A clamp meter is an electrical test tool that combines a basic digital multimeter with a current sensor. Clamps measure current such as AC current, AC and DC voltage, resistance, continuity, and, with some models, DC current, capacitance, temperature, frequency, and more.
Clamp meters are designed with a hinged jaw, this allows the user to clamp the jaws around a wire, cable, or other conductors at any point in an electrical system, then measure the current without disconnecting it. They are extremely popular due to safety reasons, they are convenient to use, they identify issues when installations occur and are cost effective for ongoing tester, maintenance and service requirements.
Our range of meters have been sourced from leading brands such as: Beha-Amprobe, Chauvin Arnoux, Fluke, FLIR, Keysight Technologies, Megger, RS PRO and many more.
Types of Clamp Meters
RS NZ offers a wide range of analogue and digital clamp meters tailored for various electrical measurement needs. Choose the right clamp meter for your application from the following types:
AC Current Clamp Meters
AC clamp meters are designed to measure alternating current (AC) in electrical circuits. These versatile tools are essential for electricians, technicians, and engineers working with AC systems.
DC Current Clamp Meters
DC clamp meters, or DC amp clamp meters, specialise in measuring direct current (DC) in electrical circuits. These meters are ideal for applications like automotive diagnostics, solar panel installations, and battery testing.
AC/DC Clamp Meters
AC/DC clamp meters offer the convenience of measuring both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) with a single device. This versatility makes them a popular choice for professionals who work with both types of electrical systems.
Leakage Clamp Meters
Leakage clamp meters are designed to detect and measure small amounts of current leakage in electrical circuits. These meters are crucial for identifying potential safety hazards and ensuring electrical installations comply with regulations.
HVAC Clamp Meters
HVAC clamp meters are specifically designed for use in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. These meters often include features like temperature measurement and microamp sensitivity for diagnosing HVAC-related issues.
Power Clamp Meters
Power meter clamps are used to measure electrical power parameters like voltage, current, and power factor. These meters are essential for analysing power consumption, energy efficiency, and troubleshooting electrical systems.
Advantages of Clamp Meters
Originally created as a single-purpose test tool, modern day clamp meters offer more measurement functions, greater accuracy, and sometimes specialised measurement features, as well as the most basic functions of a digital multimeter, such as the ability to measure voltage, power, continuity, current, and resistance.
There are many advantages to using a clamp meter, including:
- Safety: Clamp meters allow electricians to bypass the old-school method of cutting into a wire and inserting a meter's test leads into the circuit to take an inline current measurement. The jaws of a clamp meter do not need to touch a conductor during a measurement.
- Convenience: During measurement, it is not necessary to shut off the circuit carrying current — a large boost inefficiency.
- Service: Repair existing systems on an as-needed basis.
- Installation: Troubleshooting installation problems, perform final circuit tests and supervise apprentice electricians while installing electrical equipment.
- Maintenance: Perform scheduled and preventative maintenance and system troubleshooting.
Applications of Current Clamp Meters
Clamp meters are used by a wide variety of professionals in different industries, including:
- Industrial maintenance technicians: Utilise clamp meters to diagnose and troubleshoot electrical issues in industrial machinery and equipment, ensuring optimal performance and safety.
- Control technicians: Employ DC clamp multimeters and digital clamp multimeters to accurately measure and monitor DC currents in intricate control systems.
- Electricians: Rely on clamp multimeters and amp clamp meters for safe and efficient current measurements during installations, repairs, and maintenance of residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems.
- Facilities and HVAC technicians: Use clamp meters to assess electrical loads, diagnose HVAC system malfunctions, and measure current leakage to ensure electrical safety compliance in buildings.
- Service organisations: Deploy a variety of clamp meters, such as AC clamp meters and DC clamp meters, to provide comprehensive electrical services, from troubleshooting to installations, for both residential and commercial clients.
How to Order Clamp Meters from RS?
RS NZ is a trusted supplier and distributor of high-quality test and measurement equipment, offering a comprehensive range of clamp meters to meet your specific needs. We understand the importance of accurate and reliable current measurement for various applications, which is why we stock a wide variety of clamp meters from top brands like Fluke, Keysight, and Chauvin Arnoux.
Our selection includes clamp meters in various types, including AC clamp meters, DC clamp meters, AC/DC clamp meters, and digital clamp multimeters, catering to a diverse range of professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Whether you need a clamp multimeter for basic electrical testing, a current clamp meter for measuring high currents, or a specialised meter for HVAC or power analysis, we have the perfect solution for you.
Delivery Information for New Zealand
To have your purchases delivered the next working day, please place your orders for items stocked locally in New Zealand or Australia before 5 pm NZT and 3 pm NZT, respectively.
RS will deliver your order between 8 am and 5 pm local time the next working day. However, a longer lead time may be required for some products, including:
- Global Stock and Extended Range products.
- Orders of hazardous materials.
- Products over 20kg, with a cubic weight exceeding 20kg, or longer than 1.5 metres.
Extended lead times may also apply to non-core products and deliveries to specific regional areas. For further details or to arrange consolidated delivery, please speak to our Customer Service.