A clamp meter is a device for taking electrical measurements such as voltage, current, and resistance. It is meant for use in laboratories, in field electrical works, and within homes. It gets its name from the fact that it comes with ‘jaws’, which one needs to clamp onto circuits. Thus one clamps circuits with the meter’s jaws, to get readings. The readings that one gets from a clamp meter may be in volts, amperes, ohms, and so on. It all depends on what is under measurement.
Also, check the buyer’s guide for the best EMF Meters, Makita Power Tools, Drill Machines, Socket Wrenches, Wrench Spanners, Ball Peen Hammers, Angle Grinders, Welding Machines, Hand Tools Kit, Impact Wrenches, Torque Wrenches, Mechanic tools, Safety Jackets, Anti-fog glasses, Cooling glasses, solar lights, Torch Lights, and LED Bulbs in India.
Top 10 Best Clamp Meters in India
List of Clamp Meters |
Check at Amazon |
| 1. KAIWEETS Digital Clamp Meter |  |
| 2. Meco 27 Digital Clamp Meter | |
| 3. HTC Instrument (CM-2030) Clip-On-Meter | |
| 4. Generic Portable LCD Digital Clamp Tester | |
| 5. Mextech M45 Digital Clamp meter | |
| 6. SlideNBuy Unityy (DT-266) Ac Dc Digital Clamp Multimeter | |
| 7. Robotbanao Mastech (M266) Digital AC Clamp Meters | |
| 8. Metravi (DT-725 TRMS) Digital Pocket Clamp Meters | |
| 9. Mastech (M266) Digital AC Clamp Meters | |
| 10. Fluke 302+ AC Clamp Meters | |
Features of Clamp Meter
- Accuracy is arguably the most important feature of a clamp meter. The last thing one needs is a meter that gives inaccurate readings.
- Another key feature is display quality. The best clamp meters come with clear, easy-to-read displays. And they provide readings up to reasonably small units.
- Yet another key feature in clamp meters is jaw size. This determines which types of cables or circuits you can take readings from using the meter.
- On another note, the best clamp meters come with data holding features, as well as range selection features.
Types of Clamp Meters
- There are clamp meters that are mostly meant for use in laboratory settings. Then we have others that are most suitable for use in homes and in routine electrical and electronic repair works.
- There are 6000 counts of clamp meters. Then there are 2000 counts clamp meters, among others.
- We have clamp meters that measure just a few things (like the voltage, current, and resistance). Then we have others that measure a wider range of things, including frequency/duty cycles, capacitance, diode, and continuity tests.
- There are clamp meters with backlit LCD displays. Then we have clamp meters that have non-LCD displays.
Buying Guide for Clamp Meter
- You always need to start by asking yourself what you are buying the clamp meter for. Is it for laboratory work? Or is it for routine electrical and electronics repair work? Could it be for DIY projects? Or is it for professional work? This will help you in picking the best meter for your needs.
- Ensure that the batteries that power the clamp meter you are buying are easily available. Also, check how long it keeps batteries before they get depleted. And check whether it has features to turn itself off when not in use for given periods of time.
- Only buy a meter that gives readings with decent accuracy. Check how well the meter displays its readings, and how easily readable they are.
- How heavy the meter is (its weight) will help in working out how easy it will be to carry around.
- Pay some heed to the clamp meter price. Don’t assume that a higher clamp meter price always translates into better quality. But also don’t be afraid to pay a higher clamp meter price, if there are good qualities to justify it.
How To Use Clamp Meter?
- Upon receiving the clamp meter, you usually first need to place batteries in it, for it to work. In some cases, the clamp meters are shipped together with batteries. But in other cases, people have to buy the batteries separately.
- Once the meter has batteries in it, check its accuracy. This you can do by using it to measure a circuit whose readings you already know. That is to see how well the meter’s readings align with those.
- To actually take a reading using the clamp meter, first open its jaws. Now place those round the cable or circuit whose reading you wish to take. Close the clamp. Adjust the knob, as necessary. Check the meter’s display. It should now be showing the readings you were seeking.
- If the meter is one of the more sophisticated, it may give voltage readings without touching wires: through NCV detection.
