Did you know that there’s an easy way to measure amps?
Gone are the days of analog and digital multimeters, instruments that come with plenty of limitations, exposed wires, and other dangers.
These days, measuring amps with a clamp meter is one of the best– and safest– ways to get an accurate amp, voltage, or current reading.
Whether you want to learn how to measure current, how to use a clamp meter, or how to choose the right clamp meter, you’ve come to the right place.
So keep reading this article. It has everything you need to know about how to measure amps with a clamp meter.
More specifically, this article will explain how to measure amps using the KAIWEETS HT208D Inrush Clamp Meter.
How to Measure Current
Every electric current needs to flow through a conductor. Once this flow is achieved, it generates a magnetic field.
Measuring amps, voltage, or currents requires special equipment. In many situations, people turn to analog and digital multimeters for accurate readings.
However, using these types of instruments requires care and a steady hand. Why? Well, to successfully get a reading, you need to peel off the wire or cut the circuit.
In many cases, this is not practical. In fact, it’s downright dangerous because it affects the wire quality and can lead to electrical shock.
So here’s how to measure current safely.
To avoid electrical shocks and keep your wires intact, start measuring amps with a clamp meter like the KAIWEETS HT208D Inrush Clamp Meter. Clamp meters like this one locate the magnetic field on a wire and provide the associated current reading.
Correct use of a clamp meter achieves one goal: to measure amps, currents, or voltage.
This makes them the ultimate tool for the job.
How to Use a Clamp Meter
Have you ever wanted to know how to use a clamp meter?
It’s simple, once you understand the basics. According to KAIWEETS, this is how clamp meters work:
A clamp meter is most often used to get direct current (DC) and alternate current (AC) readings. A clamp meter ‘clamps’ around a live wire or circuit and measures the magnetic field.
Some of the parts on a modern clamp meter include,
- Power Switch: The button that turns the clamp meter on and off.
- Display: Where the current measurement appears after using the clamp meter to take a reading. It also indicates other settings.
- Functional Rotary Switch: The feature that allows you to choose the correct current for measurement.
- RAN or Measurement Range: Use this feature to set the load circuit you want to measure.
- Jaws (Transformer Clamps): The part of the instrument that ‘clamps’ around the wire. Jaws are the part of the instrument that detects the magnetic field.
- Operation Grip: Use this trigger to open and close the jaws.
- Barrier: The barrier protects your fingers and hands from electrical shocks.
Before you start measuring amps with a clamp meter, you should also know that there are two different clamp meter types on the market. These clamp meters measure the current electricity load and the leakage current.
- Current Electricity Load: Defines the amount of current transferred from a source to an appliance or device.
- Leakage Current: Refers to the current that flows from a source into the ground.
In general, a clamp reader that can read AC is also capable of measuring the current electricity load.
You should also know that a load current clamp meter can only measure the current in a single wire. Measuring multiple wires with a load current clamp meter won’t give you an accurate reading.
Steps to Measure Amps with a Clamp Meter
Measuring amps with a clamp meter is a straightforward process. In fact, you can measure amps in 4 easy steps.
Step 1: Safety First!
Before you measure amps with a clamp meter, make sure you consider the following:
- Don’t leave the clamp meter on (especially around power) for an extended time. The sensor gets damaged when exposed to a large amount of power.
- Monitor the barrier below the jaw of the clamp meter as it shows your safety limit. Don’t touch anything on the jaw side when the tool is in use.
- Check the battery indicator. If the batter is low, this can lead to a false reading, which can result in electrical shocks and injury.
- Make sure the jaws align properly to close the magnetic circuit to get an accurate reading.
With proper care and storage, your clamp meter should work well and take accurate readings. And when in doubt? Contact support. It’s better to be safe, especially when it comes to amp readings.
Step 2: What’s Your Current Setting?
Determine whether you’re measuring a direct current or alternate current. On the clamp meter, select the AC or DC setting based on the current being measured.
Remember: accurately measuring amps with a clamp meter is impossible without this step!
Step 3: Set the Range
What’s the load circuit you’re going to measure with the clamp meter? The measuring range depends on the load circuit you want to measure. Set an appropriate measure range.
Don’t forget! When using a clamp meter to measure DC, set the zero adjustments.
Step 4: Get Your Reading
Open the clamp meter’s jaws. Close them around the wire you want to measure.
For maximum accuracy, make sure the wire is in the center of the clamp meter’s jaws. If not centered properly, you won’t get an accurate reading.
While the above outlines how to measure amps with a clamp meter, the most important thing to remember is to use the tool safely.
Choosing the Best Clamp Meter for You
You’ll find many different clamp meter options on the market. When it comes to choosing the best clamp meter for you, you’ll want to look for options like the ones KAIWEETS offers.
Clamp meter collections that accurately measure amps, voltage, and currents within your household, help to simplify your decision. These can serve many purposes, such as HVAC measurement tools. After all, you should choose the clamp meter that best suits your needs.
The best part? These KAIWEETS options currently come with a discount. Enter discount CODE: HT15, to enjoy 15% OFF your clamp meter purchase.
