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Hi folks, I recently purchased this meter off of Amazon and it appears to be a good one for $50 OTD.? Well at least, as long as China stuff does.? I've made my measurements in load center and I'm here to tell you it's much safer than putting a DVM (in AC current mode) across the breaker's terminals alone.? I was surprised it was accurate measuring frequency !?? Of course, now their web site says it NLA. Go figure. Perhaps other places have it.  -- Regards, Karl Shoemaker To contact me, please visit SRG's web site at? for the current email address. -
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Karl,? ...Been following your postings. ? The purchase price (AND compactness) of “True RMS” clamp meters has come down considerably over last 50 years. ?Meters similar to what you purchased (prices vary) are available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Harbor Freight, electrical supply houses and many hardware stores. ?These meters are quite useful if measurements are only on single phase AC power systems under 600 volts. ?If you desire to also measure DC power systems, you may want to go up a step or three to get DC voltage and current in addition to the TRMS AC features. ?At this, we’re still under $160 for most models at the same stores as above. ?Also, many models will accept Type K thermocouples for temperature measurements. ?
Good luck in your repeater adventures.?
Dave ?N6OJJ?
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On Jan 13, 2021, at 18:33, SRG <srg734@...> wrote:
?Hi folks, I recently purchased this meter off of Amazon and it appears to be a good one for $50 OTD. ?<snip> Of course, now their web site says it NLA. Go figure. Perhaps other places have it. <image cut>? -- Regards, Karl Shoemaker To contact me, please visit SRG's web site at? for the current email address.
--
Dave McBrayer? N6OJJ
Castro Valley, CA
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Thanks, Dave for your input. Yea, for anything real serious I got back to my old favorite since the 70's and that's Fluke !
--
Regards, Karl Shoemaker
To contact me, please visit SRG's web site at?
for the current email address.
-
|
We had purchased a mini clamp meter for use at the place I used to work for. It was similar to the one on Amazon "Extech 380950 Mini AC/DC 80A Clamp Meter" but I don't remember the brand.
We found that the mini size meter was able to get into small spaces where the larger ones, mostly designed for electrical contractor work, would not fit.
Joe
|
I only did a quick look at that one.? I am not familiar with the brand.? I did not see a CAT rating for it.? For home use and maybe up to the 240 volt line the China ones are probably ok.? I have several of the HF 'free' ones.? For any serious and industrial usage ( I worked on 3 phase 480 volt 400 amp circuits often) I only use the CAT rated ones.? Such as the Fluke, Simpson, and Amprobe.? I use them at home most of the time, but if working on low voltage equipment I grab the HF much of the time.? I found they are accurate enough to do much of my work plus they are in several places around the shop and house.
Ralph ku4pt
Looking at the price of the Extech it should have a CAT rating.
On Thursday, January 14, 2021, 03:35:48 PM EST, Joe <k1ike_mail@...> wrote:
We had purchased a mini clamp meter for use at the place I used to work for. It was similar to the one on Amazon "Extech 380950 Mini AC/DC 80A Clamp Meter" but I don't remember the brand. We found that the mini size meter was able to get into small spaces where the larger ones, mostly designed for electrical contractor work, would not fit. Joe
|
For getting into confined spaces I find a clamp current transformer works better for me, what i have is a unit about 1x1.5x3" which outputs on a pair of 4mm sockets. 200A:200mA, the DMM can then be in a much better/visible lotation.
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Show quoted text
On Thu, Jan 14, 2021 at 12:35 PM, Joe wrote:
We had purchased a mini clamp meter for use at the place I used to work
for. It was similar to the one on Amazon "Extech 380950 Mini AC/DC 80A
Clamp Meter" but I don't remember the brand.
We found that the mini size meter was able to get into small spaces
where the larger ones, mostly designed for electrical contractor work,
would not fit.
Joe
|
Hello
I am finding more and more these days that a high resolution
clamp meter to be very useful and time saving when measuring earth
leakage.
The? uni-t ut211b fits my needs.
