Current clamps, also known as current probes, clamp meters or amp clamps (in the United States), are electrical testing tools used to measure AC or DC current without disconnecting a circuit. They work by clamping around a conductor and sensing the magnetic field generated by the current flow, then converting it into a voltage that can be safely read and recorded.
Designed for use with digital multimeters (DMMs), oscilloscopes, data loggers, and recorders, current clamps allow for non-intrusive, real-time current measurements, making them ideal for electrical diagnostics, maintenance, and monitoring tasks across various industries.
A current clamp works like a probe except that it clamps around an electrical conductor. It does this using the clamp jaws, which open and close and clamp-on and around the conductor, allowing you to measure AC and or DC current without breaking an electrical circuit with no physical contact (non-contact) to the current. Current clamps can also be used along with Clamp meters and digital multimeters that have no built-in current clamp or current probe. Current clamps can be battery-powered or attached to other power supplies.
A current probe works in the same way as a current clamp except that it has no jaws. The current probe senses the AC and DC current which is passing through a conductor converting the current to a voltage that provides a measurement. Current probes are often used along with oscilloscopes and other current testers.
Understanding the key differences between a current clamp and a current probe is important for selecting the right tool for your measurement needs. Both devices measure electrical current but differ in design, application, and how they interface with test equipment.
A current clamp uses hinged jaws that open and close to clamp around a conductor, allowing non-contact measurement of AC or DC current. This design enables quick, safe current measurements without disconnecting cables or interrupting circuits. Current clamps are commonly paired with digital multimeters (DMMs) and clamp meters and are ideal for field measurements and troubleshooting in electrical maintenance and industrial environments.
In contrast, a current probe does not have jaws. Instead, it senses current flowing through a conductor using magnetic or Hall effect sensors. Current probes convert the current into a voltage output, which is often used for detailed analysis with oscilloscopes. These probes typically offer higher bandwidth and sensitivity compared to clamps, making them well-suited for waveform analysis, lab testing, and advanced diagnostics.
Oscilloscope current clamps combine high sensitivity with wide bandwidth support for both AC and DC current measurements. They provide output via BNC connectors, ensuring compatibility with most oscilloscopes. These clamps are ideal for detailed waveform analysis and accurate current measurement in complex electrical systems.
Multimeter current clamps output a low voltage signal that is easily read by digital multimeters (DMMs). They typically connect using banana plugs or BNC interfaces. When choosing a multimeter current clamp, it’s important to ensure your multimeter supports input in millivolts (mV) or milliamps (mA) for accurate readings.
Some models feature flexible Rogowski coils, which are especially useful for measuring current in tight or hard-to-reach spaces, providing versatility for on-site electrical testing and maintenance.
AC current clamps and DC current clamps are both essential tools in electrical diagnostics, but they differ in operation, internal sensing technology, and ideal applications.
Current clamps play a critical role across industries where accurate, real-time current measurement is vital for safety, maintenance, and system efficiency. Here’s how they’re used in different industrial sectors:
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Purchasing your current clamp from RS Australia is simple and efficient. Browse our extensive online catalogue to find the right clamp meter or current probe along with other industry-standard tools like motor controllers and AC motors. Finalise your order using our secure payment methods, including credit cards and business accounts.
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