Best Clamp Meter Reviews 2017

Getting a clamp meter can cost you a lot of money, or not so much money. It all depends on the features that the brand and model you go for possess. There are clamp meters that combine over 7 functions, and there are those that combine 3; there are, of course, several variations between.

Generally speaking, from our research we found good clamp meters for between $20 to over $500. This wide range should give you an idea of the world of difference you can expect between clamp meters of varying costs. Despite this disparity, each product we selected will deliver value for its price.

Be advised that there are cheap clamp meters that you may be tempted to get because of their price. Please don’t, as many of them won’t give you even the little value you expect for whatever cheap price you pay for it. Spend a bit more and get products of good value.

When choosing a clamp meter, there are certain features that we need to look out for and consider to be able to determine which will be best for our needs. Understanding these features will make the job of selection much easier. Some of the features we need to look at include:

• Display
• Functionality
• True RMS
• Safety
• Voltage and current rating
• IP rating
• Extras

When precise readings are needed, a clamp meter capable of True RMS-reading should be the meter of choice. This is important because only a clamp meter capable of True RMS readings can accurately measure waves with distortions and those without distortions. Using a clamp meter that’s not capable of True RMS-reading to measure waves with distortions can give results that are up to 40% off. Most people are now going for this feature.

What is the voltage and current rating of the clamp meter you’re going for? For your clamp meter to be useful across a wide range of applications, it needs to have a voltage rating of 600V and current rating of 400A.

To ensure your safety while using a clamp meter, ensure the model you go for has a minimum of a CAT III 600V rating. Most of the models on our list have a CAT IV 600V rating. Another thing to look out for is the IP (Ingress Protection) rating. This will tell you if the model you’re going for is suitable for the environment you want to work in. The higher the IP rating, the safer it is in most environments.

Many clamp meters can perform many functions. Be sure to find one that performs the functions you need. Getting one that does much more may just be a waste of money. Some of the functions a clamp meter can perform include measuring: AC/DC current and voltage, resistance, continuity, capacitance, frequency, power factor, temperature, and crest factor. Get what you need and save money.

This is a sensitive instrument that needs to be built ruggedly to withstand the rigors of the workplace. Ensure your choice is built to withstand heavy use. Regardless of its functions, if it’s built flimsily, it will simply get broken in no time. A good example to go for is a rubber overmold or double-molded design that provides double protection.

The clamp meter is primarily a meter that gives a reading on a display. It is therefore important that the display be the right kind for you. Ensure you can easily read it, and if you’ll be working a lot in dark places, be sure to get a display with backlight so you can easily get your readings even in the dark.

Some extras that can come with a clamp meter include: detachable and extendable clamp so you can work better in tight spaces, and built-in light at the jaws to help illuminate dark spaces. This will be essential if you’ll be working in dark spaces a lot, test probes for increased functionality, etc. Check the extra features to know which will be beneficial to you.

A clamp meter requires annual calibration to ensure it keeps giving accurate readings. To be sure your meter is well-calibrated, you must know its full functions. If your clamp meter comes equipped with a flexible current probe, be sure to calibrate it with the meter.

Taking all this into consideration will certainly help you get the right meter and use it well.