Clamp Meter < $100?
- Thread starter Vanhalo
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gnubie
Solar Wizard
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- Sep 20, 2019
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Unless its going to get a lot of use, ie commercial not home / hobby, there's a heap of choices out there in the < $100 range. UNI-T seems to be a popular brand. If you want a real cheapie check the aneng range. Pay close attention to the specs of what ever you settle on as not all of them will read DC amps via the clamp. The very low end UNI-T meters look suspiciously like anengs, that's no co-incidence.
What ever you do, don't use the cheapie meters via wired probes with higher voltage circuits. The CAT ratings on all of them are a lie.
What ever you do, don't use the cheapie meters via wired probes with higher voltage circuits. The CAT ratings on all of them are a lie.
Vanhalo
New Member
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I am partial to Brymen.
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Vanhalo
New Member
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MrNatural22
?SW sunshine =⚡️⚡️lit up thru the darkness✌️
I got this ac/dc clamp meter from Amazon about 2 years ago, don’t have a link but Readings are pretty accurate when compared to my neighbors high dollar fluke meter. It reads ac/dc current. Some only read ac current so read the descriptions carefully. Been pretty dependable working on automotive and solar jobs. Same batteries for 2 years. These were around $45 Search ac/dc meters on Amazon
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PHoganDive
Solar Enthusiast
AC only clamp meters get away with just a current transformer, which is quite inexpensive. the ones that read DC current via the clamp need to use a hall effect sensor for the clamp mechanism, that costs more.
svetz
Works in theory! Practice? That's something else
Would have sworn I saw a cheapo clamp meter that did DC... ah... here it is $65. No idea it it's any good or not.
Hmmm, says it does in-rush in the picture....
Update: just noticed MrNatural22's has it too, and cheaper to boot!
Hmmm, says it does in-rush in the picture....
Update: just noticed MrNatural22's has it too, and cheaper to boot!
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Vanhalo
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Vanhalo
New Member
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I did consider the uni-t-ut210e
I just bought a 15$ clamp meter from walmart and its actually accurate! Simple device, and the accuracy I need is .1A, so it works great :D
Rider
Solar Addict
Link or you're lying......
Actually, I saw a few, but wasn't sure about them. If you have a link, that would be appreciated.
Aussiecroc
New Member
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I bought a Uni-T and like it lots. Make sure you get the clamp one that does DC and AC. Some only do AC. Or is it the other way around?
I bought the UT 204 A
I bought the UT 204 A
grizzzman
Photon Vampire
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I have this unit. It has worked well for me.
BSIDE Digital Clamp Meter Professional True RMS Auto- Clamp Type LCD Multimeter AC/DC Voltage Current Capacitance Continuity Test Temperature Tester Frequency Measurement - Walmart.com
Free 2-day shipping. Buy BSIDE Digital Clamp Meter Professional True RMS Auto- Clamp Type LCD Multimeter AC/DC Voltage Current Capacitance Continuity Test Temperature Tester Frequency Measurement at Walmart.com
www.walmart.com
This has dc amps... it’s more than $15 will found, npbut not a bad price
Another...
This one shows AC/dc current, and the switch image shows dc and AC, but the spec description does not say dc current...
HABOTEST AC/DC Digital Clamp Meter for Measuring AC/DC Voltage , AC/DC Current, Frequency, Duty Cycle, Diode, Resistance, Continuity, Transistors Test, NCV Clamp Multimeter - Walmart.com
Free 2-day shipping. Buy HABOTEST AC/DC Digital Clamp Meter for Measuring AC/DC Voltage , AC/DC Current, Frequency, Duty Cycle, Diode, Resistance, Continuity, Transistors Test, NCV Clamp Multimeter at Walmart.com
www.walmart.com
SolarRat
Solar Addict
I just ordered this one on sale for $30.57. I've got many Flukes and AC clampers, but no dc clamper so...
I like that this DC clamp meter tells you which direction the current is flowing (to know if your batt is charging or discharging when under load+charge). I'll update with a review when I get it Sunday, if anyone is interested....
I like that this DC clamp meter tells you which direction the current is flowing (to know if your batt is charging or discharging when under load+charge). I'll update with a review when I get it Sunday, if anyone is interested....
MrNatural22
?SW sunshine =⚡️⚡️lit up thru the darkness✌️
That’s the same one I bought last year. Pretty accurate real close to the flukes readings. <>.01-2a
I also like that ability to show the currents direction. Been great so far. I just recently swapped out the batteries after a lot of use. I do use the back light a lot for easy reading. Otherwise it would still be going and going and going like the bunny says.
?
SolarRat
Solar Addict
Just came today (within 24 hours of ordering, gotta love Amazon!). So far it reads almost identical to my Flukes. Resistance takes a bit to get a reading but other than that I like it. For the price it feels sturdy enough. AC ammeter seems acceptable. Has a decent english manual! Will test the DC clamp on the boat this weekend.