On 14/01/2021 09:23 pm, Ralph Mowery
via groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
I only did a quick look at
that one.? I am not familiar with the brand.? I did not see a
CAT rating for it.? For home use and maybe up to the 240 volt
line the China ones are probably ok.? I have several of the HF
'free' ones.? For any serious and industrial usage ( I worked
on 3 phase 480 volt 400 amp circuits often) I only use the CAT
rated ones.? Such as the Fluke, Simpson, and Amprobe.? I use
them at home most of the time, but if working on low voltage
equipment I grab the HF much of the time.? I found they are
accurate enough to do much of my work plus they are in several
places around the shop and house.
Ralph ku4pt
Looking at the price of the
Extech it should have a CAT rating.
We had purchased a mini clamp meter for use
at the place I used to work
for. It was similar to the one on Amazon "Extech 380950
Mini AC/DC 80A
Clamp Meter" but I don't remember the brand.
We found that the mini size meter was able to get into
small spaces
where the larger ones, mostly designed for electrical
contractor work,
would not fit.
Joe
|
Do they make a lower current DC version?
For getting into confined spaces I find a clamp current transformer works better for me, what i have is a unit about 1x1.5x3" which outputs on a pair of 4mm sockets. 200A:200mA, the DMM can then be in a much better/visible lotation.
On Thu, Jan 14, 2021 at 12:35 PM, Joe wrote:
We had purchased a mini clamp meter for use at the place I used to work
for. It was similar to the one on Amazon "Extech 380950 Mini AC/DC 80A
Clamp Meter" but I don't remember the brand.
We found that the mini size meter was able to get into small spaces
where the larger ones, mostly designed for electrical contractor work,
would not fit.
Joe
|
I have one of the Extech clamp meters and am very happy with it.
It was recommended here by Eric Lemmon (SK)
I used it when I was working for 48 volts DC current readings.
?
I do have a Weston model 633 clamp meter for sale.
It is large and very rugged.
Ranges by a slider switch:
0-10,? 25,? 100,? 250,? 500,? and 1000 amps.
?
If interested please contact me off list at
(My call) @ arrl.net
?
73 John? VE3AMZ
?
lFrom: raysohst@...
Sent: Thursday, January 14, 2021 9:33 PM
Subject: Re: [repeater-builder] Clamp meter
?
For
getting into confined spaces I find a clamp current transformer works better for
me, what i have is a unit about 1x1.5x3" which outputs on a pair of 4mm sockets.
200A:200mA, the DMM can then be in a much better/visible lotation.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On
Thu, Jan 14, 2021 at 12:35 PM, Joe wrote:
We had purchased a mini clamp meter for use at the place I used to
work
for. It was similar to the one on Amazon "Extech 380950 Mini AC/DC
80A
Clamp Meter" but I don't remember the brand.
We found that the
mini size meter was able to get into small spaces
where the larger ones,
mostly designed for electrical contractor work,
would not
fit.
Joe
|
The one that I referenced has 1mA resolution.
Keep in mind that I said this one is SIMILAR to the one we used, and is only an example of what is available.
Joe
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Show quoted text
On 1/15/2021 10:48 AM, Dean LaClair wrote: Do they make a lower current DC version?
On Thu, Jan 14, 2021, 21:33 <raysohst@... <mailto:raysohst@...>> wrote:
For getting into confined spaces I find a clamp current transformer
works better for me, what i have is a unit about 1x1.5x3" which
outputs on a pair of 4mm sockets. 200A:200mA, the DMM can then be in
a much better/visible lotation.
On Thu, Jan 14, 2021 at 12:35 PM, Joe wrote:
We had purchased a mini clamp meter for use at the place I used
to work
for. It was similar to the one on Amazon "Extech 380950 Mini
AC/DC 80A
Clamp Meter" but I don't remember the brand.
We found that the mini size meter was able to get into small spaces
where the larger ones, mostly designed for electrical contractor
work,
would not fit.
Joe
|
Joe, I should have checked that out since I have had a minor issue of getting the clamp in-between some of the close spaced wires at one site. I'm getting geared up to be able to measure my equipment and my "neighbors" since some sites now charge for power consumed and add it to the rent.? Having said that $50 is cheap (in a positive way) enough to experiment to flatten the learning curve for more serious projects.
--
Regards, Karl Shoemaker
To contact me, please visit SRG's web site at?
for the current email address.
