Are you in the market for the best clamp meter?
Great stuff – you are in the right place!
In this ToolsGaloreHQ.com guide you will learn
- What to look out for in a clamp meter
- What to avoid before purchasing
- My Overall #1 Pick
- And So Much More!
| Image | Product | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Fluke 323 True-RMS Clamp Meter
|
| View on Amazon | |
Best Overall Pick  | Best Overall Pick | Klein Tools CL800 Digital Clamp Meter
|
| View on Amazon |
 | Extech 380947 True RMS 400A AC/DC Mini Clamp on Meter
|
| View on Amazon | |
 | Amprobe AMP-220 True-RMS 600A AC/DC Clamp Meter
|
| View on Amazon | |
 | IDEAL INDUSTRIES INC. 61-744 Clamp Meter
|
| View on Amazon | |
Best High End  | Best High End | Fluke 325 Clamp Multimeter AC-DC TRMS
|
| View on Amazon |
 | Sperry Instruments DSA540A 6 Function Digital Snap-Around Clamp Meter
|
| View on Amazon |
Best Clamp Meter (Quick Summary)
Do you need to rush off somewhere and want a quick summary?
Not a problem, I have provided a summary of the best clamp meter options below.
- Fluke 323 True-RMS Clamp Meter
- Klein Tools CL800 Digital Clamp Meter
- Extech 380947 True RMS 400A AC/DC Mini Clamp on Meter
- Amprobe AMP-220 True-RMS 600A AC/DC Clamp Meter
- IDEAL INDUSTRIES INC. 61-744 Clamp Meter
- Fluke 325 Clamp Multimeter AC-DC TRMS
- Sperry Instruments DSA540A 6 Function Digital Snap-Around Clamp Meter
I fully get that not everyone is interested in reading long and stretched out blog posts on clamp meters. However, if you want more detail on each of the options, I have thought about you as well. So please keep on reading.
Read More:>>> The About The Best Budget Multimeters
Why This Guide For The Best Clamp Meter
There are times when working in either industrial plants (i.e HVAC system of variable speed drive applications), where a typical multimeter just doesn’t do the trick. That is where your clamp meter comes in very handy.
Most clamp meters operate off the hall whereby they use non-contact measurement techniques to detect voltages and current from the ensuing magnetic field that is generated as electrons flow through a wire.
This tool is especially helpful in determining start up currents for motors and diagnosing common faults found in a multitude of industrial applications.
However and I am sure you are now quite well aware, finding the best clamp meter on the market is not as straight forward as you might of thought. There are so many options, with small nuances here and there.
Leaving you often scratching your head thinking which one would be best for you…
No need to worry, that is why I created this guide to remove the ambiguity and present the best clamp meters available to you.
I have undertaken the hard yards of following up on customer reviews, digging deep into datasheets and product manuals all so that you do not need to do this yourself.
Furthermore, on top of all of this, I keep this guide regularly updated ensuring that you get access to the best clamp meter on the market whilst also giving you the best opportunity to make the most informed purchasing decision.
Read More:>>> Learn about pretty cool ways to test 3 wire crank sensor
What Are The Important Considerations For The Best Clamp Meter
Wide range of technical parameters
When looking at purchasing a clamp meter, ensure that it includes a wide range of technical parameters. At a bare minimum you should be able to measure non-contact AC current with the jaw clamp.
The very best clamp meters allow for DC current measurement and non-contact voltage measurements as well. However it is worth noting that in compiling this guide there were a lot of mixed reactions to these measurements in the real world.
One thing that I did however pick up is that the best manufacturers include addition features such as the RELATIVE feature, MIN/MAX and HOLD functionalities.
Upon review these parameters are very wide ranging from clamp meter to clamp meter and in preparing this guide, I took extra care to make sure that all the clamp meters provided here include the maximum amount of features.
Ergonomic Design
Another very important feature of a great clamp meter is it’s overall ergonomic design. You will notice that all the tools presented in this guide have been specifically selected due to their exceptional design, tough and sturdy outer casing and very easy to use interfaces (i.e. large LCD display).
