Rating of the best current clamps for 2022

In this review, we will tell you what current clamps are used for, what is the difference between a multimeter and current clamps, how to use this tool, and what errors are encountered when choosing, as well as our tips and recommendations, which manufacturers and which models you should pay attention to. .

What are multimeters for?

Clamp meters are used to measure the parameters of the electric current flowing through circuits or active devices to which we apply the measuring device.

Clamps allow you to measure the intensity of the current, including under voltage, which saves time. In addition, some specialized machines simply cannot be disconnected from the mains, so measuring the current with other types of meters (for example, multimeters) becomes impractical or at least very difficult.

Another advantage of clamps is a faster measurement speed than could be done with a multimeter or other device connected to the wire terminals. They are excellent, for example, for measuring starter current in a machine or in specialized programs, for plotting the performance of large pumps or motors operating in factories or in construction / repair.

What indicators measure current clamps?

Clamps are used to measure the strength of alternating and direct current. The principle of operation of the meters varies depending on the measured current.

Clamps for measuring AC current

They work on the Ampere principle, representing in fact a current transformer. This means that the clamps have a secondary winding in the measuring circuit and a primary winding on clamps that the operator fixes on the wires. This allows us to accurately measure the amount of current flowing through electrical components. Clamps for measuring direct current work on the principle of the Hall effect.

Clamps are mainly used to measure electric current, however, they can be equipped with additional functions such as measuring AC or DC voltage, measuring temperature, resistance, capacitance or checking the continuity of the conductor. The number of additional functions depends on the class and type of equipment.Many pliers may well replace a multimeter.

DC current meter

Clamps that measure the strength of direct current use the Hall effect in their work. This phenomenon is associated with the presence of different potentials in conductors that conduct electric current. If these conductors are placed perpendicular to the current lines of the magnetic field, then a potential difference will appear on the conductor, that is, the Hall voltage. Hollotrons are used in direct current meters. These are magnetometers that determine the intensity of magnetic fluxes.
Good clamps are capable of measuring both direct and alternating current, as well as direct and alternating voltage.

Clamp selection criteria

The pliers must be appropriate for the type of work being done, as well as the environment in which they will be used. They must perform their function perfectly in terms of accuracy and must be affordable. Also included in the specification of the pliers are accuracy, build quality and possible resistance to weathering and mechanical damage.
Among the popular models there are different types of meters. If you plan to take measurements in difficult environmental conditions, then you need to choose a device that will make our work as easy as possible, for example, it will be equipped with flexible clamps or a special rod with electrical protective means for fastening, which will allow you to measure current and other values ​​​​in hard-to-reach places. The question of how much a good device costs, we leave aside.

Range

The range of the meter is very important. It determines from what and to what current values ​​we can apply the device. Some clamp meters are capable of measuring even very large current values.
However, let's determine what is more important - high accuracy or scope. Often these two parameters do not go hand in hand, and even if you find an instrument with an acceptable range, its price will be quite high.

• Accuracy

The accuracy of the clamp determines the maximum measurement error that the device can produce during operation. The greater the accuracy, the closer the result will be to the real value. The accuracy of the counters is indicated as a percentage. For example, if you measure a value of 100 A and have an error of 5%, then the actual current value can vary from 95 to 105 A.

• Current frequency measurement

Clamps often allow you to measure AC frequency. This is extremely useful when looking for problems with the harmonic content. An interesting and useful feature is also the memorization of specific measurements or minimum, maximum and average values ​​in a series of measurements. The maximum and minimum measurements are updated automatically as they are taken.

• Resistance measurement

Resistance measurement is also an important function of the meter. Continuity measurement allows you to check if the circuit is closed or open. In this way, we can quickly find out if the circuit is damaged or its undetected close/open. Some counters also have an audible alert.

• Capacitance measurement

Another interesting feature is capacitance measurement. This feature can be found in more modern meters. This function allows you to see if the motor draws enough current when starting from the capacitor.
IEC standard: When choosing a meter, you must be guided by the precautions of the ISO/ESC safety standards, which define the voltage categories in which measurements are allowed.

Multimeter or clamps?

The choice should depend on what kind of work you plan to carry out. Multimeters are better suited for networking and are often less expensive than clamp meters. Clamps, on the other hand, are more readily used by professional electricians to quickly and efficiently measure various electrical values ​​such as current, voltage, resistance, capacitance, or current frequency. Functionality depends on the quality and price aspect of the device.

Multimeters are slightly cheaper and offer slightly more measurement capabilities. The best multimeters are able to measure almost any electrical quantity. They measure temperature, capacitance, current, voltage, frequency, continuity, resistance, and more.

Top best measuring pliers

We strongly advise you not to buy products from unknown companies and cheap Chinese products. Such equipment, even at home, can pose a danger to the health and life of the operator. In addition, their quality leaves much to be desired, and they tend to have a short lifespan.

The selection criteria are generally simple. It is best to choose counters from trusted manufacturers with a reputation in the market. If you plan to use the pliers at home, then the new ones from Innova, Topex or Vorel will suit you. For professional use, it is recommended to pay attention to Sonel, Unit, or Fluke products. They produce the best semi-professional and professional meters, although the average price is also higher. In addition, there are many high-quality domestic appliances. Therefore, in general, it is very difficult to say which company is better.

Multimeter pliers

Rating and description of high-quality multimeter pliers.

Fluke 323

Digital multimeter from the best manufacturers of measuring instruments in Europe - Fluke. The 323 Clamp True RMS is an all-in-one multimeter with a fast and efficient general purpose meter, and it's even listed on the State Register of Measuring Instruments. This lightweight product is optimal for both amateur and professional use.

If you're working in low-light conditions, you don't have to worry because the Fluke 323 True-RMS has a built-in LED light for low-light operation. The light is bright and guarantees adequate illumination during operation.

