How do I use a clamp on amp meter?

Answer 1

Answer 1When electrical current flows through a wire [or any conductor[, it creates an electromagnetic field which the clamp on Amp meter is disigned to detect and quantify.

The meter loop is hinged and movable in order to open the loop to allow the loop to be placed "around" a single conductor. It is important that the loop be placed around only one conductor as if there is more than one wire conducting, then the fields from multiple wires will interfere with the meters ability to operate.

The meter will have a switch [usually rotary] to change scales, and unless you know the approximate current flowing through the circuit, you should first set the meter to the highest current scale setting, and then switch to lower current scales until the proper one is found.

Answer 2

You have to use an amp clamp on meter rated for dc amps. an ac clamp will not work.

In the past, the 'clamp on' feature of a this type of ammeter simply acted as a current transformer which, in common with all Transformers, would only work with alternating current. Some of these clamp on ammeters have separate inputs which allow them to be used as a regular ammeter as well, and you would need to use these inputs if you wish to measure direct current.

However, there are now clamp on ammeters that are able to measure d.c. current by making practical use of what is termed the 'Hall effect'. When placed within the magnetic field established within the 'clamp' surrounding the current to be measured, a special 'Hall element' produces a small voltage at right angles to a separate current passed through that element by the meter itself. This voltage is then amplified and, since, the voltage is proportional to the field which, in turn, is proportional to the current being measured, the meter can be calibrated in amperes rather than in volts.

Answer 3

The best way to learn to use your digital clamp multimeter is to read the instructions that come with the device when you purchase it. If you have borrowed one from a friend, you may opt to consult YouTube for videos on how to properly and safely use your multimeter.

Answer 4

You would use a clamp on amp meter for measuring the electrical current of an outlet or wire. The clamp allows the meter to get an accurate reading without the user having to worry about the meter moving around too much.