-
|
If you really want to test ground systems the ultimate is the AEMC 6416 and AEMC 6417.? This can test amperage but also accurately tests ground resistance?(without having to use the multiple stakes, long leads, etc as you used to) and can identify ground loops and currents.? These are the current standard tool for testing to meet Motorola R56 compliance of grounding/bonding systems.? I have an AEMC 6416 and it is very informative and easy to use (aside from the loop being huge due to the multiple inductive coils).
Thanks,
Dan Woodie, CETsr KC8ZUM?
On Fri, Jan 15, 2021 at 4:08 AM Steve via <mainline.electronics= [email protected]> wrote:
Hello
I am finding more and more these days that a high resolution
clamp meter to be very useful and time saving when measuring earth
leakage.
The? uni-t ut211b fits my needs.
On 14/01/2021 09:23 pm, Ralph Mowery
via wrote:
I only did a quick look at
that one.? I am not familiar with the brand.? I did not see a
CAT rating for it.? For home use and maybe up to the 240 volt
line the China ones are probably ok.? I have several of the HF
'free' ones.? For any serious and industrial usage ( I worked
on 3 phase 480 volt 400 amp circuits often) I only use the CAT
rated ones.? Such as the Fluke, Simpson, and Amprobe.? I use
them at home most of the time, but if working on low voltage
equipment I grab the HF much of the time.? I found they are
accurate enough to do much of my work plus they are in several
places around the shop and house.
Ralph ku4pt
Looking at the price of the
Extech it should have a CAT rating.
We had purchased a mini clamp meter for use
at the place I used to work
for. It was similar to the one on Amazon "Extech 380950
Mini AC/DC 80A
Clamp Meter" but I don't remember the brand.
We found that the mini size meter was able to get into
small spaces
where the larger ones, mostly designed for electrical
contractor work,
would not fit.
Joe
|
I currently use a Fluke AC/DC amp clamp and a Craftsman ACD/DC clamp. The craftsman measures down to the microamps, and works well.? That external clamp sounds interesting
Thanks and 73? Dean
On Fri, Jan 15, 2021 at 4:54 PM John J. Riddell < ve3amz@...> wrote:
I have one of the Extech clamp meters and am very happy with it.
It was recommended here by Eric Lemmon (SK)
I used it when I was working for 48 volts DC current readings.
?
I do have a Weston model 633 clamp meter for sale.
It is large and very rugged.
Ranges by a slider switch:
0-10,? 25,? 100,? 250,? 500,? and 1000 amps.
?
If interested please contact me off list at
(My call) @
?
73 John? VE3AMZ
?
lFrom: raysohst@...
Sent: Thursday, January 14, 2021 9:33 PM
Subject: Re: [repeater-builder] Clamp meter
?
For
getting into confined spaces I find a clamp current transformer works better for
me, what i have is a unit about 1x1.5x3" which outputs on a pair of 4mm sockets.
200A:200mA, the DMM can then be in a much better/visible lotation. On
Thu, Jan 14, 2021 at 12:35 PM, Joe wrote:
We had purchased a mini clamp meter for use at the place I used to
work
for. It was similar to the one on Amazon "Extech 380950 Mini AC/DC
80A
Clamp Meter" but I don't remember the brand.
We found that the
mini size meter was able to get into small spaces
where the larger ones,
mostly designed for electrical contractor work,
would not
fit.
Joe
|
I've been using the Extech 380950 (80amp AC/DC) for over 10 years now and been very happy with it.
It most certainly is not as rugged as a Fluke but is great for measuring DC and AC current in tight places.
I mostly use it on -48vdc powered devices and being able to squeeze it's small jaws into a tight spot are what sold me on it.
If you're looking for something to measure higher currents this would not be the one but for all that I do in the LMR world it works great.
Doug
|
Oh and it has 1ma resolution which is hand for low current devices...
|
Nice clamp meter apart of the price being around ?1200.
I use mine more for nuisance RCD tripping very easy to clamp
around the pair of main tails and measure the leakage of the whole
installation
I have a few multi function testers? that i use for earth loop
impedance.
On 15/01/2021 08:38 pm, Dan Woodie
wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
If you really want to test ground systems the
ultimate is the AEMC 6416 and AEMC 6417.? This can test amperage
but also accurately tests ground resistance?(without having to
use the multiple stakes, long leads, etc as you used to) and can
identify ground loops and currents.? These are the current
standard tool for testing to meet Motorola R56 compliance of
grounding/bonding systems.? I have an AEMC 6416 and it is very
informative and easy to use (aside from the loop being huge due
to the multiple inductive coils).
