How to measure current with a clamp meter ?
Steps for measuring ac or dc current using a clamp meter's jaws:
Pre-measurement steps (to avoid electrical shock or personal injury):
- Disconnect test probes from the meter.
- Keep fingers behind tactile barrier on face of meter.
- Turn the dial to the proper function, either A ac or A dc. You should see the jaws icon (
) in the display, indicating that the measurement is coming from the jaw. - Note: When the measured current is < 0.5 A, the center dot in the display icon ( ) will flash on and off. When current is > 0.5 A, the center dot will be steady.
- Before taking dc current measurements (if your meter is equipped to do so): Wait for the display to stabilize, then push the Zero button to ensure correct readings. Zeroing the meter removes dc offset from the reading. The Zero function works only when the dial is set in in the dc current measurement position.
- Note: Before zeroing the meter, make sure the jaws are closed and no conductor is inside the jaw.
- Press the jaw release level, open the jaws and insert the conductor to be measured inside the jaw.
- Close the jaw; center the conductor using alignment marks on the jaw.
- View the reading in the display.