Are clamp meters as accurate as multimeters?
Could I replace a multimeter with a clamp meter?
What can clamp meters do that multimeters can't?
What can multimeters do that clamp meters cant?
2 Answers
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Clamp meters are good for measuring higher currents. Standard multimeters can typically measure current but require breaking the circuit and are good for measuring amplitudes less than an amp ( milli or micro amps). Some clamp meters have almost as many features and ranges beyond current by attaching leads- allowing you to measure voltage and ohms. Make a list of your requirements and then compare your list to meter specifications and capabilities. The only defining requirement for me is if I need to measure milliamperes, which typically clamp meters don’t have good resolution and standard multimeters are better suited for.
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\$\begingroup\$ There are clamp on mA meters with exceptional resolution. They are typically used for current-loop process instrumentation measurements. \$\endgroup\$– R DrastCommented Sep 27, 2017 at 10:08
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Clamp meters can only detect change in current in a conductor without making electrical contact or needing to put it in series with the load. They can also detect common mode current in a pair of conductors (like a ground fault).
That's all.
Which means it is not a substitute for a multimeter at all.
In DC mode they will drift because it integrates all current changes over time which naturally accumulates errors.
