Using a Clamp Ammeter for AC and DC

This video demonstrates using a clamp type ammeter for measuring both typical AC and also DC from a solar panel. It shows the importance of measuring just one conductor at a time.

[migmigjohnson]

I just bought 2 of these units, returned the first one because I thought it was defective. Now thanks to this channel I find out that I was using it wrong - must measure one lead at a time because otherwise they cancel each other.
I didn't find this bizarre how this critical detail was omitted from the other 6 channels I visited, and even the instruction manual.
Thank you sir.

[Scorch]

You just cleared up a bunch of conflicting info I've gathered from forum threads/internet searches, AND saved me from buying an inline amp meter for my RC plane projects. Thank you sir.

[jonnchan]

Thank you for this information, all my life I only owned the traditional 2 prong multimeter and it recently starts to fail on me. So looking for videos on how to use a clamp meter. This is very informative for a person who has NEVER used a clamp meter before.

[bro_leo]

I noticed that not all clamp meter have DC current measurement mode. I need one of this because I need to measure current out of my solar panel without breaking the wire. Or to measure other DC and AC current especially with mains voltage without cut the wire. The way DC current measurement works is, they use a hall sensor in there. The hall sensor detect how strong is the magnetic field produce by the wire. The higher the current, the stronger the magnetic field.

[itachiuchiha]

Amazing video, I bought one 2 days ago and your video was very educational! Thank you for teaching me.

[IFishTuna]

Great description/explanation on the tool. Thanks. I am trying to determine how long my 2 Group 31 house batteries should last on my boat while running equipment. I plan to use a tool like the one you used to total up the amps as I turn on the devices to see how much total amp draw I have. The batteries do not list an Amp Hour value so I'm a bit confused on how to calculate the time. I suppose I call interstate battery support to get an explanation from them. The batteries only list Cranking Amps (CA)1031 and Reserve Capacity (RC)200 minutes

[originalmetalhead]

It's my understanding that the Craftsman you have is using the "Hall effect" to measure the Current. Apparently, only the Hall effect clamp ammeters will read DC current. Thanks for your video.

[Naleeze]

sir oh my u just give me some the answer i been looking for for a long timee

[saturnoL]

I need to measure dc amps on a circuit, my clamp meter only has ac amps setting, could it be done???? Good video

[abbaskayani]

can i know the direction of current by seeing negative sign before amps?

[jozefvanroey]

The meter did read 5.4A DC while your little gadget showed 5.77A DC. What is the stated accuracy of both devices please.

[colin]

Please can you explain about why you turn the clamp jaws around? and compare readings

[jesuelgarsuta]

I have a fluke 325 clamp meter i just wonder why the hell i get an initial value of negative .2 whenever i set it to dc current without clamping it yet to a dc wire

[CFRoach]

Try flipping from DC amps to AC amps on a given circuit; I'm wondering what the outcome will be. Will it show half as many amps if you have it set to DC and use it on an AC circuit and would the reciprocal be true? I would try it myself but I only have a clamp on AC only ammeter.