The 8 Best Clamp Ammeters in 2024 – Reviewed & Buyer Guide

The Clamp Ammeters is an instrument for measuring electric currents very similar to the voltmeter, multimeter and polarimeter, systems that have the galvanometer as a central element.

It consists of an integrated resistance in parallel that allows it to calculate the amperage of the current under examination, and it is also waterproof and safe to use.

Amperage is the intensity of the current flow, i.e. the number of electrical particles passing through a conduit, measured in “amperes”.

We had selected some of the best clamp ammeters for you that are listed below.

Buyer Guide to Choose the Best Clamp Ammeters

Clamp Ammeters allow us to measure the current and amperage of power lines very precisely. If you are not an expert electrician, it can be challenging to choose the right one, and therefore in the next part of the guide, we will explain some relevant aspects.

What Is a Clamp Ammeters?

In general terms, an ammeter is nothing more than a galvanometer, and an instrument used to detect quantities of current to which a parallel resistance is added, called “shunt resistance”. The AmmeterAmmeter then measures the intensity of electric currents by having a wide range of ranks or scales.

The ammeters have a minimal internal resistance, less than 1 ohm, so as to prevent its presence from reducing the value of the current to be measured when connected to an electrical circuit.

Nowadays ammeters have digital converters to measure voltage drops and microprocessors with displays.
How does an ammeter work?

Modern ammeters are compact, insulating, and fit into any pocket. In the world of electricians, they are commonly called “testers” and are used to measure the intensity of the current.

The digital ones work in a straightforward way: just turn the knob to choose the parameter and connect the tips of the diodes. After joining the test leads or the terminal to the power, the data will appear on the screen.

Analog models (used much more rarely) reveal information through a needle that moves in the numerical range, while modern digital models show the measurements ordered on a screen in a much more reliable, precise, and easily readable way.

What Are the Uses of An Clamp Ammeters?

In addition to being an essential tool for any electrician, ammeters are useful in many activities. For example, they can be used at home to measure the power of a battery such as that of a vehicle or to measure the capacitors of cell phones that generate energy and for air conditioning compressors.

In professional use, the AmmeterAmmeter is used to measure the current flowing through a cable and is therefore very useful in order not to exceed the amount of energy carried by a given conductor.

By measuring the current in the electrical panels and in the sockets, we can prevent short circuits and electrical failures that could cause accidents.

Can I Use the Clamp Ammeters to Reduce Electricity Consumption in The House?

The answer is yes. The AmmeterAmmeter is used to determine the consumption generated by a particular electrical device, and you can also find out which type of conduit is most appropriate for a specific circuit and whether the connected loads fall within the safety limits of the socket.

This information will allow you to reduce consumption.

In large circuits, such as the electrical network of an entire block, knowing the amperage is vital for safety and for ensuring power for citizens. It is essential to keep the amperage under control to avoid power outages or worse that a short circuit can burn the cables.

How Many Types of Clamp Ammeters Are There?

The most commonly used ammeters are digital ones, widely known as “testers”, but there are also other types with different characteristics and functions. In the list below, we will explain the various types:

• Analog Clamp Ammeters: they are the most classic models. They contain a coil connected to a needle that shows the measurement by means of a numerical scale.
• Electromechanical Clamp Ammeters: they are composed of a fixed organ and a free organ connected to the needle. It is a more extensive system that suffers the wear of its components and is prone to reading errors.
• Magnetoelectric Clamp Ammeters: formed by a coil that rotates around an axis when it receives current.
• Electromagnetic Clamp Ammeters: works like the previous one, but in place of the coil, there is a magnet that moves with the current.
• Moving Iron Clamp Ammeters: instead of a coil or a magnet, it contains a moving iron bar.
• Electrodynamic Clamp Ammeters: they work with two magnets that separate during the reception of the current and based on this distance, we read the measurement.
• Thermal Clamp Ammeters: they work by heating a conductor. The main advantage is that they are not affected by magnetic fields, although they are more expensive and energy-consuming instruments.
• Digital Clamp Ammeters: They are the most accurate, having microprocessors and screens that eliminate reading errors. They rarely suffer from wear problems, while the accuracy of the measurements depends on the quality of their circuits.
• Current Clamp Ammeters: this type of AmmeterAmmeter does not need to come into contact with the energy source to take the readings as it is guided by the magnetic field of the current and is capable of measuring both alternating and direct current.

What Special Functions Do Clamp Ammeters Have?

Some clamp ammeters have special functions that are very useful for diagnosing problems within electrical systems, and one of them is measuring frequency.

To comfortably analyze the currents, the ammeters must have an average, minimum, and maximum function in order to compare the readings and previous results.

