Looking for recommendations for clip on Ammeter please

[John-]

Hi

is there such a tester that will do leakage tests and normal clip on current readings please? Must have sufficient resolution / setting to show start up currents for motors as-well.

thanks

john

 

[Marvo]

Baceaus the current tests you describe are so different I would suggest you buy an earth leakage clamp and a general clamp meter. It's unlikely you'd find an earth leakage current clamp with a fast enough response time to give accurate motor start current measurements as well. Likewise it's also unlikely you'll find a general clamp meter with sufficient accuracy to be useful as an earth leakage tester for currents in the single miliamp range.

 

[John-]

Thanks Marvo, i have been looking and could not find the two in one. Not surprised I guess, why sell one unit when you can sell two
I have been focussing on Fluke, do you or any other have any other recommendations on an clip on ammeter that will measure starting current? I will have to get the earth leakage meter another time, can't afford both right now.

Thanks.

John

 

[Marvo]

I'm not sure what brands are widely available in the UK and more importantly what makes of tester you can get calibrated in future without headaches but I remember a few yearsa ago the Dilog earth leakage clamp was a cheap option and popular with forum members.

I find the with Fluke you're paying a high premium just for the name. I have a soft spot for Brymen as a brand, they're well built and very capable testers at a very reasonable price. I have a BM 197 clamp meter that I use regularly and can highly recommend, it is ideal for use with motors and variable frequency drives.