Greetings! During electrical installation work and when repairing electrical devices and circuits, there are situations when it is necessary to measure current without breaking the circuit or turning off the power supply. This is done in order to find a fault that cannot be found when the power supply is turned off. Current clamps can help with this, which will be discussed in this review.
I have compiled the TOP 5 best current clamps, based on reviews from customers and experts, and now I will tell you about their features.
What are clamp meters used for?
Before you figure out how to choose a current measuring instrument, it is worth giving at least some idea about them themselves, a kind of instruction for clamp meters. They are used to measure the electricity passing through the transmitter.
This allows you to control the current consumed by different equipment without stopping it.
That is why this tool must be in the tool kit of any master.
The most popular models of current clamps consist of:
- Resembling the shape of shunt pliers.
- Magnetic wire release button.
- A toggle switch that performs measurements.
- A monitor on which you can see the indicators.
- Connectors used to connect electrical probes.
- A button that allows you to record indicators in the device’s memory.
The model is different, as can be seen in different photos of current clamps, so they may differ.
Rating of the best AC and DC clamps of 2019
| Category | Place | Name | Price |
| The best clamp meters | 1 | UNI-T UT210E | $25..$35 |
| 2 | MUSTOOL MT866 | $25..$35 | |
| 3 | MASTECH MS2108S | $40..$50 | |
| 4 | MASTECH MS2108A | $40..$50 | |
| 5 | MASTECH MS2109A | $40..$45 | |
| 6 | UNI-T UT204A | $40..$50 | |
| 7 | HoldPeak HP-870N | $35..$45 |
What functions do they have?
In total, this tool has several main functions:
- Measuring the process of current flow and its voltage;
- Detection of breaks, ringing of wires;
- Current frequency measurement;
- Setting zero when aiming at nearby wires.
In addition, some masters can use them as:
- Saving the results obtained in the device memory;
- Measurements of inrush current, because it is usually significantly higher than the rated minimum by several times;
- Carrying out the calculation of the root mean square indicator for the alternating current network;
- Connecting with them a temperature sensor;
- Familiarization with the displayed results in automatic mode;
- Multifunctional digital display;
- Additional power source.
In the selection process, you should pay special attention to the quality of the material from which they are made, namely plastic, and also make sure that there are no metal particles on the body of the pliers. Don’t forget about the power source, because it plays an important role during operation.
Criterias of choice
There are hundreds of models on the market and in online stores that are designed for carrying out measuring work in the electrical network. You need to choose an option that is easy to use and extremely understandable. An electrician's assistant should not buy expensive professional equipment; this will not improve his skills. It is better to start with easy tools, gradually learning new things. Moreover, even some professionals bypass complex pliers with wide functionality, since they understand that they will not need most of the capabilities during their work.
A budget product is good, but you can’t save much on it. Because the accuracy of measurements will depend on their quality. Also, you should not pay attention to counterfeits of branded instruments, since their level of assembly is far from normal. They can break during measurements. And using such equipment is much more dangerous, since the plastic can fall apart or melt.
How to make a measurement
Those current measuring instruments that can be seen in retail outlets have one of two main elements: a specialized high-precision sensor or a transformer.
Depending on which model range is selected, you can perform measurements in two ranges - measure both direct and alternating current or only alternating current. Each of them has its own characteristics, it is worth considering them in more detail.
AC Current Clamp Meter
The most popular among buyers. This is due to the fact that they are convenient to use and they are reasonably priced. The principle of operation is similar to the effect of amplifying a signal with a transformer. Since they are convenient during use, they quickly found admirers.
The specificity of the work is that the conductor for the coil is the primary winding of the transformer. And also when the alternating current exits the measuring part, the voltage it emits is determined.
DC Current Clamp Meters
After the Hall effect was discovered, this type of mites became popular. This effect lies in the fact that the magnetic field voltage in the conductor changes during the passage of an electric current, which creates a potential at the point of measurement.
- It is thanks to this action (the Hall effect) that a similar sensor was developed, which has excellent sensitivity not only to direct current in a magnetic field, but also to alternating current.
- In addition, they have another distinctive feature - speed. This fact will be assessed if the devices that are operated at the site produce short-term surges of current.
Correct operation
Like any tool designed to work with electrical networks and circuits, pliers require basic knowledge of their structure and compliance with specific rules:
- Safety precautions when carrying out electrical installation and measuring work in electrical installations. These rules are common to every electrician and do not require knowledge of the tool. They tell you what a person should wear, what they should use, and what they should leave in the locker room or on the ground. If you do not comply with the general requirements, then a person puts his own life and the health of others at risk; this can lead to administrative punishment or a reprimand from the employer.
