Electrical Studys

The clamp meter, which is also known by its lesser-used name, the Tong Tester, is an instrument used to measure current without connecting it to a circuit in series. You can operate and use this equipment without any inconvenience to measure a live conductor without damaging it or causing power loss. 

A clamp meter is a device that is used to measure current conveniently and safely. It is very efficient in measuring current without using test leads. To measure current, all you have to do is place a wire in the clamp meter's claws. When current flows through a conductor, a magnetic field is generated. This device helps to detect the magnetic field so that the corresponding current reading can be provided.

How to Use a Clamp Meter to Measure Amps

To measure current using a clamp-on ammeter, the following procedure is applied:

1. Determine if AC or DC current is to be measured.
2. Select the ammeter required to measure the circuit current (AC or DC). If both AC and DC measurements are required, select an ammeter that can measure both AC and DC.
3. Determine if the ammeter range is high enough to measure the maximum current that may exist in the test circuit. If the ammeter range is not high enough, select an accessory that has a high enough current rating, or select an ammeter with a higher range. If the ammeter includes fused current terminals, check to ensure that the ammeter fuses are good.
4. Set the function switch to the proper current set- ting (600 A, 200 A, 10 A, 400 mA, etc.). If there is more than one current position or if the circuit current is unknown, select a setting greater than the highest possible circuit current.
5. Open the jaws by pressing against the trigger.
6. Enclose one conductor in the jaws. Ensure that the jaws are completely closed before taking readings. Care should be taken to ensure that the meter does not pick up stray magnetic fields. Whenever possible, conductors under test should be separated from other surrounding conductors by a few inches. If this is not possible, several readings should be taken at different locations along the same conductor.
7. Read the current measurement displayed.