If you plan on purchasing a clamp meter elsewhere please make sure you consider the user friendliness and sturdiness of the overall design. All the clamp meters in this guide have incorporated ergonomic features accordingly.
What To Avoid When Buying The Best Clamp Meter
Lack of warranty information
This is a bit one, whenever purchasing a measurement tool, you should typically look for 1 or 2 year product warranties. This is vitally important because even the best of the best fail due to manufacturing issues.
A measurement tool without any warranty attached to the purchase is a major disaster waiting to happen. Some of the clamp meters in this guide even have limited lifetime warranties showing and proving the manufacturers commitment to providing quality.
Once again, if you purchase a clamp meter elsewhere and not on this guide, be sure to check that there is adequate product warranty information included when making a purchase.
Untested equipment manufacturers
In the measurement and power tools industry there are always new entrants trying to get their fair share of the market. These new and often innovative equipment manufacturers often provide for very interesting and surprising product breakthroughs.
However in my experience when looking to purchase a measurement tool, like a clamp meter it is best to stick with the tried and tested.
Read More:>>> Find Out How To Test A Tachometer With A Multimeter
Deep Dive Review of the Best Clamp Meters
Option #1: Fluke 323 True-RMS Clamp Meter
Specification | Value |
|---|---|
Current Range | up to 400 A (AC) |
Voltage Range | up to 600 V (AC and DC) |
Resistance Range | up to 4 kΩ |
True RMS | Yes |
Safety Ratings | CAT IV (300V) / CAT III (600V) |
Pros
Cons
More info
The Fluke 323 True RMS is truly one of the best clamp meter’s on the market. It is specifically designed for electricians for both residential and commercial usage.
What makes this tool really special is that it is ergonomically designed to operate in the toughest of industrial workplaces. It is rugged and extremely reliable and only weighing 265 g with product dimensions of 207 x 75 x 43 mm (H x W x D).
Technically it is capable of measuring AC currents up to 400A with an accuracy of 2% +/- 5 digits (45 Hz to 65 Hz) and an accuracy of 2.5% +/- 5 digits (65Hz to 400 Hz).
Worth noting is that the Fluke 323 True RMS clamp meter does not measure DC current.
For the AC and DC voltage measurements you will be able to get readings up to 600V, with an accuracy of the AC measurement coming in at (1.5% +/- 5 digits) and the DC measurement accuracy being (1.0% +/- 5 digits).
In terms of the resistance measurement you will be able to measure up to 4 kΩ with an accuracy of +/- 1%.
The clamp meter also has the ability to provide for continuity with a beeping sound under < 70Ω.
This clamp meter is not perfect. It has very interesting test leads that have elongated lead plug ends. These become particularly problematic when you place them on a table or flat surface.
Apart from that, the multimeter has a safety rating of CAT III (600V) and CAT IV (300V), with a 2 year product warranty. Within your purchase you will find your test leads, case and the user manuals.
What I really liked about Fluke products, they really take customer service and user experience seriously. Their website is designed to make your purchasing experience easier.
They also have fantastic reference information on top of the user manual in terms of a calibration manual, reference guide, safety sheet equipment and a clamp selection guide.
If you are in the market for a one of the best clamp meters in the market, you cannot go wrong with the Fluke 323 True RMS multimeter.
Option #2: Klein Tools CL800 Digital Clamp Meter
Specification | Value |
|---|---|
Current Range | up to 600 A (DC and AC) |
Voltage Range | up to 1000 V (AC and DC) |
Resistance Range | up to 60 MΩ |
True RMS | Yes |
Safety Ratings | CAT IV (600V), CAT III (1000V) with Class 2 double insulation protection |
Pros
Cons
Option #3: Extech 380947 True RMS 400A AC/DC Mini Clamp on Meter
Specification | Value |
|---|---|
Current Range | up to 400 A (DC and AC) |
Voltage Range | non |
Resistance Range | up to 400 Hz |
True RMS | Yes |
Safety Ratings | CAT III (300V), CE and UL tested |
Pros
Cons
More Info
Extech 380947 True RMS 400A AC/DC Mini Clamp on Meter is a great option when considering the best clamp meters.
