AMP Clamp for Automotive?

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Hey guys. What are some good amp clamps (the type that plug into your DMM, not the individual tester) are good for automotive that aren't a ton of money? I don't use one much but i'd like to have one on hand.

 

[Cope]

Fluke i410 is what I have. It reads 400 amps AC/DC.

 

[Bill Ramsey]

I've been pleased with my Fluke 337. It's discontinued, but that means it'll be reasonably priced if you come across one (paid $69 for mine). It's a complete multi-meter unit with a display, not just a unit that plugs into a multi-meter.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

I've been using an Amprobe ac-dc 400 for several years. I used to use it for troubleshooting battery powered forklifts and arial lifts.

 

[6PTsocket]

Hey guys. What are some good amp clamps (the type that plug into your DMM, not the individual tester) are good for automotive that aren't a ton of money? I don't use one much but i'd like to have one on hand.

I just did a lot of internet searching and they do exist, both a AC and AC/DC. They all seem to be Fuke, not very common, and far more expensive than buying an AC/DC clamp with built in meter, which may or may not have other multimeter functions. The cost of manufacture is in the clamp.Meters are cheap. It is less akward to use and not significantly more expensive to include the meter. No hanging wires to deal with either.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[GTA Matt]

Aes wave generic low amp clamp and high amp clamp depending on what your planned use is.

 

[anndel]

I bought a fluke off eBay.

 

[B_Bimmer]

I bought a fluke off eBay.

Definitly the way to go, find a discontinued top end model that does what you need and lie in wait. Another good brand is ideal for clamp meters, but you can never go wrong with a fluke.

 

[Two Speed]

Those of you with the amp clamps, what is the low end of their reading ability? I'm more interested in under 10 amp resolution than I would be in 400 amp capabilities.

Alex.

 

[FigureItOut]

Those of you with the amp clamps, what is the low end of their reading ability? I'm more interested in under 10 amp resolution than I would be in 400 amp capabilities.

Alex.

I've done parasitic draw testing with this cheapy and found it to be within a useful accuracy range as compared to my Fluke connected in series, down to the 20-30 mA range. I haven't tested it below that, but I suspect that's the lower limit of it's useful range.

 

[Htruck]

As a very happy owner of a Fluke DMM, I agree with FigureItOut that your best bet for automotive purposes is the Uni-T.

Your DMM in series usually isn't going to allow you more than 10 amps, and most of the plug in clamps I've spec'd (like the i400) won't measure anything under 1.0 amps. So if you want to be able to measure more than 10 amps or less than 1.0 amps (i.e. checking starter and parasitic draw) you have to hokey around connecting and disconnecting things. Also consider that the i400 goes for about $130 dollars and the Uni-T is under $35 and the decision, at least for me, was a lot easier.

 

[kblee27]

I've a Craftsman and Extech.
The trouble with these clamps in automotive application is the clamp.
If the jaw opening is too small, it can't completely clamp a bigger wire.
If the jaw is too thick, it can't get into restricted places a car battery cable is located.
Sometimes you get to clamp a wire and then find out the display is facing downwards or facing a chassis wall you can't see.

 

[WhiffySpark]

Check out ruger's post. He has one I keep meaning to buy.

Lately I've been eyeing a vantage

 

[awdblazer]

i use a aemc Model F07 for 95% of everything i need
ac/dc clip on ac/dc voltage, continuity
other 5% is when i need my meggar