Scribd
Upload
1K views

Clamp Meter

1) A clamp meter is an instrument used to measure current flowing through a conductor without direct contact. It contains a current transformer that senses the magnetic field produced by current flow and displays the reading. 2) AC clamp meters use magnetic induction to measure current by sensing dynamic fluctuations in the magnetic field caused by alternating current. DC clamp meters use the Hall effect to measure the constant magnetic field of direct current. 3) While primarily designed for current measurement, most clamp meters can also measure voltage, resistance, continuity, capacitance, frequency, power factor, and temperature when used with additional probes and sensors.

Uploaded by

arsenic_94
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
1K views

Clamp Meter

1) A clamp meter is an instrument used to measure current flowing through a conductor without direct contact. It contains a current transformer that senses the magnetic field produced by current flow and displays the reading. 2) AC clamp meters use magnetic induction to measure current by sensing dynamic fluctuations in the magnetic field caused by alternating current. DC clamp meters use the Hall effect to measure the constant magnetic field of direct current. 3) While primarily designed for current measurement, most clamp meters can also measure voltage, resistance, continuity, capacitance, frequency, power factor, and temperature when used with additional probes and sensors.

Uploaded by

arsenic_94
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Arsenic L.

Diacajo
ECE132 B38
CLAMP METER

A clamp meter is an instrument which is commonly used to measure the current flowing through a
conductor. An AC Clamp meter basically consists of a current transformer in its jaws, bar CT usually.
Utilizing the principle of current transformer, the reading will be displayed. There are two (2) kinds of
clamp meter: AC clamp meter, which is used for measuring alternating current and DC clamp meter which
is used for measuring direct current. Each of them have different working principles.
WORKING PRINCIPLE

AC Clamp meter
AC clamp meters rely on the principle of magnetic induction to make non-contact AC current
measurements. Electric current flowing through a wire produces a magnetic field. Since alternating
current frequently reverses polarity, it causes dynamic fluctuations in the magnetic field which are
proportional to the current flow. A current transformer inside the clamp meter senses the magnetic
fluctuations and converts the value to an AC current reading. This type of measurement is convenient for
measuring very high AC currents.

DC clamp meter
Direct current flows through conductors in a single direction. Therefore, the magnetic field
around the conductor does not change thus the conventional clamp meters will register no
reading. So, DC clamp meters work on the principle of the Hall Effect. Hall Effect sensors sense
the magnetic field caused by current flow which causes a small voltage across the Hall Effect
sensor. That voltage, which is proportional to current is then amplified and measured.
Clamp meters often include other sensors such as voltmeters, ohmmeters, etc. which increase
the versatility of the instrument. These other sensors use test leads which plug into the clamp
meter. As only current measurements can be made with the clamp, other measurements do not
benefit from the non-contact nature of the clamp.
PARTS

These are the parts of a clamp meter: clamp, clamp button, dial, screen, and cable sockets. The structure
of the clamp meter is almost the same as a multimeter since it has the button, which allows the user to
measure different electrical parameters such as the voltage, current, resistance, and many more. Also, it
has a digital display screen that displays the numerical values of the measured parameter. However, the
main difference between a clamp meter and a multimeter is the clamp. The reason why clamp meter is
capable of measuring current wires and cables without having to come into contact with the supply is the
jaw/clamp. Also, it could be measure the current without connecting the instrument in the circuit in series
connection. The jaws are opened by pushing the trigger, which allows the tool to be used one-handed.

APPLICATION
Though the clamp is designed solely for current measurement, most clamp meters accept input from test
leads or other probes which greatly increases the types of measurements of which they are capable and
making the clamp meter a much more versatile instrument.

AC/DC current: Current, measured in amperes, is the flow of an electric charge and is the most
basic measurement of a clamp meter. Current can be used to generate heat as well as magnetic
fields, which are widely used for motors, inductors, and generators. Most modern clamp meters
can measure both AC and DC current.

AC/DC voltage: Voltage, measured in volts, is the difference in electrical potential of a unit charge
transported between two points, or more simply, how much electrical energy is delivered if a
certain number of electrons are transmitted through a circuit. Voltage can represent either a
source of energy or energy used, stored, or lost.

Resistance: Resistance, measured in ohms, is the opposition to passage of an electrical current


through a conductor. Resistance is determined by the material and shape of the conductor.

Continuity: Continuity is a quick "pass/fail" resistance test that distinguishes between an open or
closed circuit. Generally, a continuity test emits a beep when a closed circuit is detected
eliminating the need to look at the meter as the test is performed.

Capacitance: Capacitance, measured in farads, is the ability of an object to store an electrical


charge. Any object that can be electrically charged exhibits capacitance.

Frequency: Frequency, measured in hertz, refers to the rate at which oscillations of alternating
current occur in an electric power grid. Generally, power systems in North America use a 60 Hz
frequency.

Power Factor: Power factor is an advanced measurement defined as the ratio of real power
flowing to the load, to apparent power in the circuit. In an electrical system, a load with a low
power factor draws more current than a load with a high power factor for the same amount of
useful power transferred.

Temperature: Many clamp meters accept input from temperature probes or thermocouples for
contact temperature measurements.

ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES
One of the advantages of owning a Clamp Meter is the fact that the user is able to measure the electric
current that passes through a device without the need of breaking any circuits. The only main
disadvantage of the clamp meter is it is more expensive than a multimeter.
REFERENCES
http://electrical-engineering-portal.com/an-overview-of-clamp-meter
https://www.instrumart.com/MoreAboutCategory?CategoryID=5974

You might also like