10 Best Clamp Meter For Hvac – Reviews & Guide
You’re now ready to buy a clamp meter for HVAC work. But do you know which one is the best? You can find out by reading our post today. Here, we’ll compare some of the best clamp meters on the market.
First things first: if you’re just starting out with HVAC, and you’re looking for the best clamp meter for HVAC, you should know that there are two main types of clamp meters to use – a clamp meter, and a clamp probe.
We’ll discuss what features they have and what they’re good for. This will help you decide which is the best choice for you.
A clamp meter is a handheld digital device used to measure electrical current and voltage. The name comes from the fact that it uses a clamp on its jaws through which the wires of an electrical circuit pass. It measures the current in the wire without interrupting the flow of electricity. A clamp meter is also called a clamp-on ammeter, amp meter, current meter and wire tracer.
A clamp probe, on the other hand, is usually called a “wireless” clamp meter, because it doesn’t have any wires. Instead, it uses a wireless connection between your smartphone and your laptop or computer to communicate with each other and then send all that data back to your smartphone where you can see it.
Which one you will need depends on what sort of work you do as an HVAC technician. If you need to use your tools in areas where there is no electricity (like in an attic), then a wireless clamp meter might be better for you than one that requires wires.
What makes a good clamp meter?
A good clamp meter can measure both AC and DC current as well as AC and DC voltage.
Versatility is the key here, so look for one that measures both AC and DC current as well as AC and DC voltage. Resistivity is important too. A clamp meter with low internal resistance will allow more current to flow through the device, which means you will be able to measure higher currents without burning out the meter.
Look for a clamp meter that has automatic ranging capabilities. This feature will allow you to select an appropriate range for best measurement accuracy depending on the value of the parameter being measured.
You should also look for a clamp meter with true RMS ac current reading capability. This feature is important if you want to get accurate measurements on non-sinusoidal waveforms, such as those produced by variable frequency (VFD) drives or by other nonlinear loads like electronic ballasts in fluorescent lights or electronic power supplies in computers.
1.UEi Test Instruments DL369 Digital Clamp-On Meter
The UEi Test Instruments DL369 Digital Clamp-On Meter is the ideal tool for residential and commercial electricians. Some of the features of this meter include 40MΩ Resistance/Continuity, Frequency/Duty Cycle, Diode Test, Min/Max, and more.
This digital clamp-on meter has a non-contact voltage with 400A AC and 2000 μa DC detection that is compatible with 3-Pin and 4-Pin Adapters. Designed to withstand harsh environments, it offers 750VAC/1000VDC Capacitance and comes with a storage pouch as well.
Accurately measures temperatures of pipes and other metal surfaces
Klein Tools Pipe Temperature Clamp Meter, K-Type Thermometer is a great tool for HVAC, refrigeration and other industrial applications. This pipe temperature clamp meter quickly determines surface temperatures of air ducts, radiators, valves and pipes. It measures temperature from -4 to 212-degrees F (-20 to 100-degrees C) with 2% accuracy. The clamp fits around pipes from 1/4 to 1-3/8-Inches (up to 3.5 cm) in diameter. A flexible lead allows for easy positioning with a length of 40-Inches (102 cm). The banana plug adapter is included with this clamp meter. Accuracy of the thermocouple is dependent on the accuracy of the meter being used.
Since 1857, Klein Tools has manufactured premium-quality, professional-grade hand tools that deliver the performance, durability and precision needed to get the job done right. Our family of engineers, workers and craftsman continue to put six generations of expertise into every tool we create by using only the highest quality materials, superior workmanship, and keeping manufacturing as close to home as we can.
3.UEi Test Instruments DL379B Digital HVAC Clamp Meter
The UEi dl379b Digital HVAC Clamp Meter is an all-in one, integrated solution for HVAC and other electrical applications. The meter measures AC/DC Voltage, AC/DC Current, Resistance, Capacitance, Frequency, Duty Cycle and Temperature. It also has a built in Non-Contact Voltage Detector (NCV), which is a quick way to test for the presence of voltage from up to 24 inches away.
The DL379B has a Very Large Backlit LCD that can be seen in any lighting condition. Its easy view display will help you get your work done more quickly. The meter is also equipped with a worklight for when you need more light on the job.
The meter is designed with your safety in mind and has an input jack lock for added protection against accidental shock. A detachable head allows you to take measurements at various angles and from various distances using the included test leads or use the magnet on the back of the meter for hands-free operation on metal surfaces.
The Klein Tools CL320 is an auto-ranging, True RMS clamp meter designed to measure current via the clamp, and voltage, continuity, resistance, frequency, temperature and microamps through test leads. This instrument also features a non-contact voltage (NCV) tester integrated into the clamp jaw that can be operated with or without test leads connected.
The backlit LCD displays the measurement function, measurement range, measurement value and low battery indication. The meter automatically shuts off after approximately 30 minutes of inactivity to save battery life.
Integrated Non-Contact Voltage Detector
The integrated NCV detector can be used to check for voltage without having to connect test leads. The NCV detector will not detect DC voltage from LED lights or dimmer switches. Automatically ranging True Root Mean Squared (TRMS) measurement technology provides increased accuracy when measuring linear or nonlinear loads where the waveform is distorted (such as with variable frequency drives).