Thanks,
Dan Woodie, CETsr
KC8ZUM?
On Fri, Jan 15, 2021 at 4:08
AM Steve via
<mainline.electronics= [email protected]> wrote:
Hello
I am finding more and more these days that a high
resolution clamp meter to be very useful and time saving
when measuring earth leakage.
The? uni-t ut211b fits my needs.
On 14/01/2021 09:23 pm, Ralph Mowery via wrote:
I only did a quick look at that one.? I
am not familiar with the brand.? I did not see a CAT
rating for it.? For home use and maybe up to the 240
volt line the China ones are probably ok.? I have
several of the HF 'free' ones.? For any serious and
industrial usage ( I worked on 3 phase 480 volt 400
amp circuits often) I only use the CAT rated ones.?
Such as the Fluke, Simpson, and Amprobe.? I use them
at home most of the time, but if working on low
voltage equipment I grab the HF much of the time.? I
found they are accurate enough to do much of my work
plus they are in several places around the shop and
house.
Ralph ku4pt
Looking at the price of the Extech it
should have a CAT rating.
We had purchased a mini clamp meter
for use at the place I used to work
for. It was similar to the one on Amazon "Extech
380950 Mini AC/DC 80A
Clamp Meter" but I don't remember the brand.
We found that the mini size meter was able to get
into small spaces
where the larger ones, mostly designed for
electrical contractor work,
would not fit.
Joe
|
Yeah, I forgot to mention that bit - the AEMC units can be a little pricey but you can sometimes find them on the secondary market for less.? I paid WAY less for mine and it was almost new with the plastic on the screen still.? The AEMC units are overkill for basic current measurements but for testing ground systems it is a real gem and time saver.? There are some older models with fewer features on the used market as well.
Thanks
Dan Woodie, CETsr KC8ZUM
On Sat, Jan 16, 2021, 3:01 PM Steve via <mainline.electronics= [email protected]> wrote:
Nice clamp meter apart of the price being around ?1200.
I use mine more for nuisance RCD tripping very easy to clamp
around the pair of main tails and measure the leakage of the whole
installation
I have a few multi function testers? that i use for earth loop
impedance.
On 15/01/2021 08:38 pm, Dan Woodie
wrote:
If you really want to test ground systems the
ultimate is the AEMC 6416 and AEMC 6417.? This can test amperage
but also accurately tests ground resistance?(without having to
use the multiple stakes, long leads, etc as you used to) and can
identify ground loops and currents.? These are the current
standard tool for testing to meet Motorola R56 compliance of
grounding/bonding systems.? I have an AEMC 6416 and it is very
informative and easy to use (aside from the loop being huge due
to the multiple inductive coils).
Thanks,
Dan Woodie, CETsr
KC8ZUM?
On Fri, Jan 15, 2021 at 4:08
AM Steve via
<mainline.electronics= [email protected]> wrote:
Hello
I am finding more and more these days that a high
resolution clamp meter to be very useful and time saving
when measuring earth leakage.
The? uni-t ut211b fits my needs.
On 14/01/2021 09:23 pm, Ralph Mowery via wrote:
I only did a quick look at that one.? I
am not familiar with the brand.? I did not see a CAT
rating for it.? For home use and maybe up to the 240
volt line the China ones are probably ok.? I have
several of the HF 'free' ones.? For any serious and
industrial usage ( I worked on 3 phase 480 volt 400
amp circuits often) I only use the CAT rated ones.?
Such as the Fluke, Simpson, and Amprobe.? I use them
at home most of the time, but if working on low
voltage equipment I grab the HF much of the time.? I
found they are accurate enough to do much of my work
plus they are in several places around the shop and
house.
Ralph ku4pt
Looking at the price of the Extech it
should have a CAT rating.
We had purchased a mini clamp meter
for use at the place I used to work
for. It was similar to the one on Amazon "Extech
380950 Mini AC/DC 80A
Clamp Meter" but I don't remember the brand.
We found that the mini size meter was able to get
into small spaces
where the larger ones, mostly designed for
electrical contractor work,
would not fit.
Joe
|
Karl Shoemaker
Mainline