AC/DC Clamp on Voltmerter

[Fred Mc]

Now that I have solved my starting issues I noticed a good price on an clamp on meter. ;DWhat kind of situations are they good for and how would you use it?

Thx

Fred

[Iceni John]

Just make sure it can read a useful amount of DC.   Because my bus is 12V I bought an 800A clamp-on DC/AC ammeter for measuring the starter's current, but if your bus is 24V you should be able to use a 400A meter for that.   Mine is an Extech EX730, but it was sold by Sears under the Craftsman name for less than $100!

John

[brmax]

What kind of good price are we talking.
I picked up an otc that works for me, checking various motor run amps etc. it seems to me all these amp clamp meters have a different selection or view compared to my older plain ole dvom meters.

So its still requires me to double check and refference at times. I quess more out of learned habits, although why they cannot incorporate more of the standard automotive test and jargon settings I havent a clue.

Im not sure what mine has on a min-max function but this feature is a basic nice automotive feature, I think.
The one John mention I also like. I took a look at some reviews and if I read correctly it may have min-max but it is hidden in a function, maybe with the light or hold feature. So being curious and interested I went to there site.

I found that 730 was not built anymore and since been replaced with their ex820 I think it is and this one has a min max feature listed on their spec sheet.

Im not complaining, rather giving a heads up to some features I like with these meters and towards the companies building them. Versus me getting my other for certain functions.

I think in this if it were me this brand John mentioned is worth looking into.

Good day

Floyd

[Branderson]

I need to buy a good voltmeter too.  My entire weekend experience with house batteries probably could have been cut short if I could have just tested them.

Good news is this December, we plan on taking a week long trip meeting my uncle who wired everything and can train me up.  The only challenge will be if I retain any of it after cold brew!

[Fred Mc]

Opps.what i was lookiNg at only measured volts and not current(amps)

[chessie4905]

Fluke makes good meters and have a variety of accessory add one. I wouldn't call them cheap though.

[windtrader]

Fluke is the professional standard but pricey. Extech are great unit,  professional features at a better price but less durability. My MA445 offers everything one needs to diagnose and maintain a bus.

[DoubleEagle]

I have a Fluke test meter, and an infrared gun, they both are top notch and have survived drops and falls from serious heights with no damage. Even a used Fluke on eBay is better than many of the others out there.

[chessie4905]

Same here. Also a load tester but never use it. And a battery hydrometer.
Most of the battery dealers have a hand held battery analyzer to check batteries now. Unsure how accurate they actually are.