Clamp Multi-meter

[Whiskeymike]

Looking for a clamp multi-meter for general DIY home use. Does anyone have any thoughts on the Klein Tools CL600? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019QMRR08/?tag=atomicindus08-20


Or the CL800?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019CY4FB4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

How does it compare to something like - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AQKIEXY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[wyliesdiesels]

For basic homeuse the klein will work fine.

If u have the dough and want quality go with Fluke or another high end brand

 

[rlitman]

That CL800 is a nice meter. Would you really have a use for DC clamp current measurements though?

 

[Brandon314159]

I use the DC setting REGULARLY on my CenTech clamp meter. It's accurate to ~100mA and can read up to 1000A DC IIRC. The AC feature is of course useful too. I wouldn't have one without it.

 

[rlitman]

I use the DC setting REGULARLY on my CenTech clamp meter. It's accurate to ~100mA and can read up to 1000A DC IIRC. The AC feature is of course useful too. I wouldn't have one without it.

"for general DIY home use" ? I measure DC current a lot at work, but cannot say I've ever used a DC clamp measurement at home.

I have to admit to owning two CenTech clamp meters. The one that takes the CR2032 button cells costs more to replace the batteries than the meter cost in the first place (if you buy individual batteries, which I do not).

They're ok, for what they are, but being only CAT I or II rated, I wouldn't be all that comfortable using them at work with probes plugged in. I use an Amprobe at work.

 

[Brandon314159]

I don't measure line voltage with my CenTech, fluke is for that.

I do a lot more at home than most I suppose

 

[Whiskeymike]

I doubt I would measure DC. Is that the main difference between the 600-800?

 

[rlitman]

I doubt I would measure DC. Is that the main difference between the 600-800?

I believe so.

 

[IslandBikeCo]

Klein really isnt known for their meters, I dont know that they are "bad" but I think there are better choices. Fluke is obviously a good choice (I would go for the T5 if I were you) I have 2 Flukes myself but also have an ideal that does the job and works well plus its cheap!

 

[Whiskeymike]

I doubt I would measure DC. Is that the main difference between the 600-800?

Klein really isnt known for their meters, I dont know that they are "bad" but I think there are better choices. Fluke is obviously a good choice (I would go for the T5 if I were you) I have 2 Flukes myself but also have an ideal that does the job and works well plus its cheap!

Which T5? Seems like there are 8 different T5s. Is the open jaw not a pain in the ***? When I've seen others use a clamp meter, the clamp seems to nicely secure the meter up and out of the way.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Which T5? Seems like there are 8 different T5s. Is the open jaw not a pain in the ***? When I've seen others use a clamp meter, the clamp seems to nicely secure the meter up and out of the way.

Theres only 2 T5s that Im aware of.

t5 600v
t5 1000v

I have a t5 1000v as well as a fluke 381.

I like the t5 for quick check work on basic troubleshooting. the 381 is for more complex issues.

yeah if u want to hang the meter from the wires the T5 wont work for that

 

[Whiskeymike]

Yep, your right. I was looking at the T5 on amazon and there's several options, but they seem like additional addons or the Tpro. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CJLSBH2/?tag=atomicindus08-20