/diy/ - Do It Yourself

>>1555559
+1 about getting both. AC-DC clamp meter is nice, but you can’t read current through the leads with most of them so you’re SOL for lower current measurements (like <5.0A).

That Uni-T seems to be the most affordable DC clamp meter from a brand that anybody would touch, but it’s small and has a low cap for most measurements. I think that Ames brand has a couple DC clamp meters for like $70-$120 but I’m weary of buying anything electronic from HF for >$25 because of the 90 day warranty, but those meters are far better quality from the old Cen-Tech trash. One of those higher end Ames clamps has an inrush setting which looks interesting.

I think the cheapest Klein clamp that will read DC is $100-$120, that’s probably a solid choice. My Southwire was $80 but only reads 400A and people said that was low for starters on lots of vehicles, however that’s probably the only thing the average guy will go near that’s pulling so much curent. Maybe a 600A or 1000A meter was worth the extra $20-$40, but I have been content with the 400A model.

>>1555536
First meter should probably be a regular one with fused inputs. Fuckin with the little electronic gadgets will keep you <10A anyway.