Clamp Meters
Clamp Meters
Clamp meters measure AC and DC current without breaking the circuit by clamping around a conductor and using Hall-effect or current transformer technology to sense the surrounding magnetic field. They combine the current measurement capability of an ammeter with the voltage and resistance functions of a standard multimeter, making them indispensable for electrical troubleshooting in live circuits where disconnecting wires is impractical or hazardous. Clamp meters are rated by jaw opening diameter, current range, measurement accuracy, and CAT safety category.
Beyond basic current and voltage measurement, specialized clamp meters address power quality analysis (true-RMS, power factor, harmonics), earth ground resistance testing, and low-level leakage current detection. Flexible Rogowski coil clamp accessories extend measurement capability to large-diameter cables and bus bars that rigid jaw clamps cannot accommodate. Leading manufacturers include Fluke, AEMC, Hioki, and Kyoritsu.
Typical Applications
- Non-contact AC current measurement in electrical panels and motor drive circuits
- Earth ground loop resistance and grounding system continuity testing
- Power quality assessment including harmonics, power factor, and true-RMS current
- Leakage current detection in industrial machinery and building electrical systems
- Load balancing and energy auditing in commercial and industrial facilities
- High-current measurement on bus bars and large cables using Rogowski coil accessories
Popular Brands
Fluke leads the market with its 370 and 390 series, trusted by electricians and industrial maintenance teams worldwide. AEMC specializes in power measurement and earth ground testing clamp meters. Hioki is recognized for precision and high-frequency performance in electronics and power environments. Kyoritsu and Amprobe offer broad general-purpose lineups for the electrical contractor market.
