Help me pick a new clamp meter

[budmur]

Hi folks-

As the title says, I'd appreciate some input on getting a new clamp meter for work. Most of what I do is troubleshooting for buildings (including a little HVAC), pump stations (from 2 to 208HP, 208-480V), and SCADA (mix of 0-5v, 0-10v, and 4-20mA). Right now, I have an Ampprobe 210, which is ok, but is missing some features I need. My ideal feature set includes:

• up to 400A (600 amp preferable, but not necessary) with inrush monitoring
• Cat-3 or better rated
• uA would be nice, but not necessary
• Voltage measuring defaults to AC voltage
• Frequency measuring with low-pass filter for VFD monitoring
• Price limit is $300

Based on my research, it looks like the Fieldpiece SC640 will do most of what I want. Are there any other/better choices out there?

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Budmur,

Welcome to the group.

I was going along with your question until you got to the need for frequency measurement.
IMO: I've found that Amazon.com is a great place to find the best bang for the buck, as far as DMMs.
For my needs, I use a Amprobe ACDC 400. It does all that I need, plus it will read DC current with the clamp for electrically powered industrial vehicle troubleshooting. I also have a Craftsman DMM that I use for HVAC because it has a K type thermocouple, along with the V-O-A readings needed. And an analog Amprobe clamp meter that I used to set soft starts on heating systems.

Point being is that it's good to have a couple or more meters on hand.

The most important thing is to buy top quality brands. When you're working with electricity, your life will depend on it. Also, if you haven't done so, invest in a Volt-Tic (non contact voltage detector). With working with what you described, you never know what's hot.

 

[Katodog]

How about the Klein CL800...would it fit your needs? Only reason I ask is because I own one and it's phenomenal. It makes our Fluke clamp meter at work look like a kids toy. Price is under your $300 limit too.



Klein CL800 002 by Edward Durbin, on Flickr

 

[budmur]

How about the Klein CL800...would it fit your needs? Only reason I ask is because I own one and it's phenomenal. It makes our Fluke clamp meter at work look like a kids toy. Price is under your $300 limit too.

That Klein looks like a lot of meter for the money! It doesn't seem to play well with VFDs, but honestly, the chances of the VFD doing something other than what it says on the PLC display is prettly low.

 

[Katodog]

I wouldn't know, so far I've been lucky and haven't had to meter our VFDs. I've had to replace a PowerFlex70 because jackasses like to turn motors off by the switch and not by the VFD, but hey...the old maintenance motto "If it weren't for stupid people, I wouldn't have a job" fits into my daily workload pretty perfectly most days.

 

[Rookie2]

UEI DL-379 has proven to be my right hand !

 

[bacr619]

I only use fluke true rms meters. still have the first one i bought about 20 years ago and works like a champ and can still be calibrated.

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