Measurement of capacity is also instrumental, a function that is now incorporated in most clamp ammeters and which in particular facilitates the work of those engaged in the study of motors.

The protection and safety functions are also essential, such as the activation of a hum in the presence of nearby currents.

What Safety Measures Should I Consider when Using a Clamp Ammeters?

Ammeters are used to measure voltage and electric current. If you work with electricity, you must be aware of the dangers and risks. Therefore it is essential to take the right precautions while always maintaining the correct safety measures.

Below are the details of the measures necessary for the use of the AmmeterAmmeter:

1. The current must flow through the meter in order to complete the circuit.
2. Make sure all components are connected securely so you can get a good read.
3. Use tools with rubber grips to avoid electric shock.
4. Never connect the AmmeterAmmeter to the main power supply, such as a junction box.
5. Make sure you work in a dry environment free from moisture.
6. Before starting work, make sure that the AmmeterAmmeter has the scale of the maximum resistance level.
7. Do not touch the power source with your hands.
8. Never handle installations with bare hands when there is power.

Purchase Criteria

Ammeters are highly complex systems, especially digital models, a necessary feature for these instruments that make exact measurements of current and voltage.

If you are looking for the best model on the market and equipped with the most useful functions, follow our tips and you will be sure to make the right choice:

• Comfort
• Utility
• Resolution
• Precision
• True RMS
• Operating system
• Special functions

Comfort

The design of clamp ammeters has evolved in recent years, and the materials used in their construction have also changed enormously.

The most modern models have tools that allow you to take readings in places that are difficult to access, among these we have removable screens from which you can observe measurements from a distance.

Most professional electricians recommend models with calipers to facilitate measurement. Since these work, via the magnetic field that generates electricity, you will not be forced to cut or strip the cable to connect it. We also suggest you choose screen models because they are easier to read.

Utility

The clamp ammeters have the ability to perform different types of measurements, and the most common is precisely the voltage and the current, both alternating and direct.

Depending on the complexity of the model, the reading functions vary. Some systems include options for reading voltage, resistance, continuity or even capacity.

We recommend you choose a model that has all the functions you will need in your work environment. Otherwise, you would risk a bad investment. Although digital ammeters are very versatile, their usefulness will still depend on the use you will make of them.

Resolution

Resolution plays a significant role in purchasing clamp ammeters. The accuracy of the measurements and values ​​shown when reading the system will depend on it. Knowing the value of the resolution, it is possible to determine any change, even if very small, in the reading carried out.

To explain the importance of resolution with an example, we could tell you that it is useless to buy a ruler that measures centimeters if what you need to do is measure in millimeters.

Before buying an ammeter, we advise you to keep in mind the resolution you need in your work as this is an essential factor in determining the usefulness of the instrument.

Precision

When we speak of precision, we refer to the indication of the real value of what is measured. We recommend that you choose a device that has the highest possible accuracy, as the quality of the work will depend on it. The more accurate the measurements, the better you will be able to do your jobs.

In general terms, the reading precision has a value of 3%. It means that when measuring a quantity of 100 amperes, the reading could give three values ​​above or below the measurement. Usually, the precision margin is indicated by each manufacturer, and some ammeters may have additional specifications.

True RMS

Clamp Ammeters equipped with the True RMS function determine the actual correct value. These systems are more precise in that they obtain the measure by leveling the signal.

During the process, they adjust it to an actual value based on the dependence, without distinguishing between the shape of the output signal and the value of the coefficient to determine the real value.

These ammeters are able to measure the alternating voltage signals in a sinusoidal form with much more precision than the rest of the systems, while the models without the True RMS function are useful only for measuring electrical voltages that are not sinusoidal. Keep in mind that currents are not always sinusoidal, nor should they be.

Operating System

The operation of the clamp ammeters is straightforward, just select the parameter we want to measure, place the diodes in the corresponding connection area, and detect the measurement data directly on the screen. The selector has a straightforward rotation system with different selections for the same parameter.

The advantages of these selection systems are that we can use them without having to take off our protective gloves. Also, the selector allows you to turn off the AmmeterAmmeter when you are not using it, and some systems also have an automatic shutdown.

The clamp models measure directly from the cable by merely approaching the clamp and are considered very practical.

Special Functions

When buying a clamp ammeters, you need to take into account some special functions. If we do continuous work, the data retention function will be handy. Also, we suggest you always choose a system with overload protection in order to prevent short circuits and damage to the policies, extending their life.

Models with backlit screens will allow you to work in low light or even in the dark. The pliers are ideal for facilitating the work because they will enable you to take readings without having to cut or strip the cables.

Also, the switches and buttons for selecting the scales and the manual or automatic intervals are handy.