11 best current clamps

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

When it becomes necessary to measure voltage or current, electricians remember such a useful device as a current clamp. They allow you to make measurements of electrical networks, devices, microcircuits. In this case, it is possible to work even at high voltage. Clamps are used not only as a diagnostic device, they help to carry out electrical installation and repair work, to determine the integrity of the electrical circuit or diode bridges. A wide range of professional and household models from domestic and foreign manufacturers is presented on the Russian market. When choosing a current clamp, experts recommend paying attention to the following parameters.

Appointment. Modern clamp meters can measure different characteristics of electric current. A potential buyer should decide on the main purpose of the device.

1. In everyday life, home craftsmen most often have to deal with an electrical network of 220 V or 380 V. Most models are able to determine the voltage and strength of alternating current. You may also need a “Continuity” function when the device is used to determine the continuity of a circuit or diode. The most popular in Russia are budget models with compact dimensions and low weight.
2. Professional electricians often have to deal with high voltage lines, where the voltage reaches 1000 V. In this case, the main emphasis is on the upper measurement limit, as well as on the safety of the device. When buying a professional current clamp, electricians should not save.

Functionality. Modern clamps are equipped with a wide range of functions and options. The most important of them are:

1. voltage measurement;
2. determination of current strength;
3. identification of breaks in the electrical circuit;
4. estimation of the resistance value;
5. capacity measurement.

Some additional options may be useful:

1. saving measurement results;
2. the ability to measure the starting current;
3. calculation of the average indicator;
4. automatic shutdown when idle;
5. display backlight.

Types of current clamps. There are several types of current clamps on sale.

1. Devices with arrow indication are simple, reliable and highly sensitive; they are affordable and accurately determine the current parameters. The downside is the limited measurement range.
2. Modern clamps are equipped with LCD displays. They are distinguished by the simplicity of obtaining results, a good set of functions, and the ability to save the latest measurements. But the accuracy of measurements in some budget devices leaves much to be desired.
3. Instruments equipped with a multimeter and an oscilloscope are distinguished by high accuracy and variety of functionality. However, not all devices have built-in indication, and the price of such current clamps will be high.

We have selected 11 of the best current clamp for the review. These devices are sold in the Russian trade network. When allocating seats, the editors of the magazine relied on the opinion of the expert community, taking into account the reviews of domestic electricians.

Rating of the best current clamp

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Rating of the best current clamp	1	Fluke 376	RUB 23,400
	2	APPA 136	RUB 15,922
	3	Fluke 319	RUB 10,324
	4	CEM DT-3347 481790	RUB 6,100
	5	Fluke-303	RUB 5,290
	6	NEO 94-003	RUB 4,885
	7	CEM DT-3341 480380	RUB 3,500
	8	Mastech M266C 57767	RUB 1,509
	9	MEGEON 70010	RUB 1,275
	10	Elitech MM 200K	709 r
	11	Sturm MM12021	750 RUB

Fluke 376

Rating: 4.9

A useful tool in an electrician's arsenal will be the Fluke 376 current clamp. The model has wide functionality, which is achieved by the manufacturer through the installation of patented sensors. The experts liked the device for its well-readable indication on the display, a high level of security, and ease of use in places with limited access. With the help of clamps, you can carry out non-contact measurements, there is a function for determining the level of the starting current. The asset should include a compact and ergonomic body. The model wins gold in our review.

Russian electricians speak flatteringly about the technical capabilities of the Fluke 376 current clamp. They do not fail in work, they serve for a long time even with daily use. The downside is the high price.

Advantages

• high-quality assembly;
• wide functionality;
• compactness and ergonomics;
• safety.

disadvantages

• high price.

APPA 136

Rating: 4.8

The APPA 136 current clamp is a compact and easy-to-use measuring device. The Taiwanese device is powered by a built-in battery. There is a joystick to control the ticks, and the LCD backlight ensures uninterrupted operation at any time of the day. The experts liked the auto-off option, which helps to save energy consumption. The set includes a bag, it provides safe storage and transportation of the device. The clamp size is 37 mm, with the help of the clamp, you can measure current, voltage, capacitance.

The product deservedly ranks second in our review, yielding to the winner in functionality. The advantages of users include compactness, ease of use and reliability. They consider the disadvantage of inconvenient navigation through the menu with a joystick.

Advantages

• clear interface;
• reliability;
• compactness;
• bag included.

disadvantages

• it is inconvenient to work with the menu.

Fluke 319

Rating: 4.7

The Fluke 319 Test Tool can handle high loads. The maximum current strength is 1000 A, voltage – 600 V, capacity – 0.004 MΩ. The temperature range of the device is wide enough (-10 … + 50 ° С), which allows taking measurements both indoors and outdoors. The LCD display is equipped with a bright backlight, and it automatically turns off when inactive for a long time. The experts especially noted the memory option, thanks to which the measurement results can be stored. The device is powered by 3 AAA AA batteries. A rotary encoder and keyboard are used to control the clamps.

Users are satisfied with the functionality of the device, measurement accuracy, screen backlight. The weak side of the model is the Chinese assembly, which is noticeable in the details.

Advantages

• wide functionality;
• display backlight;
• auto shutdown;
• accuracy of measurements.

disadvantages

• Chinese assembly.

CEM DT-3347 481790

Rating: 4.6

An affordable and effective measuring device is the Chinese CEM DT-3347 current clamp. The device quickly and safely checks the continuity of the circuit, measures the main parameters of the current. The manufacturer has equipped its product with a stylish black and blue case, the weight of the device is 303 g. The use of a rubberized pad allows you to reliably protect the measuring tool from mechanical damage. Experts have appreciated the design of the styli, which open up to 30 mm. The voltage level is limited to 600 V. The temperature range is -10 … + 50 ° C. Measurement data is stored in the instrument's memory.

