Clamp meter?

[Bushwanderer]

Hi All,
I'm uncertain that this is the correct forum for my question, but thought that the readers here would be best able to answer.

I have a faithful Fluke 23 multimeter, but it is unable/inconvenient to measure a lot of the current flows in my D3. I think that my best solution is to get a clamp meter.

Can anyone help with make/model and a source for such a device?

TIA,
Peter

[bee utey]

I thought clamp meters only work on AC, like any transformer there needs to be a changing magnetic field to induce a current in the other winding/clamp.

[Bushwanderer]

Hi bee utey,
That used to be my understanding , as well. That was until I had occasion, some weeks ago, to call upon NRMA road service to give me a jump start.

Once the engine was started, he used a clamp meter to measure the output form the alternator. :o I wasn't alert enough to ask him what make/model it was.

Best Wishes,
Peter
PS: The alternator was putting out 120A. :D

[miky]

If you like Fluke, and who wouldn't, get a Fluke clamp meter that will measure the currents you want to.

i.e. If you don't want starting current then one that only goes to (say) 100A may be OK for you. Also look at what the lowest current is.


.

[rovercare]

Kyoritsu 2033 AC/DC Digital Clamp Meter, Kyoritsu 2033 (http://www.test-equipment-shop.com.au/products/Kyoritsu_2033_AC_DC_Digital_Clamp_Meter-163-74.html)

What I have, lovely thing it is:wub:

[Bushwanderer]

Hi miky,
You are right, I am a Fluke friend, but I think that they may be too expensive for my application.



Hi Rovercare,
That Kyoritsu looks very interesting. I'll check it out.

Many Thanks,
Peter
Ps: Any other contributions welcome

[scarry]

I have a small clamp meter that does AC & DC,called a "MULTI",model 240.I mainly use it for AC.It has a 20 amp & a 200 amp scale.It has just come back from being calibrated & was not far out.It is a very small meter which i like as it is easier to get around cables than a large meter.
Probably not the quality of a Fluke though.

[miky]

Dick Smith has one for $168 (http://dicksmith.com.au/product/Q1476/1000a-ac-dc-true-rms-digital-clamp-meter.jsp)

Or

Jaycar for $119 (http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=QM1563)


.

[Bushwanderer]

Hi Scarry,
I did a Google search for Multi 240. I guess that you won't be surprised at the '000s of hits. :(

Any chance of some more detail/supplier etc in order for me to narrow the search.

Best Wishes,
Peter

[Bushwanderer]

Hi Miky,
The info DS has on their website is very limited. I may have to visit them.

Unfortunately, I think that the Jaycar minimum current, at 40A, is too high for some of my anticipated applications.

I appreciate your efforts,
Peter

[scarry]

Hi Scarry,
I did a Google search for Multi 240. I guess that you won't be surprised at the '000s of hits. :(

Any chance of some more detail/supplier etc in order for me to narrow the search.

Best Wishes,
Peter

I got it from L&H,i called them,but they don't sell them anymore.Found them on a site www.multimic.com

Click on the english sign & then you can scroll through to the clamp testers.I have sent them an email,if i get a reply i will let you know.

[Lionel]

Hi All,
I'm uncertain that this is the correct forum for my question, but thought that the readers here would be best able to answer.

I have a faithful Fluke 23 multimeter, but it is unable/inconvenient to measure a lot of the current flows in my D3. I think that my best solution is to get a clamp meter.

Can anyone help with make/model and a source for such a device?

TIA,
Peter

I have a ISO-TECH ICM30 Hall effect clamp meter (also does Volts and ohms). It is excellent but not cheap. ($300 or so). In this area, as in most others, you get what you pay for.

Cheers,

Lionel

[blitz]

Hi guys - yes the new clamp meters can do both AC and DC they use a hall effect to measure the magnetic field created by the current.

[scarry]

The one i have,the Multi 240,AC/DC mini clamp meter,is available from Nesco
phone no. is 1300 852 411,fax 07 32742970.

Price is around $300 plus GST

[Bushwanderer]

Hi scarry,
That's great. I'll investigate further.

Best Wishes,
Peter

[Bushwanderer]

Hi Lionel,
I see that the ICM30 is available from RS-components. I know them as a reputable company and so will follow this up.

Best Wishes.
Peter

[Aaron IIA]

If the minimum reading/scale is not low enough, you can pass the conductor through the clamp meter multiple times, with the resulting reading being the sum of all the individual readings.

Aaron.

[Bushwanderer]

Hi Aaron,
Good point.

Thanks,
Peter

[Bushwanderer]

Hi All,
Just to update, I have decided to purchase a Fluke 365 clampmeter. Perhaps this shows my Fluke bias, but I really believe that, once the features are compared, it represents good value for money.

I could have got it MUCH cheaper from the USA, but decided to support an Oz Coy.

Thanks to everyone for your considered posts, they gave me much to ponder.

Best Wishes,
Peter