It is very ideal for operating and measuring low currents. The more impressive thing about this clamp meter however is the quality of high resolution measurements with 1mA for AC and 10mA for DC.
It has a large 4000 count LCD display that depicts all the key measurement parameters and signals. To top it off this LCD display also factors in the 40 segment analog bar graph. That provides a real-time feel for various measurement displays.
The 380947 model’s clamp meter is ergonomically designed to include a clamping jaw that is capable of opening 0.9’’ (23mm).
Technically it is worth noting that this clamp meter is very capable. Of providing AC currents in the range of 4A/40A/100A/400A with a very good accuracy of +/- (1.5%).
For the DC current measurement it is capable of going up to 400A with an accuracy of +/-(1.0%). In terms of frequency – it is capable of measuring up to 10 kHz with a resolution of 0.01 Hz and an accuracy of +/- 0.5%.
This model of the Extech clamp meter does not provide for AC or DC voltage measurement. However the other models, namely 380942 and 380941 do have voltage measurement capabilities.
Furthermore, there are a couple of complaints that the meter readings are very slow due to the higher accuracy levels, and it is only good when looking to use it for trouble-shooting purposes.
With that being said however, it is still an incredible nibble and versatile tool with product dimensions of 7 x 1.8 x 1.3’’ (178x45x32mm) with a weight of 225g (8oz).
If you are after a clamp meter that is great for in low current applications for diagnostic or trouble shooting purpose, you cannot go wrong with the Extech 380947 True RMS 400A AC/DC Mini Clamp on Meter.
Option #4: Amprobe AMP-220 True-RMS 600A AC/DC Clamp Meter
Specification | Value |
|---|---|
Current Range | up to 600 A (AC or DC) |
Voltage Range | up to 600 V (AC or DC) |
Resistance Range | up to 60 kΩ |
True RMS | Yes |
Safety Ratings | CAT III (600V), CAT IV (600V), CAT III (1000V) |
Pros
Cons
More Info
The Amprobe AMP-220 Clamp Meter is a real gem of a tool. Apart from being a True RMS meter it has an amp-tip that can deliver very precise current measurements.
The clamp meter is ergonomically designed offering a maximized battery life and auto power off button to improve the overall user experience. It also has a large LCD display that features a backlit, making it great for poorly lit workspaces.
Technically this clamp meter also can hold it’s own. It is capable of measuring AC and DC voltages up to 600V, with a +/- 1% accuracy for DC measurements and AC measurements at (50/60Hz).
It also allows for a frequency measurement within the range of 5 to 999.9 Hz, resistance measurements up to 60 kΩ and capacitance measurements up to 2500 µF.
It incorporates a low pass filter. This is little feature makes this clamp meter extremely useful for measuring alternating voltages and currents on variable speed drives and HVAC system.
This clamp meter is however not perfect, the temperature readings and measurements are not very accurate.
With that being said however this meter works fantastically well in a variety of different working environments. There was even a purchaser who said he used it quite extensively to conduct overhead crane maintenance.
If you are after a versatile tool that is ergonomically designed robust and easy to use, the Amprobe AMP-220 Clamp Meter is definitely one of the best clamp meters for you and one worth considering.
Option #5: IDEAL INDUSTRIES INC. 61-744 Clamp Meter
Specification | Value |
|---|---|
Current Range | up to 600 A |
Voltage Range | up to 600 V |
Resistance Range | up to 40 MΩ |
True RMS | No |
Safety Ratings | CAT III (600V) |
Pros
Cons
More Info
The IDEAL INDUSTRIES INC. 61-744 Clamp Meter is a great value for money tool. It is rugged, ergonomically designed and capable of working in environments up to a CAT III (600V) safety rating.
This clamp meter is capable of both auto and manual operating modes. It has a very distinctive non-contact voltage indicator for measurements between 70 Vac to 600 Vac.
It is feature rich, with the ability to hold data and provide for an audible continuity signal. The compact jaws are also a great feature of this clamp meter in that you can easily maneuver between very tight spaces.