• Budget with high quality product;
• Comes with a soft carrying case.
• There is a save button to remember all the data of the last analysis;
• Thanks to the clamping pliers, the device can be fixed on the surface, which frees both hands during the troubleshooting procedure;
• There is a built-in current meter, which makes it the best electronic strain gauge voltage meter.

• Limited documentation;
• It is not always available in offline stores, but it can be ordered online.

Megaon 70068

When it comes to bundling many attractive features in one device, the domestic company Megeon simply has no competitors. Their meters are versatile and durable, and have been designed to be useful to both professionals and hobbyists. They also go to great lengths to keep their products affordable, no matter what budget you have.

Megeon pocket multifunction current clamps can be used to determine AC or DC voltage, current resistance, frequency, temperature, capacitance, duty cycle.There are about 12 functions in total. The display is large enough and the numbers are legible so anyone can easily read them even in low light.

• Inexpensive and functional devices;
• There is a function to save the received readings;
• Built-in indication of battery level;
• Tight rubber case included;
• You can make small adjustments to the received readings;
• Auto power off after 10 minutes of inactivity to save battery.

• Some users in the reviews complain about frequent sound alerts that cannot be turned off;
• There is no automatic ranking function;
• The metal tips on the test leads are too short;
• Lack of backlight
• The thermocouple sensor sometimes does not always work properly.

High voltage clamps

Kt-1000-v

Analog electrical clamps of the Kt-1000 model are designed for quick measurement of alternating current without breaking the electrical circuit. The device is a combined transportable device of medium size.

What to look for:

• The device works with AC voltage from 1 to 10 kilovolts at a frequency of 50-60 Hz.
• This is an analog instrument, so all values ​​are displayed on a normal screen without backlight, making it difficult to use the instrument in low light conditions.
• The design of the clamps allows them to be mounted on a special dielectric extension rod so that measurements can be taken at a remote distance from the operator.
• Measurements can be activated by snapping the locking mechanism on the wire with further pulling of the clamps from the measurement object (for this you need to apply a little effort.In this case, the measurements are recorded on the screen and the operator can write off the readings after the bar is lowered.
• The device has a detector for AC/DC voltage, capacitance, resistance, continuity, etc.
• Included is a test report with an ETL protocol.

• Measurements are easy to carry out remotely;
• Rugged housing withstands even the most intense work situations;
• It is capable of measuring both DC and AC voltage.

• Inconsistencies in voltage and capacitance readings appear from time to time;
• According to buyers, temperature readings are sometimes not accurate.

Automotive pliers

INNOVA 3320

Innova's Professional Car Measuring Climb is one of the best multifunctional measuring tools that combines versatility with good build quality.

Characteristics:

• Device with Auto-Ranging function, which automatically adjusts the range during measurement.
• It has large color indicators that display the battery level. If the indicator is green, it means that there is enough energy, if it is yellow, it means that it is below the recommended level, and red indicates that the battery needs to be replaced.
• The kit also comes with durable rubber cases, designed not only to improve the appearance, but also to prevent wear or breakage in case the device slips out of your hands;
• Other accessories supplied with the device include holders, test leads, stand.

• The device has the function of automatic range adjustment;
• Easy to control battery life;
• Convenient to use;
• Cases made of durable material protect the device, thereby increasing its durability.

• The battery needs to be replaced regularly;
• The model does not have a specific specialization.

Mastech MS8268 is one of the top models of multimeters from a well-known American brand. Its main advantage is that it allows you to take measurements in relative measurement mode (REL). It gives fairly accurate results, has a high input impedance and a solid construction.

Characteristics:

• The model has several red flashing LED terminals with an audible alert that display current and voltage values.
• It is equipped with a large backlit LCD display, which is useful when taking measurements in low light conditions. The backlight is evenly distributed over the display, which is very good for such an inexpensive model.
• The backlight is activated by pressing a button and automatically turns off after 5 seconds to conserve battery power.
• Sometimes customers need a meter with auto-tuning, and sometimes a device with manual probing is more useful. Well, with the MS8268 you can safely choose between both manual and autoranging modes.
• The tool runs on three AAA batteries, for which a separate compartment is designed.

• The dial is strong enough and does not crack when dropped;
• If you configured the device incorrectly, it will notify you with a special sound signal;
• No disassembly required to replace battery or fuse;
• Comes with a bright LED display for easy reading;
• High durability and long-lasting performance;
• Automatic saving of all information.

• Lack of input protection;
• Small range.

INNOVA 3340

Another device from Innova. Model 3340 is one of the best automotive multimeters. The key to its quality is a combination of characteristics that give it an advantage over competitors. In order for you to understand its capabilities, it is necessary to note its ability to measure in the range up to ten mV. This is one of the few multimeters in this price segment that can do this.

• First of all, it should be noted its compactness - the weight of Innova 3340 is only 2 kg.;
• The device comes with a convenient stand and a wrist strap so that it can be used without the help of hands;
• When checking a car engine for problems, it is guaranteed that the engine control unit will not be damaged in the process. The INNOVA 3340 will not only be comfortable to work with, but it will also be easier for you to determine where the problem with the engine came from;
• Innovative technologies such as automatic shutdown capability, reverse polarity protection and many more;
• Large LCD display and rugged housing;
• Completely safe to use.

• There is no Russian-language manual. In the kit there is only an instruction in English, French and Spanish;
• There are problems with reaching a stable zero, since current measurement requires the use of an adapter without forced clamping;
• Not everyone understands where to buy the device, because. it is often found only in online stores.

It is worth choosing current clamps taking into account the frequency of their use and scope, this will allow you to purchase a functional device without overpaying for unnecessary functionality.