Clamp meter usage

nc12345 · Mar 1, 2014

Hi guys
I have a call out later too a house on a TT system that has nuisance tripping a few times a month , I'm suspecting a faulty appliance as I know there's no outside lights or sockets.
im on my way to buy a clamp meter and to be honest I have no idea how to use one could someone please give me a quick run down of what I'm looking for ?

cheers guys to any replys in advance

Hawk81 · Mar 1, 2014

Are you going to buy an earth leakage clamp meter or a clamp meter?

GMES · Mar 1, 2014

Hawk beat me to it you may need earth leakage clamp if rcd's are involved also a possibility you will need to do ramp tests etc, do you have these facilities otherwise finding a fault that only occurs a few times a month could be hard to pinpoint without proper test equipment

Engineer54 · Mar 1, 2014

I don't know why all jobbing electricians haven't yet purchased a leakage clamp, RCD's are now part and parcel of electrical installations, and can only increase in the number being found...

You should have ordered your leakage clamp from the forum sponsor that supply a budget tester with specifications normally found on much more expensive leakage clamp testers, plus you get the 5% members discount... lol!!

midgetman · Mar 1, 2014

For apoliance what I use is a small extension lead with the earth wire pulled out the sheath. You put your leak meter around the earth. Tony cable side kick does same.where I got tip from

nc12345 · Mar 1, 2014

H guys thanks for the responses it is an earth leakage tester as rcds are involved I will be taking my multi with me to do IR and a ramp test , just wanted to know what sort of reading my clamp meter would produce if it is a faulty appliance ?
thanks

midgetman · Mar 1, 2014

Well rcd say trips at 21ma (check with ramp) then anything near this when you check with leak meter or a combination of appliances getting near this figure can cause rcd to trip