List of Top 10 Best Clamp Meters in India-Buyers Guide
1. KAIWEETS Digital Clamp Meter
Ideal for measuring voltage, current, capacitance, and diodes continuity among other things. Comes with auto-ranging capabilities.
Pros
- It has a high degree of accuracy
- The display is very nuanced
- Can be operated even with one hand (due to its jaw design)
Cons
- This meter’s price may look a bit high for some people
- Its user manual may not be very clear on some things
2. Meco 27 Digital Clamp Meter
Small lightweight meter for reliable electrical and electronic measurements. Comes with a 60 mm length rod.
Pros
- Its readings are easy to take on the display
- This meter has auto-power-off capabilities
- Price is quite low for the tech in this meter
Cons
- It May seem to use its battery quite fast
- Jaw opening is only 25 mm max
3. HTC Instrument (CM-2030) Clip-On-Meter
The clamp jaw in this meter opens up to 52 mm. Able to measure current, voltage, and resistance (among other things) with decent accuracy.
Pros
- Comes with a clamp torch
- Offers full protection in all ranges
- Easy to carry around
Cons
- Packaging for this meter is rather basic
- It May take a bit of time to learn how to operate this meter well
4. Generic Portable LCD Digital Clamp Tester
Gives measurements on both DC and AC voltage. Works on the corded electricity power source.
Pros
- Comes with a simple, easy-to-read display
- Has diode and continuity test measuring capability
- Price is quite low, given its capabilities
Cons
- Does not seem to have the auto range feature
- The voltage figure comes with no decimal value
5. Mextech M45 Digital Clamp meter
Gives a measurement accuracy of 0.015. Can measure AC and DC voltage, AC current, resistance, and other things.
Pros
- Easy to operate (comes with a good user manual)
- Very portable, as this meter is rather light in weight
- The price for this meter is not too high
Cons
- This meter sometimes uses its batteries quite fast
- There is a (quite low) limit to how much voltage, current, and resistance it can measure
6. SlideNBuy Unity (DT-266) Ac Dc Digital Clamp Multimeter
Gives a maximum reading of 1999, with a 50 mm clamp jaw size. Comes with auto-ranging capabilities.
Pros
- It has a good quality LCD display
- Price should be within most people’s reach
- Has a high degree of accuracy
Cons
- Requires some skill to use properly
- Replacements for the batteries it uses may not be easy to find in some places
7. Robotbanao Mastech (M266) Digital AC Clamp Meter
Can serve as a tester for AC and DC voltage, as well as resistance and AC current. Comes complete with test leads.
Pros
- It has data hold capability
- Can perform continuity checks
- This meter is not too expensive
Cons
- The display is rather basic
- The temperature controller could be better designed
8. Metravi (DT-725 TRMS) Digital Pocket Clamp Meter
Works with both DC and AC. Can measure up to 600 ampere heavy current.
Pros
- Can work even in dark areas (it has a flashlight)
- This meter has a sophisticated display
- The meter has very good accuracy
Cons
- The price is quite high
- Setting the knob may at first be tricky
9. Mastech (M266) Digital AC Clamp Meter
Comes with a 50 mm (2 inches) jaw size. Gives good readings for AC current, AC voltage, DC voltage as well as resistance.
Pros
- This meter has good built quality
- Tells you when its battery is running low
- Easy to operate
Cons
- Seems not to give decimal readings for DC voltages
- The batteries it uses may be hard to get in some places
10. Fluke 302+ AC Clamp Meter
This is a compact yet quite effective meter. It can measure even heavy currents of up to 400 amperes.
Pros
- It has a good safety profile
- Gives very clear readings
- Suitable for professional work (as it is highly accurate)
Cons
- Price may be beyond many people’s reach
- Using some features on it may take a while to learn
Conclusion
A good quality clamp meter can help you take accurate and reliable electrical and electronic measurements. This guide can help get better results while shopping for a good clamp meter.
FAQs
What is a clamp meter used for?
It is used for taking voltage, current, resistance, and other electrical and electronic measurements.
Which is the best brand of clamp meter?
The best brands in this niche would include the likes of Kaiweets, Meco, HTC, Mextech, Metravi, and Mastech.
What is the cost of the clamp meter?
Clamp meter prices can be in the 500 to 3,500 Indian rupees range. But a few exceptional meters go for as much as 8,000 rupees.