This section provides an overview for dc clamp meters as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 9 dc clamp meter manufacturers and their company rankings.
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A DC clamp meter is an electrical measuring tool specifically designed to measure direct current (DC) without interrupting the circuit. Unlike AC clamp meters or dual-purpose AC/DC clamp meters, DC clamp meters are particularly adept at measuring microcurrents in DC circuits, although they are less common than dual-purpose models.
Clamp meters measure current by encircling a wire with their clamp head, capturing the magnetic field generated by the current and converting it into a readable current value. This method offers a non-intrusive and safe way to measure current flow in a circuit.
DC clamp meters are ideal for measuring low-range currents (from 0.1mA to about 100mA), making them suitable for semiconductor and electronic circuit applications. While specialized high-voltage DC clamp meters are rare, dual-purpose AC/DC clamp meters are often used for higher-voltage applications. Their non-intrusive measurement capability makes them safe and convenient for electrical work.
DC clamp meters use a magnetic core and a Hall element to detect and measure the magnetic field generated by the current flow in a wire. The core is designed to open for wire insertion and then close during measurement. Hall elements output a voltage proportional to the magnetic field's density (Hall effect), allowing the accurate measurement of DC currents. However, magnetization of the core can lead to measurement errors, so periodic demagnetization is necessary. The meter's processing unit calculates the current value based on the Hall element's output.
To use a DC clamp meter, simply clamp the cable within the meter's head. Positioning the cable at the center of the head ensures minimal measurement error.
The current direction matters when measuring DC. Clamp meters typically have "+" and "-" markings indicating current flow direction, which affects whether the measured value is positive or negative.
To measure leakage current in a device, pass one of the cables (outgoing or return) through the clamp head. If there's leakage to the ground, the return current will be less than the outgoing current. Clamp the meter around the ground wire to measure this leakage current, typically a few mA to several tens of mA, which is well within the range of DC clamp meters designed for microcurrent measurements.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Shenzhen Everest Machinery Machinery Industry Co. Ltd., established in 1991 in Nanshan, Shenzhen, China, is a manufacturer of measuring instruments and digital multimeters. The company's main products include thermal imaging, infrared thermometers, and body thermometers. It also manufactures handheld digital multimeter electrical testers and coating thickness testers. These products are used in the electric and power industries, as well as in real-time monitoring of environments in warehousing facilities. The company's support services are available only domestically in China, although it does provide mobile app-based services worldwide.
Founded in 1940, Kyoritsu has an 80 year history as a customer-focused organization specializing in multimeters. Kyoritsu provides analog multimeters as well as digital multimeters with and without clamps offering many varieties of measurement.
Teledyne FLIR LLC, originally known as FLIR Systems and founded in 1978, is an American manufacturer headquartered in Wilsonville, Oregon, specializing in thermal imaging cameras and sensors, now operating as a subsidiary of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated. FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared) offers handheld and fixed mount thermal cameras, thermal security cameras, thermography cameras, machine vision cameras, and gas detection cameras. They provide airborne systems, unmanned aerial and ground systems, land and maritime systems, and traffic management software. These products find applications in various fields and industries, such as airborne law enforcement, border and maritime patrol, critical infrastructure and force protection, search and rescue operations.
Martindale Electric Co. Ltd. is a British manufacturer and distributor of electrical testing and measurement equipment that was established in Watford, England in 1928. The company’s extensive product portfolio includes socket and continuity testers, electrical test tools such as clamp meters and multimeters, and voltage indicators for providing safety during isolation procedures. It also offers calibration, maintenance, and personnel training services for customers requiring additional support. The company’s products are used primarily by clients in the UK’s construction, rail, and public utilities sectors, including by companies such as Balfour Beatty and the London Underground.
Kaise Corporation, established in 1955 and headquartered in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan, is a manufacturer and supplier of electronic measuring instruments. Its product lineup includes battery checkers, jump starters, code readers, as well as oscilloscopes, and circuit testers, primarily used in automotive maintenance. Additionally, the company offers digital multimeters, clamp meters, and insulation resistance meters. Its SK-8550 Battery Checker received the 2016 Maintenance Support Award at the Automotive Newspaper Accessories Awards.
Hioki E.E. Corporation was founded in 1935 and headquartered in Ueda, Nagano. Hioki provides testing & analysis, manufacturing & inspection, and equipment maintenance to industries including mobility, battery, motor, energy, electronic components, and infrastructure. Hioki’s has 10 primary product categories which are: recorders and data loggers including oscilloscopes, LCR/Resistance Meters, safety testing including signal generators and calibrators, power meters including power quality analyzers, probes & sensors, optical & PV maintenance & telecommunication, environmental measuring, DMM & testers & field measuring, IoT & new solutions & meter relay, and bare board & package testing.
Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
Japan | 3 | 50.0% |
China | 1 | 16.7% |
United Kingdom | 1 | 16.7% |
India | 1 | 16.7% |