Top 10 Current Clamps

Choosing the right clamp meter often raises many questions. The multifunctional instrument is capable of measuring AC or DC current, resistance, voltage and other parameters. To understand the features of different models, their pros and cons, the experts of our editorial office have compiled a rating of the best current clamps for home or professional use.

Structurally, many models resemble an ordinary multimeter, but surpass them in their capabilities:

• Measurement without breaking the circuit;
• Wide range of measured currents;
• High accuracy;
• The functionality is not inferior to the best multimeters.

Clamp meter which company to choose

Choosing a tester often starts with choosing a manufacturer. Today there are a lot of brands: famous and new, domestic and foreign. Each company tries to create the most convenient and reliable instrument for measurements, but not all of them have earned the trust of users.

Check out the products of these leaders before buying a clamp meter:

• FLUKE... The brand, originally from the USA, specializes in the manufacture and sale of various meters - testers, pyrometers, thermal imagers, thermometers. The company's products are professional devices and accessories, the emphasis is on accuracy, ergonomics, and long service life. The only disadvantage of the brand is its low distribution among sellers and high cost.
• CEM... CEM brand products are a vivid example of Chinese quality at affordable prices. The testers are accurate enough to be used by professionals, with a simple design, partially cut down on functionality necessary to save costs.
• UNIT-T... It is one of the largest manufacturers of voltage detectors. Users are offered a wide range, various layouts and combinations of functions. Among the brand's products, everyone will choose the right model for themselves, exactly matching their needs. According to various reviews from the owners, the quality is more than decent, and there are practically no complaints about marriage.
• Resanta... The brand's testers' lines are more like a related product, but the responsible attitude of the developers gives the masters high-quality, maintainable equipment at market prices. Resanta has a wide network of service centers and dealers, their products are available to almost all residents of the country. The positive image of the company obliges to take into account the interests of users - there is an exchange of defective models, you can order components or consult a consultant if repairs are required.
• STAYER... The company has been on the market for a long time and supplies a wide range of products to all regions. Among the products there are also clamp meters. The testers' models from the German company are a combination of powerful technical characteristics, endurance and unpretentiousness, all at affordable prices.

Rating of the best current clamp - TOP 10

Clamps are classified as highly specialized instruments. Their range of tasks is clearly limited: measuring the strength and voltage of currents, resistance, capacitance, temperature, frequencies. At the same time, it is problematic to find a model that combines all possible options at the same time.

In the rating of the best clamp meters, the TOP of the most successful models with a competent combination of functions and ranges is presented.The testers presented below are suitable for most types of work, both in everyday life and in construction or when installing electrical networks.

1. FLUKE 302+

The professional and inexpensive device from the American brand is equipped with a shockproof housing, a bright display backlight for working in low light conditions and an auto-off function to save battery life. Of the advantages, users note the wide opening of the "ticks" - up to 3 cm, high accuracy of readings and memory function for the last 5 values. Pliers are often included in different collections due to their high and stable measurement accuracy.

Benefits:

• high measurement accuracy;
• small dimensions and weight;
• large backlit display;
• high degree of protection against voltage surges;
• low cost in its class.

Disadvantages:

• sensitivity to low temperatures;
• no storage case included.

2. Mastech MS2008B

Inexpensive, but at the same time functional clamp meter Mastech MS2008B has all the necessary options. Automatic and manual measuring ranges, "dialing" mode, auto shutdown, ambient temperature measurement, DATA HOLD function, which allows saving the last values ​​in memory. Additionally, the device is equipped with a convenient flashlight to illuminate the working area.

Benefits:

• affordable price;
• chic functionality;
• built-in flashlight;
• light weight;
• durable body.

Disadvantages:

• inconvenient switching between modes;
• with frequent use, the buttons begin to sink.

3. CEM DT-3341

Owned by a Chinese company, the CEM brand is known in many countries around the world, the products of this company are certified according to various quality standards. The DT-3341 model entered in the state register is designed to measure AC current, air temperature, DC / AC voltage, capacitance and resistance. The current clamp is equipped with high-quality screen backlighting, a convenient functional switch and a "dial" function. The clamping size of the pliers is 3cm, auto-off works after 15 seconds. According to the reviews, this is a good instrument for measuring AC and DC voltage with a slight error.

Benefits:

• durable rubberized body;
• low cost;
• high measurement accuracy;
• the presence of a cover included;
• 2 years official warranty;
• functional switch.

Disadvantages:

• no memory function;
• some batches of tools are supplied with inappropriate instructions.

4. UNI-T 13-0009 UT-210E

As noted by users, the pocket-sized compact device UT-210E is an indispensable assistant in the household, as well as when repairing a car. The pliers are also suitable for professional use, including repairing air conditioners. The main advantages of the device are automatic range selection, the ability to measure direct current min. 2A max. 100A, leakage to ground. The accuracy of this clamp is comparable to professional models. Memory function, high-definition screen and small size simplify the user's work, and the sufficiently tight buttons avoid accidental pressing. Not included in the state register.