This maneuverability comes in very handy when operating and testing currents in HVAC systems and variable speed drives.
The one thing that is a bit frustrating is that this clamp meter does not measure frequency.
However with all of that being said, it is still a very good value for money clamp meter, providing fantastic accuracies across all measurements: AC current (1.7%), AC Voltage (1.2%), DC Voltage (0.5%), Resistance (1.0%).
When searching for a great clamp meter that provides good value for your buck, the IDEAL INDUSTRIES INC. 61-744 Clamp Meter is a really fantastic choice.
Option #6: Fluke 325 Clamp Multimeter AC-DC TRMS
Specification | Value |
|---|---|
Current Range | up to 400 A |
Voltage Range | up to 600 V |
Resistance Range | up to 40 kΩ |
True RMS | Yes |
Safety Ratings | CAT IV 300V/CAT III 600V |
Pros
Cons
More Info
The Fluke 325 clamp meter is one of the best high end clamp meters you will find on the market.
It is a digital clamp meter that is capable of measuring AC current of up to 400A, DC and AC voltages of up to 600V and resistances of up to 40 kΩ. Making this a real juggernaut of a clamp meter.
It is specifically designed to operate in industrial plants. This is seen with it’s overall ergonomic design which includes an easy to use jaw clamp with a mechanical button and a slim compact design.
Technically as with all other Fluke products, a lot of work has gone into creating this tool. The product is noise free, provides accurate and reliable readings.
One thing I like about this clamp meter is that it comes together with a carry case and K-type thermocouple, which is capable of measuring temperatures from -10°C to 400°C.
The only very peculiar thing about this multimeter is that many buyers have reported that the actual packaging is of the Fluke product meant for the Chinese market and hence all the user manuals and information are presented in Chinese.
This is a bit of an inconvenience, however with all Fluke products you can download the resources online for free.
Once you have purchased the product you will also be able to benefit from the 2 year warranty provided for this clamp meter.
If you are in the market for a serious high end clamp meter, the Fluke 325 clamp meter might just be the right one for you.Option #7: Sperry Instruments DSA540A 6 Function Digital Snap-Around Clamp Meter
Specification | Value |
|---|---|
Current Range | up to 400 A (AC and DC) |
Voltage Range | up to 600 V (AC and DC) |
Resistance Range | up to 40 MΩ |
True RMS | Yes |
Safety Ratings | CAT IV (600V) and CAT III (300V) |
Pros
Cons
More Info
The Sperry Instruments DSA540A 6 Function Digital Snap-Around Meter is a great option when looking for a clamp meter that has good technical parameters.
This meter is capable of relative measurements and providing data hold functionality. It automatically powers off ensuring that battery life is kept maximally.
Technically it is capable of measuring AC and DC currents up to 400A, with an AC/DC voltage of 600V, and a resistance measurement of 40 MΩ.
The one thing that is a negative about this clamp meter is that there aren’t that many different reviews online to determine the overall market consensus.
However, the technical parameters of this multimeter serve it very well and it is furthermore backed by a lifetime warranty, making this one of the market’s hidden gems for sure.My Overall #1 Pick: Klein Tools CL800 Digital Clamp Meter
All the clamp meters in this guide are incredibly good measurement tools.
However the best overall for me, has got to be the Klein Tools CL800 Digital Clamp Meter. This meter is capable of operating within a low impedance mode, which is great for eliminating stray voltages.
It is robust, capable of withstanding a 6.6 foot (2m) drop. The clamp meter has also been designed to ensure that it can operate at altitudes up to 6562 feet without any reducing in quality.
The thermocouples give quite accurate measurements and it has very reasonable safety ratings.
See the price for this clamp meter on amazon over here.Read More:>>> Find out what the multimeter symbols really all mean
Final Thoughts On The Best Budget Multimeter
I hope you enjoyed this guide. I had a lot of fun creating it and trust me I learnt a lot through the process as well. As you can see there are a few critical things you must just make sure about before spending your hard earned cash on a clamp meter. Go over this guide again to ensure you make the best purchasing decision.
I hope this guide has assisted in making you more informed about the various options available to you on the market. All the best.