- The second equally important document that electricians become familiar with is the operating instructions. It is necessary to read it completely and remember the main part. This way, a person will be able to confidently use the measuring tool and will know the consequences of poor use.
Measurement order
Measurements are carried out in a certain order, this is rarely influenced by the manufacturer and type of construction:
- Sponge breeding occurs by pressing the corresponding key;
- The conductor is placed on the selected area and the pliers are clamped;
- The last stage is reading and recording readings.
How to use the equipment correctly is described in detail in the instructions, which must be included in the kit. If you lose it, you can use the Internet, where the manufacturer’s official website contains all the necessary information about a specific model.
Correct measurements in DC circuits
Clamps, which are made on the basis of a transformer, are capable of measuring only alternating current in a specific range. This is due to the operating principle of the main element. In order to measure a constant value, counter equipment is used, which was specially designed for this purpose.
A device for measuring DC voltage is often used when it is necessary to measure the Hall effect. The information is collected by a special sensor located inside the product.
Most cheap, as well as some expensive, instruments have little accuracy. Therefore, when taking measurements, you should install the conductor exactly in the center. By doing this, a person can increase the accuracy of the measurement. This method is used by all professionals because it is the only option to take actual values with minimal deviation.
How to use pliers
From the range that is presented on the market, there are two types - those that measure the current flowing through one conductor and those that measure the current flowing through several.
Each of them has small features, so how to use current clamps in each of the cases:
- Measuring the current flowing through one conductor. This type is the most common. To take a measurement, you need to take the conductor and insert it into the clamp. It is necessary to use current clamps correctly; to do this, they must be taken at an angle of ninety degrees relative to the plane. After this, the desired measurement range is set and the resulting data is studied on the monitor screen.
- Measuring current flowing through more than one conductor. If you introduce several conductors at once, then the current clamps will be able to determine the difference in the current flowing through them.
Operating principle
All current clamps operate on the principle of a simple transformer, where the teeth of the clamps themselves act as a closed magnetic circuit with a secondary coil, and the conductor acts as one turn of the primary coil. The greater the current in the conductor (primary coil), the greater the current produced by the secondary conductor (clamps), and this current enters the sensor and its value is displayed on the screen.
This is how current clamps work
Despite the lack of a direct connection, the measurements taken are highly accurate, and the error of the current clamp does not exceed 0.5%, which is enough to perform almost all work on setting up and starting up electrical equipment for home, office and even production.
Types of current clamps
Before you go buy a tool, you should remember that they can be different:
- Digital. This model of clamps is equipped with a microcontroller with digital signal processing, which makes it possible to make the measurement process quite simple, while storing the obtained values directly on the device. In addition, these clamps have the additional ability to make calibration automatic. The advantage of this model is its ease of use, but the disadvantage is that it is unreliable and contains errors.
- Switch. The advantage of these mites is that they are able to determine energy readings as accurately as possible. Disadvantage - the measurement range has limitations, there is an error.
- Ability to connect to multimeters and oscilloscopes. This model is used when it is necessary to increase the capabilities of devices. What makes it different from others is that there is no form of indication. The advantage of the device is the accuracy of measurement, and the disadvantage is the need to connect an indication.
There are different types of current clamps; everyone will choose them for themselves, depending on the area in which they will need to be used.
Whether professional or domestic. In order not to make a mistake in your choice, you should carefully consider what tasks will be solved and select them according to their technical characteristics.
When purchasing, in order not to regret it in the future, you should give preference to well-known companies, then the instrument will last a long time.
Comparison table of characteristics
Each device has its own technical characteristics. For a convenient comparison of the presented models, we have compiled a table where we indicate the main qualities of each device.
| Name | Power type | Case dimensions, cm | Total weight of the product, g | Availability of display backlight |
| Sturm MM 12021 | Batteries | 17.5x5.6x2.5 | 270 | Yes |
| Megeon 70010 | Batteries | 22.7x6.7x3.6 | 200 | Yes |
| Mastech M266C 57767 | Batteries | 9x23x4.3 | 268 | No data available |
| NTO 94-003 | Batteries | 23x7.7x3.2 | 220 | No information |
| CEM DT-334180380 | Batteries | 22.9x8x4.9 | 303 | Yes |
| Elitech MM200K | Batteries | 23x7x3.1 | 310 | No |
| Fluke-303 | Batteries | 22.5x10x5 | 265 | Yes |
Photo of clamp meters
Share with friends
Combining repellents with other means and methods of protection
Along with repellents, acaricides, repellent-acaricidal preparations, the possibility of using other protective measures should be considered:
- regular examination of the body and clothing during a walk, as well as upon returning home;
- checking the animal’s fur if the owners took it with them;
- the use of special Anti-Mite suits; there is a large selection of models that differ in basic parameters.
