistance up to 60 k-ohms can be measured. It is enough for our use, especially for AC electricians. It is often used for the measurement of the performance and quality of wires or circuit lines.
CAT-III (600V) and CAT-IV (300V) are promising values for safety. We state boldly that this clamp meter is safe. This safety category is ideal for us while working in the field. In short, these are more than safe.
There is no trade-off in accuracy. Besides dealing with high voltages, it is accurate. We witnessed a reduction in accuracy for the higher current range. Here, this case does not validate.
The Bad
The major issue with Fluke 902 FC is that there is no NCVT (Non-contact Voltage tester). It is an optional function but it is found in approximately every modern clamp meter.
We cannot ignore this flaw, because an electrician always troubleshoots problems with circuits (especially short circuits), and if there is no NCVT it is a problem.
The Downright Ugly
The clamp meter does not measure DC voltage with a high value. It is good only for low-voltage DC. As an electrician, we need a clamp meter with all qualities.
Generally, a clamp meter is only dedicated to currents, but we need freedom for measuring more parameters than current.
2. Also Great: CM2KOR
Besides our above selection, Astro AI’s CM2KOR is also found in the toolbox of electricians. This clamp meter is a detailed instrument as it fulfills all the needs of an electrician.
Although it is less durable than Fluke 902FC, it has many augmented functions like NCVT (Non-contact voltage tester) and measuring DC voltages.
Let’s observe the salient features of CM2KOR.
Salient Features:
- This clamp meter is safe to use and measures only AC (not DC).
- When it comes to voltage, it measures AC and DC voltages.
- We can alternate a simple multimeter with this model due to its additional functions like measuring Resistance, Capacitance, and Connectivity.
- NCVT function is installed with a buzzer and red LED. It provides additional warning for users.
- Although there is no CAT-IV safety, CAT-III safety of 600V is enough for our use.
- The display is self-explanatory.
Summing up, we refer you to Astro AI CM2KOR (Amazon link) if you are working as an electrician. It brilliantly performs the mentioned functions and last longer than other products.
We are quite satisfied with its functions and this model is available at a very reasonable price.
3. Also Great: HT-206D
The KAIWEETS is an emerging brand. The model HT-206D is comparatively new yet it is an impressive clamp meter.
We trust this clamp meter for its excellent performance in the field. It is a complete clamp meter. We can use it as a multimeter and clamp meter at the same time.
Let’s read about its other additional features.
Salient Features:
- Amazingly, it measures AC/DC voltages as well as current.
- Its CAT-III safety of 600V is enough for our use.
- The current range for AC is 600 amps. Be noted that this value is more than enough for our use.
- Likewise, true RMS and Low Pass Filter (LPF) help us to get reliable readings.
- False readings are prevented through Low Input Impedance (LowZ)
- This 430 grams (0.94-pound) clamp meter is user-friendly.
- Many other additional functions are installed like checking Connectivity, NCVT, testing diode, measuring differential temperature, and measuring Frequency.
We are in the safe zone while working on Kaiweets HT-206D (Amazon link). This instrument is simple and user-friendly with no compromise on accuracy.
Moreover, because the brand and the clamp meter are new, it is available at the given link at a comparatively low price.
Conclusion
Summing up our discussion, the best clamp meter for electricians must be accurate, durable, and safe to use. Besides these factors, the following parameters are found in a good clamp meter:
- Accurate reading
- High current range
- Reads in True RMS
- Measure both AC and DC
- Reduce functional complexity
- Durable enough to sustain tough conditions of the field
- And has more auxiliary functions
Upon these qualities, Fluke 902 FC (Amazon link) suits more than others. We can rely on its durability and accuracy in the field. There are very rare cases of its failure.
Additionally, our clients have very positive and suggestive remarks. It is user-friendly and very simple to use.
We are positive about its performance. The price seems reasonable for this clamp meter.
I hope we fulfilled your endure of getting the best in betters.
Stay with us for more important information.
Good Luck…
Questions
Dealing with clamp meters, there must be some confusing questions about clamp meters for electricians. Following are some frequently asked questions about our topic.
Q1: What is the primary role of a clamp meter for an electrician?
A clamp meter provides non-invasive current measurement to electricians. It reduces workload and provides on-time data.
Generally. We measure current by breaking the circuit and connecting the multimeter in series with the circuit. This act increases the workload and consumes additional time.
With a clamp meter in hand, we can read the value of the current without disturbing the main circuit.
Q2: What is the process through which a clamp meter works?
A clamp meter follows a simple rule. Our basic knowledge of electromagnetism tells us that current produces an electromagnetic field.
Hence, a clamp meter captures that electromagnetic field and generates current. The amount of that produced current tells us the value of the source current.
Q3: How does an electrician choose a clamp meter?
An electrician goes through many factors while choosing the best clamp meter. There are several factors and we mentioned them one by one, but we are opting for the basic factors for you.
- Safety
- Current Range
- Accuracy
- Voltage measurement
- Temperature measurement
- Durability
Q4: Can we replace a multimeter with a clamp meter?
Surprisingly, the answer is NO. Every instrument has its applications. These applications will tell you to choose an instrument.
For example, if you are working with AC and DC circuits with high currents, a rough and quick response, and troubleshooting; a clamp meter would help with some extra safety.
In contrast, multimeters are sophisticated instruments. They are mainly used in research and design.
Q5: Is there any problem with Eddy Current losses in a clamp meter?
Of course YES. And it depends on the accuracy of a clamp meter. The goal is to set the Eddy losses to the lowest level to counter the effect of Eddy current.
In this regard, if you observe the internal structure of Clamp Jaw, you will see layers of thin steel rather than solid steel. This act reduces Eddy’s losses to a significant level.
Other factors are also involved to reduce Eddy’s losses.
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