The Chinese device has not yet gained popularity among Russian electricians. Therefore, the model stops one step away from the top three.

Advantages

• wide functionality;
• small error (2%);
• display backlight;
• large coverage.

disadvantages

• low popularity.

Fluke-303

Rating: 4.5

Another American tick was in the TOP-6 of our review. The Fluke-303 is an excellent combination of affordable price and ease of use. The manufacturer has equipped the device with an LCD display with large, clear numbers. In the dark, you can use the backlight. An adjusting screw is provided for operating the measuring device. The maximum AC voltage is limited to 600 V. The clips open 30 mm wide, which will be sufficient in most cases. The pliers received praise from the experts for the slim, ergonomic body in bright colors.

Some users are completely satisfied with the device, noting the high measurement accuracy and ease of use. Other owners find the AC voltage range insufficient.

Advantages

• compactness;
• accuracy;
• high-quality manufacturing;
• affordable price.

disadvantages

• limited measuring range.

NEO 94-003

Rating: 4.5

The original design of the current clamp was invented by a Polish manufacturer. The experts focused on the lower location of the digital display. The board displays such parameters of the electrical circuit as voltage, resistance, integrity. In addition, the device can measure temperature, check diodes for serviceability. The device is powered by two AAA batteries. The model fully meets the requirements of European standards, which is confirmed by the CE certificate. The last reading is stored in the smart tick memory. The device is designed to measure voltage no higher than 600 V and current strength up to 600 A.

Some users lack features such as capacitance and frequency measurement. There are conflicting statements on the forums regarding the display location.

Advantages

• large numbers;
• compactness;
• bag included;
• affordable price.

disadvantages

• limited functionality.

CEM DT-3341 480380

Rating: 4.4

The Chinese current clamp CEM DT-3341 also has a lower display location. The model is able to measure the voltage in a network with direct and alternating current, resistance, capacitance, frequency and temperature. When the integrity of the diodes or the electrical circuit is determined, an audible alert is activated. The LCD display is equipped with a white backlight, which is appreciated by the experts. The device should include a high-quality case with a rubberized pad, the ability to switch modes with one hand. The device comes with a convenient protective case.

Domestic electricians did not like the priority measurement of the DC voltage. Many users have to constantly switch to “recess”.

Advantages

• wide functionality;
• affordable price;
• high-quality assembly;
• ergonomic body.

disadvantages

• inconvenient voltage measurement mode.

Mastech M266C 57767

Rating: 4.3

The product of cooperation between developers from Hong Kong and a Chinese manufacturer was the Mastech M266C clamp meter. Experts included the model in our review for its large clamping width (50 mm), wide functionality (measure voltage, current, resistance and temperature). The pliers can also be used to “dial” an electrical circuit. The device is equipped with the DATA HOLD function, which allows you to store the received data. Along with the tongs, the set includes a bag, a battery, a thermocouple, measuring probes.

Russian consumers are pleasantly surprised by the quality of workmanship, long service life, wide grip and affordable price. The owners did not like the probes, many change them immediately. The small display is also considered a disadvantage.

Advantages

• lightness and compactness;
• wide grip;
• rich equipment;
• affordable price.

disadvantages

• bad probes;
• small display.

MEGEON 70010

Rating: 4.2

The MEGEON 70010 current clamp is a simple and reliable measuring device. The device is designed to determine voltage, current, frequency and resistance. The measurement results are displayed on the LCD. The clamp can be used as a “continuity” test to check the continuity of a circuit or diodes. The device is powered by a 9-volt battery (operating time about 200 hours). The experts liked the Russian design for its low price, automatic polarity indication, memory function. The device is delivered to the retail network with a convenient case.

In the reviews, domestic users praise the MEGEON 70010 current clamp for good quality, low price, easy clamp, accurate readings. Of the minuses, they note modest functionality.

Advantages

• low price;
• high-quality assembly;
• automatic polarity indication;
• accurate measurements.

disadvantages

• modest functionality.

Elitech MM 200K

Rating: 4.1

The Elitech MM 200K device has all the advantages of a current clamp and a multimeter. This budget device measures AC voltage in the range of 200-600 V with an error of 1.2%, DC voltage (2-600 V) with an accuracy of 1%, as well as current strength, resistance, and even temperature (up to 750 ° C). Using the product, you can identify damage to the wiring, determine the performance of diodes. The manufacturer took care of the durability of the tongs by equipping the product with overload protection. Experts gave the model 10th place in our review.

On thematic forums, the device is praised for its low price, wide functionality. Among the disadvantages, it is noted that it is cumbersome, there is no function for measuring the capacitance of capacitors.

Advantages

• low price;
• good quality;
• wide functionality;
• accuracy.

disadvantages

• bulkiness;
• there is no option for measuring capacitance of capacitors.

Sturm MM12021

Rating: 4.0

The list of the best current clamps is closed by the Russian-Chinese device Sturm MM12021. He knows how to measure the magnitude of AC and DC voltage, resistance, phase indication. Experts praised the device for its simplicity and ease of use, compact size and low weight (0.27 kg). The product is equipped with an LCD display, which has a place to indicate the battery charge. Ticks should include a democratic price, a high-quality protective case, and the presence of batteries in the kit (2×1.5 V, AAA).

Domestic users are satisfied with the measurement accuracy, compact size, and ease of use. The disadvantages include the rapid erasure of digital values ​​on the case and the lack of overload protection.

Advantages

• low price;
• lightness and compactness;
• discharge indication;
• high quality cover.

disadvantages

• numbers on the case are erased;
• no overload protection.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.