Advantages:

• ultra-small dimensions and weight;
• auto power off and memory function for the last values;
• accuracy;
• sound sensor.

Disadvantages:

• small pliers opening 170 mm;
• poor quality of the probes included in the kit.

5.CEM DT-360

One of the most budgetary measuring devices DT-360, despite its modest functionality in comparison with more expensive clamps, belongs to the "pro" class. It is a good, affordable clamp meter that can measure AC / DC voltage up to 600V, AC 400A, resistance. Among the useful functions are DATA HOLD, screen backlight, battery charge indication (crown). Included in the state register.

Benefits:

• the best price in its class;
• double shockproof housing;
• an excellent combination of price and features;
• clear display of values ​​on the screen;
• coverage up to 3 cm;
• clear algorithm of work.

Disadvantages:

• early shutdown of the backlight 10 sec;
• there is no way to measure direct current.

6. ZUBR Professional PRO-824 (59824)

The ZUBR clamp meter is equipped with a wide grip up to 3 cm, a rubberized shockproof case, the MAX HOLD function, which allows the device to memorize not only general, but also maximum values. The large, backlit display makes it possible to see the measurement results even in low light conditions. The wide functionality, together with the accuracy of the readings, significantly expands the range of applications: these are the best current clamps, which are suitable for both home and work. Does not appear in the state register.

Benefits:

• there is a "dialing" mode, a diode test;
• Ease of controls;
• overload indication of the device;
• suitable for both domestic and professional use;
• measurement of maximum alternating current up to 1000 A.

Disadvantages:

• frequent warranty cases;
• no DC current measurement.

7. IEK Expert 266F

The simplicity of execution has significantly reduced the cost of the Expert 266F current clamp, however, the manufacturer retained all the functions necessary for everyday use. The device is equipped with a wide clamp up to 5 cm, an LCD monitor with a digital scale, it is possible to take readings in a non-contact way.

Benefits:

• convenient button for opening the pliers;
• includes a carrying case;
• safety and reliability;
• ease of use.

Disadvantages:

• very sensitive to low temperatures;
• only measures alternating current.

8. STAYER 59820

The current measuring device of the German brand STAYER is characterized by users as an unpretentious, durable tool. Its body is designed so that the operator can take measurements with one hand. It is possible to diagnose electrical appliances and connections without interrupting the voltage supply. It is a high quality current measuring device with a long service life, designed for active use. For convenience, the manufacturer has added a handy bag - a cover.

Benefits:

• clamp size 30 mm;
• digital display of data;
• acceptable measurement accuracy;
• clear interface;
• supports temperature measurement;
• the ability to measure AC / DC.

Disadvantages:

• small display;
• tight switching modes.

9.EKF MS2016S

The current clamp MS2016S belongs to the household class, however, due to its high-quality performance and high accuracy, the clamp received many good reviews. The device carries out autoscanning of current and voltage, as well as resistance. The DATA HOLD option can store the received data in memory and display it on a wide digital display at the right time.

Advantages:

• the best combination "price - quality";
• clear instructions;
• memory for saving data.

Disadvantages:

• limited functionality.

10. RESANT DT 266C

According to user reviews, the RESANTA current clamp can confidently cope with its task, and in terms of accuracy of readings, they are not inferior to more expensive counterparts. In addition to the standard set of options, the clamp is capable of measuring air temperature. They are also equipped with an audible "dial" signal, overload protection, and a rotary mode switch.

Advantages:

• good functionality;
• the accuracy of the measurements;
• additional overload protection;
• comfortable design.

Disadvantages:

• weak sound signal;
• not clear operation of the switch wheel;
• frequent warranty cases.

What is the best clamp meter to buy

Experts of our editorial office and experienced craftsmen always recommend choosing a tester model based on its functions. Even a popular European-made model will not be useful if it is not capable of making the measurements needed to work.

The basic functionality can be called the capabilities found in both cheap and expensive ticks:

1. Chain ringing;
2. Measurement of AC current, voltage;
3. Resistance measurement.

All other options complement the base and measure:

• Constant voltage - the option significantly affects the price of the device, but expands the scope of work;
• Temperature in a wide range - models are completed with a thermocouple;
  Frequency - the built-in square wave generator allows you to work closely with electronics and amplifiers.

If the device is entered from the state register, it can be registered and a license for work can be obtained.

What is the best clamp meter to buy

As can be seen from the TOP-10 of the best current clamp models, sometimes the manufacturer equips the devices with a protective function against overload, equips them with covers. For work at height, a shockproof housing is useful. The measuring range is no less important, the current clamp is more productive than multimeters, but the voltage or current limit is noticeably different. If maintenance of industrial equipment or machines is planned, the maximum values ​​of voltage and amperage should exceed the average 600 V and 600 A. Similar parameters are available in the best professional devices - the ZUBR, EKF, FLUKE 302+ clamp meter.

When there is no clear idea of ​​which pliers are better and for what work, the choice should be stopped on the most functional models. This saves the user from the expense of new instruments if there is a need for missing measurements.