Experiment No: 12

CURRENT MEASUREMENT USING CLAMP ON METERS

Clamp Meter Technology

Clamp meters rely on the principle of magnetic induction to make non-contact AC current
measurements. Electric current flowing through a wire produces a magnetic field. Since
alternating current frequently reverses polarity, it causes dynamic fluctuations in the magnetic
field which are proportional to the current flow. A current transformer inside the clamp meter
senses the magnetic fluctuations and converts the value to an AC current reading. This type
of measurement is convenient for measuring very high AC currents.

Direct current, however, flows through conductors in a fixed polarity. Consequently, the
magnetic field around the conductor does not change and conventional clamp meters will
register no reading. DC clamp meters work on the principle of the Hall Effect. Hall effect
sensors sense the magnetic field caused by current flow which causes a small voltage across
the Hall effect sensor. That voltage, which is proportional to current is then amplified and
measured.

Clamp meters often include other sensors such as voltmeters, ohmmeters, etc. which increase
the versatility of the instrument. These other sensors use test leads which plug into the clamp
meter.
Clamp Meters Features

Clamp meters are often available with a number of features that make it easier to take
accurate readings and handle the resulting data. Of course, higher end clamp meters are more
likely to include these advanced functions.

True RMS: Since alternating current reverses directions several times per second, it is
represented as a sine wave. Because the amplitude of the sine wave changes continuously
over the wave period, current measurements may vary quite a bit at different points in time.
True-RMS (root mean square) converts AC signals into DC signals of equivalent value for
more stable and accurate AC readings.

IP rating: Ingress Protection Rating classifies and rates the degree of protection of
enclosures against the intrusion of moisture and foreign bodies. Adequately protected
instruments are suitable for use in a wider range of environments. NEMA ratings are another
enclosure rating system that is commonly used.

PC interface: Increasingly, clamp meters are including serial ports (PC interfaces) as a
means to easily transfer data from the meter to a computer where further analysis or report
generating can occur. Common interfaces include Ethernet, USB, FireWire, or RS-232.
Often, software is also available to help organize data once it has been transferred to a
computer.

Data logger: Internal memory capable of holding a number of measured values for later
recall.

Inrush: The Inrush function provides users an accurate measurement of high current surges
that flow into motors during startup. This measurement can be critical when troubleshooting
problems such as nuisance trips of over-current protection devices.

Autoranging display: Autoranging units automatically sets the correct measurement range
saving users from having to adjust switch positions while trying to position the clamp and
take a measurement.

Clamp Meter Measurements

Though the clamp is designed solely for current measurement, most clamp meters accept
input from test leads or other probes which greatly increases the types of measurements of
which they are capable and making the clamp meter a much more versatile instrument.

AC/DC current: Current, measured in amperes, is the flow of an electric charge and
is the most basic measurement of a clamp meter. Current can be used to generate heat
as well as magnetic fields, which are widely used for motors, inductors, and
generators. Most modern clamp meters can measure both AC and DC current.
AC/DC voltage: Voltage, measured in volts, is the difference in electrical potential of
a unit charge transported between two points, or more simply, how much electrical
 energy is delivered if a certain number of electrons are transmitted through a circuit.
Voltage can represent either a source of energy or energy used, stored, or lost.
Resistance: Resistance, measured in ohms, is the opposition to passage of an
electrical current through a conductor. Resistance is determined by the material and
shape of the conductor.
Continuity: Continuity is a quick "pass/fail" resistance test that distinguishes between
an open or closed circuit. Generally, a continuity test emits a beep when a closed
circuit is detected eliminating the need to look at the meter as the test is performed.
Capacitance: Capacitance, measured in farads, is the ability of an object to store an
electrical charge. Any object that can be electrically charged exhibits capacitance.
Frequency: Frequency, measured in hertz, refers to the rate at which oscillations of
alternating current occur in an electric power grid. Generally, power systems in North
America use a 60 Hz frequency.
Power Factor: Power factor is an advanced measurement defined as the ratio of real
power flowing to the load, to apparent power in the circuit. In an electrical system, a
load with a low power factor draws more current than a load with a high power factor
for the same amount of useful power transferred.
Temperature: Many clamp meters accept input from temperature probes or
thermocouples for contact temperature measurements.