C lectric
Guru
A clamp meter is a Clamp on Ammeter. It has a pair of jaws that can be opened and then closed over the wire you want to measure the current in.
You install it over one wire only. THere are some special circumstances but ignore those for now. Install over the BLACK of 120vac. It reads the current running through only that wire.
Get a unit that is rated True RMS. It makes a difference when reading some circuits. May not be needed here but it is often worthwhile so do it once.
Also in the same meter get one that reads DC current as once you get even a bit used to it you will find many other uses for checking currents not only in AC but in DC.
I would suggest as a good general purpose meter you want about a 0 - 200A or a 0 - 400A range.
Most of the AMP CLAMP meters will also have basic ohms, volts, maybe frequency functions. A decent unit will likely be in the range of $100-150.
There are many others that are more specialized and more money but for most purposes not needed.
I think once you have one you will realize its utility and advantages over any dash meters or only a DMM. Especially if you intend to do any troubleshooting of AC and/or DC circuits.
You install it over one wire only. THere are some special circumstances but ignore those for now. Install over the BLACK of 120vac. It reads the current running through only that wire.
Get a unit that is rated True RMS. It makes a difference when reading some circuits. May not be needed here but it is often worthwhile so do it once.
Also in the same meter get one that reads DC current as once you get even a bit used to it you will find many other uses for checking currents not only in AC but in DC.
I would suggest as a good general purpose meter you want about a 0 - 200A or a 0 - 400A range.
Most of the AMP CLAMP meters will also have basic ohms, volts, maybe frequency functions. A decent unit will likely be in the range of $100-150.
There are many others that are more specialized and more money but for most purposes not needed.
I think once you have one you will realize its utility and advantages over any dash meters or only a DMM. Especially if you intend to do any troubleshooting of AC and/or DC circuits.
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