Current clamps: TOP-10 rating of the 2021 best current clamp models. Description of design, purpose, main types

Greetings! During electrical installation work and when repairing electrical devices and circuits, there are situations when it is necessary to measure current without breaking the circuit or turning off the power supply. This is done in order to find a fault that cannot be found when the power supply is turned off. Current clamps can help with this, which will be discussed in this review.

I have compiled the TOP 5 best current clamps, based on reviews from customers and experts, and now I will tell you about their features.

Current clamp design

Most current clamps consist of the following elements:

Detachable spring-loaded magnetic circuit;
Magnetic circuit opening button;
Switch for the measurement circuit, that is, the current range;
Display screen;
2-3 sockets for connecting probes;
Handle for holding the tool;
Memory buttons.

Inexpensive clamps

Stanley

They have guide grooves. Surfaces are smooth. The circular grooves have been machined, but there are minor backlashes. The rear moving part is equipped with a stop. There are two notches: with small (1 mm) and large (2 mm) pitch. Traditional swivel joint. The handles are three-dimensional, two-component. There is a rubberized insert on a solid base.

The average price is 390 rubles.

Stanley adjustable pliers Advantages:

practicality;
versatility;
handle length – 19 cm.
affordable price.

Flaws:

the quality of surface treatment is poor;
presence of backlash;
reliability is satisfactory;
Excessive pressure causes the teeth to become crushed.

Jonnesway

Adjustable clamping tool with a maximum jaw size of 34 mm. External surface with smooth polished finish. The inside is grainy and rough. Sponges with fine and large notches. Circular guides are machined. The connection is of high quality; no play appeared during testing. The handles are soft, single-component, a little slippery, but comfortable to use. They are not afraid of contact with aggressive compounds.

The product can be purchased for 330 rubles.

Jonnesway adjustable pliers Advantages:

smooth edges and edges;
high-quality geometry;
comfort;
versatility;
no backlash appears;
easy to clean;
are not afraid of aggressive environments;
durability;
quality of materials used;
insignificant cost.

Flaws:

low hardness;
During operation, the teeth may become jammed.

Hans

The manufacturer is responsible for the quality of manufactured products. Moving is easy and precise. The coating is dark, the sides are polished. The circular guides look impressive; there are slight bevels on the contact edges to make the grip more reliable. Tests have shown that the hinge joint does not come loose. Metal handles are equipped with rubberized inserts.

The price of the product is 294 rubles.

adjustable pliers Hans Advantages:

comfortable;
practical;
universal;
comfortable;
inexpensive.

Flaws:

glide even in dry palms;
hardness index is low;
is considered a partially functional product.

Stork

Tool with guide grooves, jaw size – 45 mm, handle 19.5 mm. The sides are polished, the coating is stable and uniform. Two types of notches were made: large and small. The connection looks high quality at first glance, however, during testing, significant play appears. All you have to do is tighten it yourself, and the defect is eliminated. The key is made from chrome vanadium steel. The handles are two-component. The plastic base has a soft rubberized insert. A poor-quality connection between the handle and the metal was revealed: the glassy glue does not withstand the handle, so the device breaks with significant force.

The average cost is 238 rubles.

adjustable pliers Stork Advantages:

comfortable;
practical;
universal;
inexpensive.

Flaws:

strength is insignificant;
short-lived;
The stops and teeth may become crushed.

Arsenal

Belongs to the category of high-quality and reliable designs. The outer surface of the hinge is smooth, the inner surface is granular. The coating is not of very high quality, as abrasions form with little use. The circular guides are profiled correctly. There are minor geometric discrepancies, which may cause the device to jam. Jaws with one notch with a pitch of 2.5 mm. No depression is provided.

adjustable pliers Arsenal Advantages:

price-quality ratio;
practicality;
ease of use;
reliable connection;
ideal hardness at a low price;
normal performance.

Flaws:

sometimes sticks;
strength is not enough;
service life is short.

Types of current clamps

A large variety of clamp options for measuring current have been invented.

The most common devices include:

Devices with a pointer analyzer. They can react to even the smallest vibrations.
Digital models. Devices with a monitoring system for data processing.
High voltage products. Used for work under high voltage.

Comparison table of characteristics

Each device has its own technical characteristics. For a convenient comparison of the presented models, we have compiled a table where we indicate the main qualities of each device.

Name	Power type	Case dimensions, cm	Total weight of the product, g	Availability of display backlight
Sturm MM 12021	Batteries	17.5x5.6x2.5	270	Yes
Megeon 70010	Batteries	22.7x6.7x3.6	200	Yes
Mastech M266C 57767	Batteries	9x23x4.3	268	No data available
NTO 94-003	Batteries	23x7.7x3.2	220	No information
CEM DT-334180380	Batteries	22.9x8x4.9	303	Yes
Elitech MM200K	Batteries	23x7x3.1	310	No
Fluke-303	Batteries	22.5x10x5	265	Yes

Distinctive features

Digital clamps with a multimeter - used to measure current without disturbing the connection and external insulation of conductors on cables from single-phase and three-phase systems.

A large number of measuring clamps can operate with alternating currents and are designed to operate using a transformer circuit.

However, you can purchase clamps to detect direct current, based on a Hall sensor, which generates an electrical signal when influenced by the level of the magnetic field that envelops the wire with direct current.

You can use automatic clamp meters for measuring current for home needs, and they can also be produced along with the useful functionality of a multimeter.
Many automotive electricians use professional multimeters and current clamps to diagnose vehicles.

Buying a car current clamp with a multimeter for diagnosing vehicles will be an excellent choice in price and quality, due to this ratio, current measuring devices will be excellent assistants in the relevant areas.

Comments:

Fedor

Fluke definitely rules! I would not recommend any other mites. I didn't regret a penny of the money I spent on them. After all, American quality is strength

Tikhon

Mastek is also of normal quality, not Fluke of course, but the price is 2 times different. For novice electricians, this is a completely suitable option. I started with these myself, now I gave them to an assistant, and I myself use American pliers

Rodion

Not everyone has written about Resanta mites. They also have a plastic screen that gets scratched, the body creaks, and they stop working if you carry them in the cold. Those. You need to warm it up first, and only after that they turn on.

Prokhor

Rodion, to prevent this from happening, in severe frosts you need to take out the battery and carry it separately in your trouser pocket. This is not Resanta’s disease, it is a disease of batteries that “for some reason” do not want to work at minus 20.

Klinskyi

Pussy balls

Application benefits

The advantages of current measuring clamps include:

Ability to measure electric current without disconnecting the circuit;
Small device dimensions;
Ease of measurement in high-voltage circuits.

Thanks to current clamps, it is also possible to record very high currents. Before purchasing this electrical device, you need to carefully familiarize yourself with its characteristics.

It is better not to save on tools, but to purchase only high-quality devices, based not on cost, but on the popularity of the brand.

Combining repellents with other means and methods of protection

Along with repellents, acaricides, repellent-acaricidal preparations, the possibility of using other protective measures should be considered:

regular examination of the body and clothing during a walk, as well as upon returning home;
checking the animal’s fur if the owners took it with them;
the use of special Anti-Mite suits; there is a large selection of models that differ in basic parameters.

It is better to choose lighter clothing, this will make it easier to notice the parasite. If you do not plan to use a special suit, then it is recommended to wear closed clothing (shirt, trousers).

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Selection by function

When choosing clamps for measuring current, you should take a closer look at individual functions that have proven useful in using the device in specific circumstances.

We provide information about these opportunities:

We need to embrace the purpose of True RMS. Devices measuring alternating current, where this was not possible, produce figures for circumstances where the current has a sinusoidal shape. Just three decades ago, owners had few types of electrical equipment, because the current in the electrical network had a sinusoidal shape. Nobody considered it important that deviation from the parameter would affect the measurement data. Nowadays, when light bulbs with LEDs and energy-saving capabilities are used, as well as switching-type power supplies, the shape of the current in the electrical network is not ideal. Clamp meters are used when accidents occur, which are often explained by a large deviation of the current from the sinusoid. Experts advise purchasing current clamps with True RMS functionality, because they will be needed when troubleshooting emergency problems, and even when an electrician serves a residential area where no one is monitoring the load. Devices with this function are not produced as large or expensive products. For example, a small device Greenlee GT-CM-1360.
Establishment of the cross factor indicator. Associated with the difficulty of the load is another useful feature used in the popular clamps for current values - Greenlee GT-CMI-2000. We are talking about the readings of the cross factor, namely the ratio of the peak current indicator to its root mean square indicator. The cross load factor parameter is very necessary for uninterruptible type power supply batteries.

Judging by the technical properties, most of these devices are set to the highest cross factor value; exceeding it they will not operate.

