There are numerous varieties of electronic meters and testers on the market with similar functionality. As a result, selecting the appropriate instrument for your job becomes challenging. A multimeter and a clamp meter are two such comparable electrical measuring equipment.
Despite their similarities, they each have their own peculiarities. Hence, it is important to understand their similarities and differences in order to make the best decision for your needs. Let’s dive into the details.
Both multimeters and clamp meters are used for measuring voltage, current, resistance, etc. However, the clamp meters are primarily used to measure currents. While the multimeter uses its probes to take measurements, the clamp meter encloses its jaws around the conducting wire and takes measurements.
Another prominent difference is that the clamp meter does not make direct contact with the wire to measure currents, but a multimeter does. Hence, it is much safer to measure currents.
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What is a Multimeter?
A multimeter is a tool that combines the functionality of a voltmeter, ammeter, ohmmeter, etc. It’s an essential tool for diagnosing and troubleshooting electrical problems. Hence they are very useful too for electricians. Since they are compact and portable, most electricians often carry them for troubleshooting and checking the circuits.
Another advantage of multimeters is that they provide measured readings at higher precision levels which helps to make very accurate measurements. Although multimeters are available in analog and digital variants, only digital multimeters are preferred in the market.
It has two probes, which are connected to either side of the target nodes from which the measurement is to be taken. Whereas in the case of current measurements, we have to break the circuit and connect the device in series to the circuit. This might be difficult when the circuit carries large currents and is thus a limitation of the multimeter.
What is a Clamp meter?
Clamp Meters are a type of multimeter that can measure current by clamping around a conductor without having to make direct contact with the wire. This feature makes them ideal for measuring high currents in circuits safely and easily.
A clamp meter or current clamp or current probe, as its name implies, comes with a ‘jaw’ that clamps around the wire to take the measurements.
Some advanced clamp meters can also measure other parameters such as capacitance, temperature, etc. Many modern clamp meters have features that allow you to hold a measurement on the display or store multiple measurements in memory
The most significant feature of clamp meters is that they do not make direct contact with the circuit to measure currents. We need not interrupt the current flow in the circuit to measure using a clamp meter.
Their clamps have current sensors with which they measure the flowing current, utilizing the principle of electromagnetic induction. This increases the safety value of clamp meters and can be used to take measurements from live wires that carry current up to 1000 amps and more in advanced models.
Differences between a multimeter and a clamp meter
As we have seen, multimeters and clamp meters are two instruments used in the electrical and electronic industries. However, they have significant differences that distinguish them in various ways. So let’s take a closer look at how they vary in every manner. This will assist us in making a wise decision for our future requirements.
| Parameter | Multimeter | Clamp meter |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Measures voltage along with current, resistance, frequency, circuit continuity, etc. | Primarily used to measure currents. The advanced versions also measure voltage, resistance, frequency, etc. |
| Working | The multimeter has two probes. Whether the probes are placed in series or parallel to the circuit depends on the quantity measured. | The clamp meter has two ‘jaws’ with current sensors. It clamps around the target wire and takes the measurement. |
| Measurable range | up to 10 amps | Can measure current up to 1000 amps or more, depending on the model. |
| Interrupting the circuit | Should break the circuit and connect in series to measure current | No need to break the circuit to measure the current. |
| Type | Analog multimeter, and digital multimeter | Analog clamp meter and digital clamp meter |
| Safety | Less safe to measure currents, since we should break the circuit and place the tool in series. Hence, it is not advised to use in case of large current-carrying wires. | Highly recommended and safer since it does not make physical contact with wires to take measurements. Can take readings for large current carrying wires at low risk. |
| Accuracy | More accurate for measuring voltage, resistance, and low currents. | Accurate for high-current measurements, but may be less precise for small currents and other parameters. |
| Applications | A must-have tool for almost all electrical measuring purposes since it measures multiple quantities such as voltage, current, resistance, frequencies and many more. | Best choice for high current flowing circuits. Also measure other circuit parameters like voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, etc. |
Which one to choose?
The decision primarily depends on the range of current and voltages. In high-current cases, the clamp meter is the ideal choice since it does not make any contact with the circuit. Hence, it is very safe to use. If the circuit has a low current flow, both devices work well.
However, if accuracy is a concern, especially in measuring low currents, voltage, and resistance we can go for a multimeter because it provides more accurate and precise measurements. At the same time, if safety is a major concern, we can use the clamp meter since it does not require physical contact with wires to get the output.
Also, if we have a messy circuit where it is difficult to find out the path of wires to break and place the device in series to the circuit, the clamp meter is your ideal solution. Just place the part of the circuit within the clamps and easily take the readings.
Which is easier to use, the clamp meter or a multimeter?
Both devices are easy to handle since they are compact and portable. Also, the method of measuring the quantities is also easy, although both devices use different modes: the multimeter uses probes and the voltmeter uses clamps.
However, in the case of measuring currents, it is easier and more convenient to use clamp meters. This is because we need to break the circuit and place the multimeters in series to measure current. Whereas the clamps in the clamp meters are just placed around the wires. The reading is simply taken by clicking the button on top. They are also very convenient and safe if the circuit is messy or carries high currents.
What is the benefit of a clamp meter over a multimeter?
The clamp meters do not break or interrupt the circuit to take current measurements, while a multimeter does. We just have to place the wires between the jaws of the clamp meter to take the current readings. They do not require physical contact with the circuit. Hence, they are very safe and can be used in high-current applications. This is a prominent benefit of a clamp meter over a multimeter.
