Clamp meters and multimeters have been competing since the invention of clamp meters. However, the priority changes when the competition converges to High-voltage AC (HVAC).
Clamp meters are designed to measure the current accurately and safely. It bypasses the old method of invasive measuring (installed in multimeters) and replaces it with the non-invasive method.
A clamp meter is responsible for measuring current according to its maximum reading. The measurement of current is accurate and safe. However, we cannot say the same for the other parameters like voltage and resistance. The accuracy of voltage and resistance is comparatively lower than that of multimeters. However, modern clamp meters have addressed these shortcomings.
Let’s study in more detail which one is the best, clamp meter or multimeter for HVAC.
Clamp Meter or Multimeter for HVAC
HVAC not only has high voltage, but it also possesses high current. Hence, dealing with HVAC is quite dangerous. The user needs extra safety while working in HVAC.
Thus the prime choice for these users is a clamp meter. However, clamp meters measure other parameters with lower accuracy than current ones.
Which One is the Best for HVAC?
As we are facing HVAC, we expect the current value to be high enough. Especially, when we are dealing with the transmission lines.
For HVAC, we do not need high accuracy for voltage and resistance. That is why, a clamp meter is the primary choice of HVAC electricians.
Clamp Meter for HVAC
A clamp meter is the best choice for HVAC. We deal with high current and high voltage in these wiring. Hence, extra care and safety are needed for an HVAC electrician.
An HVAC electrician needs accurate measurement for current value while staying safe. This task can be achieved through clamp meters with ease.
Here, the multimeters fail to provide safety. Although we can use a multimeter in HVAC with high ratings, it needs a high level of expertise and more alertness. A simple mistake can cost a lot.
For this purpose, we have listed the best clamp meters for HVAC, the link is given below.
Let’s scan some advantages and shortcomings of a clamp meter for high-voltage AC.
1. Advantages
Always remember that only some clamp meters are suitable for HVAC. There are special types of clamp meters for the said purpose. We have given a link in this regard.
However, by using a clamp meter for HVAC, we can achieve the following tasks
- We can get accurate readings for the current
- Users can measure current safely. No extra step is required for this process.
- Electricians can complete their tasks comfortably.
- The safety budget gets low
- We can analyze the value of current remotely through a smartphone (in the case of Bluetooth connectivity)
- The time duration for measuring current is lower than the multimeter. This allows us to monitor the circuit easily.
2. Shortcomings
A simple clamp meter is a capable instrument for HVAC. However, it needs more upgradation due to the following shortcomings.
- We found clamp meters less accurate for other electrical parameters such as voltage and resistance.
- The minor losses in HVAC cannot be ascertained due to low accuracy for voltage.
These shortcomings could be easily minimized to improve the quality of a clamp meter.
Multimeter for HVAC
Multimeters are always posed as low voltage, low current, and low resistance instruments. However, in truth, a multimeter is equally capable of measuring HVAC.
A multimeter can measure voltage, current, and resistance. These are the basic parameters for the circuit analysis. In addition to them, advanced multimeters are equipped with more functions to facilitate users.
Adding to that, many brands have introduced a smart multimeter. It enhances the ability of multimeters to the next level. It works like a smartphone.
Let’s meticulously observe the advantages of having a multimeter.
1. Advantages
A multimeter can facilitate us through the following points.
- We can measure basic electrical parameters.
- The accuracy is high for voltage, current, and resistance.
- A single multimeter can perform many tasks.
- Multimeters can measure leakage voltages.
2. Shortcomings,
However, electricians do not use a multimeter for HVAC due to the following reasons.
- The measuring method is tiresome.
- Safety is compromised.
- Measuring current consumes a lot of time.
- Only an expert can use it for measuring current.
- The main circuitry is disturbed just for reading.
- A multimeter is not best for monitoring purposes.
By careful assessment, we can say that a clamp meter is more secure, safe, and quicker than a multimeter for HVAC. Moreover, it is suitable for the workplace of HVAC.
Modern Clamp Meters
We are liable to discuss the qualities of a modern clamp meter apart from a common clamp meter. These clamp meters are more technologically advanced than a common clamp meter.
1. Accuracy for Other Electrical Parameters
Modern clamp meters have addressed the shortcomings mentioned above. These clamp meters improved the accuracy of other electrical parameters. For example, HT-206D (Amazon link).
Now, we can accurately measure voltages, resistance, and current through a clamp meter. Besides, diodes and transistors can also be tested through a modern clamp meter.
2. Measuring Low Voltages
Moreover, these clamp meters are capable of measuring low voltages. Hence, we found it fit for not only HVAC but also for other uses. The problem of measuring leakage voltage is, hence, solved.
This quality made clamp meters in competition with multimeters as we can use a clamp meter as an alternative to a multimeter.
3. Safety Improved
The non-invasive method of measuring current reduces the chances of getting shocked. We do not need extra safety and a layman can use a clamp meter without any hesitation.
Additionally, we can use some clamp meters remotely. These clamp meters are connected to smartphones via Bluetooth. Hence, the safety is improved up to the next level—for example, Fluke 376 FC(Amazon link).
Conclusion
Of course, the best choice is the clamp meter because the basic concept behind its design is safety and quickness in reading for current. Moreover, the clamp meter’s non-invasive method of measuring enhanced accuracy.
However, clamp meters cannot guarantee accurate readings for other electrical parameters like voltage, resistance, power, etc. Moreover, every user has felt its low accuracy for low currents.
Here the catch is, that a multimeter is not as safe as a clamp meter for measuring current in HVAC. It measures current through an invasive method- by connecting with the circuit in series.
To suppress the need for a multimeter, modern clamp meters are installed with more functions and more accuracy for all electrical parameters.
Nowadays, a clamp meter can work as an alternative to a multimeter in HVAC.
Hence, a clamp meter is the best instrument for HVAC. But we must pick the best clamp meter for HVAC.
Other useful posts:
