View Single Post
  #5   Report Post  
posted to rec.boats.electronics
chuck
 
Posts: n/a
Default Clamp-on ammeters

Marc wrote:
I'm looking to pick up a clamp-on ammeter/ multitester. Are these
clamp-on ammeters AC or DC specific of do they read amps universal.


Marc, the more important question is what are you going to use the meter
to measure.

Some DC clamp meters have a minimum resolution of 100 mA, which is not
always good enough.

On the other hand, if you are trying to measure starting current on a
500 hp diesel, you need a meter with a top range of several hundred amperes.

Recently, AC/DC clamp meters have become more common and prices have
dropped somewhat. Take a look at the Extech MA220 (not the MA200, which
is AC only). These have 10 mA DC resolution, measure up to 400 ADC, and
sell for around $79. They also measure resistance, temperature, duty
cycle, and AC/DC voltage.

Good luck,

Chuck