Top instruments included in the State Register

CEM DT-3347

A high-quality professional device that is suitable for accurate measurements. Works without problems with cables up to 30 mm thick. The case is made with high quality, there are no gaps observed. The device is manufactured in China, but despite this, it has passed all the necessary certification.

Sold at a price of 6,100 rubles.

CEM DT-3347

Advantages:

Small error;
Function "Relative zero";
High-quality display;
Functionality.

Flaws:

Not found.

APPA A6N

A reliable option with automatic selection of modes, which simplifies operation several times. The product has a special clamp for probes. There is a built-in photosensor that will work when you are in dark conditions.

The average price is 9,200 rubles.

APPA A6N

Advantages:

Good equipment;
High-quality case;
Convenient control;
Backlight;
Automatic selection of modes.

Flaws:

Price.

Testo 770-1

An excellent device that is in great demand among specialists. The equipment will quickly determine the current strength, with minimal error. The design is made as simple as possible, so even a beginner can handle the device. The display has automatic backlighting.

The average price is 10,000 rubles.

Testo 770-1

Advantages:

Automatic selection of parameters;
High-quality assembly;
Reliability;
Durability;
Accuracy.

Flaws:

High price.

MULTI Model 2100

A Japanese product that meets all international and Russian parameters, which allows it to be used for precise checks. The remote probes are made of high-quality material that will not break over time. The device itself is made without any comments; many electricians recommend it for regular use.

The average cost is 8,500 rubles.

pliers MULTI Model 2100

Advantages:

Excellent producer;
Good accuracy;
Level assembly;
There is ringing in the chain.

Flaws:

Difficult to find.

Additional functionality of current clamps

Calculate voltage without touching exposed cables. In this case, it is possible to obtain aspect parameters only for estimating which of the voltages used is installed in the power network.

To do this, you will need to turn on the proper measurement mode, connect the clamp device to the zero wire and bring the compressed jaws of the device to a distance of no more than 10 cm from the wire.

It is common practice to use clamps to measure tens and hundreds of amperes. The use of a Hall sensor made it possible to make current measurements starting from 0.2 A. Some clamps have a built-in high sensitivity mode. To this end, the measuring device uses the unique development of AmpTip. It is based on the fact that a wire with low currents and a small cross-section is pulled into a special hole in the jaws of the device, which gives accurate readings during measurements.
Models with open mouth. When taking measurements in cramped electrical boxes, a product with an open mouth will be useful. The disadvantages of this type of device include its purpose for measuring only alternating current and reduced accuracy compared to other similar devices, but there are circumstances when it is necessary to use them.
Models of clamps with a multimeter. Current measurements using a multimeter are carried out using the usual method of breaking wires. The multimeter's functionality includes the ability to test diodes and capacitors. Some versions have a function for testing electric motors.

Appa 30R

Next in our TOP are the Appa 30R current clamps.

They are notable for their simplicity and reliability in operation, as well as fairly accurate readings.

These clamps can be used to measure DC and AC voltage up to 600 V, current up to 400 A and resistance. At the same time, the maximum error in measuring voltage does not exceed 1.5%, and current and resistance 1%. They can also be used in dialing mode, which is useful for determining the integrity of the cable.

Appa 30R have a fairly compact size, which makes them easy to transport and easier to use in hard-to-reach places. Moreover, their body is shock-resistant, so they can survive falls from a small height without consequences.

In terms of management, everything is extremely simple. So, figuring out how to adjust the device takes a couple of minutes. Their display is large and the numbers are easy to read. Appa 30R also has an auto-shutoff function that works after 30 minutes of inactivity. So if you forget to turn them off, the batteries won't run out prematurely.

Overall, an excellent current clamp in a shock-resistant case.

Max. current: 300 A.
Max. voltage: 600 V.
Accuracy: 1.5 – 2.5%.
Max. resistance: 4000 Ohm.
Max. frequency: 500 Hz.
Operating temp.: 0…+50⁰.
Power: 2 x AAA.
Dimensions: 192 x 66 x 27 mm.
Weight: 420 g.

New Products

Current clamps have been released that allow you to measure the strength of alternating and direct currents - a non-contact method, thanks to ferrite inserts and electromagnetic induction.

The device is in demand in auto services, electrical installation work and in the power industry.

For example, digital products of current clamps UNI -T UTM1230C, current measuring models of clamps Accta AT-1000A, digital three-phase current clamps UNI-T, clamps Mastech M266F, device UNI-T UT203.