Hi all, I would strongly suggest a clamp meter as with a normal meter you have to break the wire you want to messure current on. That creates a major issue when you have to join the wire up again (sticky tape and glue just don't hack it). With a clamp meter no damage is don't to the wiring. Also as an added danger when you measure current the wire is live.
Just my twopeneth worth
Cheers
deverall11 said
10:11 AM May 3, 2015
Phil C wrote:
Hi all, I would strongly suggest a clamp meter as with a normal meter you have to break the wire you want to messure current on. That creates a major issue when you have to join the wire up again (sticky tape and glue just don't hack it). With a clamp meter no damage is don't to the wiring. Also as an added danger when you measure current the wire is live.
Not much use for 12V with amp range 40-400 amps IMHO. Too high for general 12v current in automotive industry except alt output, and not high enough for cranking amps.
Not much use for 12V with amp range 40-400 amps IMHO. Too high for general 12v current in automotive industry except alt output, and not high enough for cranking amps.
I have one of these and it will even measure the current that my computers cooling fan consumes - 0.08 on low 0.13 on med and 0.24 on high - I just checked it!
These units will measure all currents experienced in cars or caravans...leds - incandescent bulbs, refrigerators, solar panels etc both in DC and AC. They are not toys.
Regards
DeBe said
10:14 PM May 3, 2015
I wouldn't be too put off using an AC/DC clamp meter with 40A/400A. I use this a lot & on 40A scale is quite reasonable for small currents. These were measuring currents on 12Vdc.
The meter in my pictures is an AC/DC clamp meter & in the pics its measuring 12V DC current.
-- Edited by DeBe on Monday 4th of May 2015 01:00:29 PM
hako said
02:05 PM May 4, 2015
You can get units for under $30 that only measure AC current but the one suggested measures DC as well.
03_Troopy said
02:06 PM May 4, 2015
You can with a DC current capable one. There are quite a few around that only have AC current clamp capability, especially in the better brands at the lower end of their price range, if that makes sense.
Not much use for 12V with amp range 40-400 amps IMHO. Too high for general 12v current in automotive industry except alt output, and not high enough for cranking amps.
I have one of these and it will even measure the current that my computers cooling fan consumes - 0.08 on low 0.13 on med and 0.24 on high - I just checked it!
These units will measure all currents experienced in cars or caravans...leds - incandescent bulbs, refrigerators, solar panels etc both in DC and AC. They are not toys.
Regards
OK I bow to practical results. Thanks for the info.
03_Troopy said
08:44 PM May 4, 2015
Yes, it's not 40 to 400 amps, but a 40A max and a 400A max range.. but I have found the cheaper meters usually fail within a year or two anyway. You get problems with switches not working well and probe sockets not having a decent contact.
Baz421 said
10:20 PM May 4, 2015
03_Troopy wrote:
Yes, it's not 40 to 400 amps, but a 40A max and a 400A max range.. but I have found the cheaper meters usually fail within a year or two anyway. You get problems with switches not working well and probe sockets not having a decent contact.
Yeh understand now thanks Bob, misread it "again".
Phil C said
10:20 AM May 8, 2015
aussie_paul wrote:
Can you measure DC current with a clamp meter?
Aussie Paul.
Sure can, my fluke is set up to do just that.
Cheers
Ontos45 said
10:24 AM May 8, 2015
My meter turned up today, looks great, can't wait to play with it.
PeterD said
11:04 AM May 8, 2015
aussie_paul wrote:
Can you measure DC current with a clamp meter?
Some you can, some you can't. Check the specifications before lashing out.
I want to buy Rod an amp meter, any suggestions please
Hi Sue
Have a look here
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/60V100A-Digital-LCD-Watt-Meter-Battery-Balance-DC-RC-Volt-Ammeter-Amp-Analyzer-/161608050799?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item25a097286f
got one myself no complains
Cheers John
Some people call multimeters amp meters so it really depends on exactly what Rod wants to measure. John's suggestion is good - I have one fitted to my solar panel, but if you want something portable and not fixed then possibly a 'digital clamp meter' like the one in the link would fit the bill and be both portable and multipurpose.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/MS2108A-Digital-Clamp-Meter-Multimeter-AC-DC-Current-Volt-Tester-/171769093025?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item27fe3c5ba1
Just my twopeneth worth
Cheers
Ditto. Much safer and easier to use.
I have a couple of these as well and they seem good. I always have a multimeter with me as well.
Not much use for 12V with amp range 40-400 amps IMHO. Too high for general 12v current in automotive industry except alt output, and not high enough for cranking amps.
I have one of these and it will even measure the current that my computers cooling fan consumes - 0.08 on low 0.13 on med and 0.24 on high - I just checked it!
These units will measure all currents experienced in cars or caravans...leds - incandescent bulbs, refrigerators, solar panels etc both in DC and AC. They are not toys.
Regards
I wouldn't be too put off using an AC/DC clamp meter with 40A/400A. I use this a lot & on 40A scale is quite reasonable for small currents. These were measuring currents on 12Vdc.
Thanks hako and DeBe, just brought one. Cheap.
Can you measure DC current with a clamp meter?
Aussie Paul.
The meter in my pictures is an AC/DC clamp meter & in the pics its measuring 12V DC current.
-- Edited by DeBe on Monday 4th of May 2015 01:00:29 PM
You can with a DC current capable one. There are quite a few around that only have AC current clamp capability, especially in the better brands at the lower end of their price range, if that makes sense.
OK I bow to practical results. Thanks for the info.
Yeh understand now thanks Bob, misread it "again".
Sure can, my fluke is set up to do just that.
Cheers
My meter turned up today, looks great, can't wait to play with it.
Some you can, some you can't. Check the specifications before lashing out.