The AC/DC current ranges are optimized for motor drive applications. A low current range of 200 µA allows for accurate measurement of control circuits without breaking the circuit under test.
5.Fieldpiece SC260 Clamp Multimeter With True Rms
The new SC Series multimeters feature an intuitive-to-use easy push-function keypad to make it easy to read and interpret measurements at multiple amps. The SC260 True RMS Digital Multimeter is an ideal meter for those who don’t require the higher power levels of a clamp meter, but still want the correct readings instead of an approximation. The SC260 has 400 Amp AC/DC, 40 Mega Ohm with 0.01 resolution, True Rms and low battery indicator.
The new version has a backlight that can be turned on manually, or automatically after 30 seconds of inactivity. That’s annoying because when you’re trying to read the screen while holding the meter in one hand, the screen blinks off after 30 seconds and then you have to push the “select” button again to turn it back on.
And then it turns itself off again after another 30 seconds! So you end up pushing the select button every 20-30 seconds just to keep the screen lit up while you’re trying to read it! I wish there was some way to set the lights-out delay time so that it stays on longer before turning itself off.
The old version had a separate Min/Max function that would capture and hold min/max values for any reading until you press the Min/Max button again.
6.Fluke 116/323 HVAC Multimeter and Clamp Meter Combo Kit
Improve your productivity and confidence with the Fluke 116/323 HVAC Combo Kit. This kit includes the Fluke 116 Digital Multimeter and the Fluke 323 True-RMS Clamp Meter, providing everything you need to start troubleshooting HVAC equipment.
The Fluke 116 measures AC/DC voltage to 600 V, AC/DC current to 10 A, resistance to 40 MΩ, capacitance to 9,999 µF and temperature to 400 °F (200 °C). It also features a large white LED backlight that allows you to work easily in poorly lit areas and can detect erratic signals or small voltage drops. A built-in thermometer allows you to take temperature readings without having to carry a separate instrument. In addition, it has a low input impedance which helps prevent false readings due to ghost voltage.
The Fluke 323 is designed for everyday use by HVAC professionals. It measures AC current up to 400 A, AC/DC voltage to 600 V, resistance up to 4 kΩ and has a built-in non-contact voltage detector for added safety. It also provides frequency and capacitance measurements for checking motor caps.
7.Type K Pipe Clamp Temperature Lead Probe HVAC Pipes Jaw Clip Plumbing Clamp
Our K-Type thermocouple clamp is a simplified version of a K-type thermocouple clamp and can be used as a pipe clamp for industrial temperature measurement.
This clamp features an easy-grip plastic case. It is good for pipe diameters between 1/2 inch and 1 inch, making it perfect for multimeters, clamp meters and thermometers that accept Type K sensors. Note:
This product was formulated to work with commonly available Type K thermocouples, however we do not guarantee the performance or compatibility of this product with any particular type of sensor beyond the noted specifications.
8.Fieldpiece SC440 True RMS Clamp Meter
The Fieldpiece SC440 is a True RMS clamp meter with temperature. This clamp meter incorporates all of the best features and functions for HVAC/R service. The built in temperature (F/C) and capacitance test points set this clamp above the competition with a price that can’t be beat.
The SC440 measures AC/DC Voltage, Resistance, Capacitance, Frequency via leads and clamp, Continuity, Diode Test and Temperature (F/C). It also measures amps up to 400 A AC, which is great for service work as it will read small and large motors in cooling systems.
The True RMS feature allows you to quickly measure True Power on variable speed drives and other non-linear loads while the low pass filter lets you accurately measure PWM signals.
9.UEi Test Instruments DL429B Digital HVAC Clamp Meter
UEi Test Instruments DL429B Digital HVAC Clamp Meter True RMS Wireless Multimeter
Our most advanced clamp meter to date! The DL429B is a top-of-the-line True RMS clamp meter with enhanced capabilities for every industrial setting. This unit is built to last, with a rugged over-moulded housing and a fully integrated battery door for easy battery replacement. With the wireless capability and free app, you can easily record and log data readings.
The unit has a built-in work light to illuminate dark areas, test lead storage for easy transport, dual display with backlight, and a magnetic mount for hands-free operation. The DL429B also features different calculation functions such as temperature measurement and differential temperature measurement.
The DL429B calculates differential for you saving time on the Jobsite and making your work easier and more efficient. Our Clamp Meter Measures AC/DC Amps up to 600A and DC Microamps to 2000µA. This capability cuts down your need to have multiple tools on the job site.
10.Fieldpiece HS33 Expandable Manual Ranging Stick Multimeter
The HS33 Expandable Manual Ranging Stick Multimeter is the only meter you need for HVAC/R. Measure microamps, capacitance and temperature, all in one meter. It’s expandable – add modules any time – even in the field. The HS33 is the next generation of Fieldpiece stick meters, with a new industrial design that’s fully compatible with our legacy clamp-on accessory head system.
The HS33 comes with the ACH4 400A Clamp-on Accessory head included, allowing you to measure AC amps without breaking the circuit. Just clip it on and get a reading. The included ADLS2 silicone test leads and ASA2 short alligator lead extensions protect your meter and make getting measurements easier. The ANC1 deluxe carrying case keeps everything together when not in use.