It is better to choose lighter clothing, this will make it easier to notice the parasite. If you do not plan to use a special suit, then it is recommended to wear closed clothing (shirt, trousers).
Protect yourself and your family from tick bitesRead more:
10 best anti-tick remedies for cats and kittens – tablets, collars, sprays, drops on the withers, shampoos, injections
Dust (Dermatophagoides) bed mites – 10 photos, description, life cycle, habitats. 12 remedies and ways to get rid of ticks yourself at home
24 photos of white ticks
Kleshchegon, Kleshchegon Super - instructions for use, protecting plants from mites
Do cockroaches bite or not: a domestic cockroach bite, what it looks like, what marks it leaves on people, why it attacks a person, how to get rid of insects correctly and effectively
Inexpensive clamps
Stanley
They have guide grooves. Surfaces are smooth. The circular grooves have been machined, but there are minor backlashes. The rear moving part is equipped with a stop. There are two notches: with small (1 mm) and large (2 mm) pitch. Traditional swivel joint. The handles are three-dimensional, two-component. There is a rubberized insert on a solid base.
The average price is 390 rubles.
Stanley adjustable pliers Advantages:
- practicality;
- versatility;
- handle length – 19 cm.
- affordable price.
Flaws:
- the quality of surface treatment is poor;
- presence of backlash;
- reliability is satisfactory;
- Excessive pressure causes the teeth to become crushed.
Jonnesway
Adjustable clamping tool with a maximum jaw size of 34 mm. External surface with smooth polished finish. The inside is grainy and rough. Sponges with fine and large notches. Circular guides are machined. The connection is of high quality; no play appeared during testing. The handles are soft, single-component, a little slippery, but comfortable to use. They are not afraid of contact with aggressive compounds.
The product can be purchased for 330 rubles.
Jonnesway adjustable pliers Advantages:
- smooth edges and edges;
- high-quality geometry;
- comfort;
- versatility;
- no backlash appears;
- easy to clean;
- are not afraid of aggressive environments;
- durability;
- quality of materials used;
- insignificant cost.
Flaws:
- low hardness;
- During operation, the teeth may become jammed.
Hans
The manufacturer is responsible for the quality of manufactured products. Moving is easy and precise. The coating is dark, the sides are polished. The circular guides look impressive; there are slight bevels on the contact edges to make the grip more reliable. Tests have shown that the hinge joint does not come loose. Metal handles are equipped with rubberized inserts.
The price of the product is 294 rubles.
adjustable pliers Hans Advantages:
- comfortable;
- practical;
- universal;
- comfortable;
- inexpensive.
Flaws:
- glide even in dry palms;
- hardness index is low;
- is considered a partially functional product.
Stork
Tool with guide grooves, jaw size – 45 mm, handle 19.5 mm. The sides are polished, the coating is stable and uniform. Two types of notches were made: large and small. The connection looks high quality at first glance, however, during testing, significant play appears. All you have to do is tighten it yourself, and the defect is eliminated. The key is made from chrome vanadium steel. The handles are two-component. The plastic base has a soft rubberized insert. A poor-quality connection between the handle and the metal was revealed: the glassy glue does not withstand the handle, so the device breaks with significant force.
The average cost is 238 rubles.
adjustable pliers Stork Advantages:
- comfortable;
- practical;
- universal;
- inexpensive.
Flaws:
- strength is insignificant;
- short-lived;
- The stops and teeth may become crushed.
Arsenal
Belongs to the category of high-quality and reliable designs. The outer surface of the hinge is smooth, the inner surface is granular. The coating is not of very high quality, as abrasions form with little use. The circular guides are profiled correctly. There are minor geometric discrepancies, which may cause the device to jam. Jaws with one notch with a pitch of 2.5 mm. No depression is provided.
adjustable pliers Arsenal Advantages:
- price-quality ratio;
- practicality;
- ease of use;
- reliable connection;
- ideal hardness at a low price;
- normal performance.
Flaws:
- sometimes sticks;
- strength is not enough;
- service life is short.
