AC Clamp Meter

[Mrwurm]

I'm getting tired of my old analog multi-tester. I've had it for 25 years and I think I'm due for one of those fancy digital ones. The meters with the clamp to measure current have really caught my eye.
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Home depot has Greenline models for $60, $70, $80, even a bit higher. They all look about the same to me. They also have GB models for $60 to $80. Anyone have any tips about these items?
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I use my meter to measure resistance, check continuity, measure AC voltage, and measure DV voltage.
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Also, will the AC clamp allow me to measure amp draw on the line that runs from my new generator to the main panel? It would be nice to know exactly how much power I was using. Adding up watts and estimating surge watts is not very accurate.
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[Anonymous Poster]

I don't have experience with those but I have used Fluke multi meters for my work and they are one of the best around. Check out the fluke clamp meters at www.contacteast.com. I have no affiliation with either Fluke or Contact East.

Dog

 

[thcri]

Most of my servicement like th Fluke Brand. They have found them to be the most durable but I think you will they are the most expensive. My guys also buy them because of the abuse they give them. If you take care of most of them they will last a long time.

murph

 

[DavidD]

If I were to buy a multimeter at home depot it would have to be greenlee, otherwise, mine are either fluke or aw sperry.
I have to second the opinions earlier about Fluke. I have one that has withstood a fall from my pickup at about 20 mph....still works
David

 

[shado]

I like the Fluke brand also, but one of the biggest complaints I have heard (and experienced) is that the display sometimes have digits that start to fade due to the way the LCD panel is connected through a 'conductor strip' to the PC board of the meter. I've had to fix a couple of these with this type of problem, but they are still good meters. Yes, the clamp-on type will let you measure amperage through a line, some models will also do both AC & DC current in a clamp-on version, but the dual-mode versions usually run a little higher. If you want a good meter, I would mail-order one, but a Fluke brand will problably be a lot higher that those prices you mentioned. I think the 87 series runs at least over $235 nowadays, it is a true RMS version. A clamp is sold as an accessory.
J.W.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Fluke clamp on meters have a major DEFECT built right in to them. When you aren't watching, those clamps spread apart and turn into little legs, and the whole dang meter walks away.
GB ain't a bad meter, but, why spend that kind of money for something when there are tons of Sperrys going across Ebay for under $25-.
I don't get near as upset about a $25- meter walkin off as I do about an $*)- meter walkin off.
The common disadvantage to all digital meters is they loose a lot of accuracy when they are around RF. Other than that, they sure are nice when you need reading glasses to see an analog needle.

 

[Mrwurm]

Thanks to all that replied.

Will the clamp measure ac amps on a cord that has two hots and a neutral? (my 240V cord from my generator to transfer switch) I have heard that you have to separate the the individual leads and only have the clamp around one hot at a time. This does not sound practical. I hope this is incorrect.

Also, what is 'true rms' all about?

 

[MJB]

That is correct. If you put the clamp around all the leads at the same time the magnetic fields cancel each other out and the meter will read zero. Incidentally that is how a ground fault detector works.

 

[BB_TX]

Since AC is a constantly varying voltage and current going from some peak positive to some peak negative, it is not normally stated in terms of it's maximum peak to peak. RMS is a way of determining the effective result of that variation relative to a DC type voltage. Here is <font color="blue"> a basic description </font> of rms.

 

[Bird]

I agree with the other guys about the Fluke meters. They're one of the most popular with professionals, but I have an Extech digital clamp meter, with temperature probe, that I've had for 13 years (since 4/21/90 in fact) and no complaints yet. You can see a few of their meters at this site. Of course, I paid $180 for it 13 years ago.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I have to go with Fluke all the way. I use them everyday at work and have found the Fluke to be the most reliable. As for the displays. On some of there models you can put in a different display that is much brighter than the stock model.

 

[shado]

I was not refering that the 'display' itself is the problem, but the method of which is used to 'connect' the display to the contacts of the PC board of the meter itself. This 'connector' is a small strip that is actually a 'sandwich' of conducting material and non-conducting material, kind of spongy in nature (flexible). Eventually it tends to loose continuity with the display, causing some of the digits of the display to appear dim or completely shut off. Sometimes pressing on the outer casing of the meter causes the digits to re-appear, but since I don't have three hands while taking a measurement, it gets a little irritating.
J.W.