AC/DC Clamp accessory for multi meters

[Petrolhead]

Just got a Fluke 233 multi meter and now after a Ac/DC clamp style current tester that plugs into the multi meter.

The Fluke one a expensive and was wondering if I could use a none Fluke one like this:
http://cpc.farnell.com/1/1/85398-clamp-adaptor-dmm...

or:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sealey-40A-400A-AC-DC-Cu...

[ch427]

i would say yes as long as the leads fit.

[jet_noise]

Dear P,

as c says above.

ETA.
What frequency range are you after?
The Tenma device doesn't spec one. If you need lots of kHz then you might need to spend more.

They produce a voltage proportional to current. Say 1mV/A. Meter reads 0.5V there's 500A(!) flowing through the clamp,

regards,
Jet

Edited by jet_noise on Saturday 1st February 17:08

[anonymous-user]

The reason the cheap ones are, er cheap, is generally because they offer a much smaller bandwidth and larger error than the nice, but eye wateringly expensive Fluke ones! if you're not measuring high frequency signals, and are not too worried about both the absolute accuracy and current waveform fidelity, then the cheaper ones can work fine. Again, generally, a true DC clamp meter will be much more expensive than an AC only one

[Petrolhead]

Cheers for the replies

Will be mainly used in the Automotive field so DC is the main criteria. Not up on Frequencies however one of the main reasons for wanting one is for when people complain about a flat battery and a current drain is suspected. I believe the fluke's lowest reading is 1 amp and if possible looking for a clamp that goes lower

[anonymous-user]

You'll notice that the cheaper stuff often fails to even tell you what the devices bandwidth is.

Again, generally speaking, most hall effect clamp type meters will have two ranges, with a roughly 10:1 ratio. if you want something to measure say starting amps (600A) then the lower range will be up to approx 60A. For anything less than 1 amp, you will be much better off with a conventional "shunt" based meter that is physically inserted into the circuit.