AEMC 401 True RMS Clamp-Meter, 1,000A AC, Conductors to 48mm, Voltage, Frequency, and Resistance Measurement

The AEMC 401 digital clamp-meter with temperature probe is a true RMS sensing, auto-ranging multimeter for measuring current, voltage, frequency, and resistance in electrical testing applications. It has a clamp that measures AC (alternating current) to 1,000A (amperes). The clamp has two jaws that can close around an electrical conductor up to 48mm (1.89 inches) in diameter to measure current without touching or interrupting the circuit. A set of test leads, which are silicone-insulated for flexibility and resistance to heat and cold, is included for measuring AC and DC voltage to 1,000V, frequency to 20kHz (kilohertz), and resistance to 100kΩ (kilohms). Frequency can also be measured with the clamp. The meter comes with a K-type thermocouple probe that measures temperatures from -60 to +1,000 degrees C (-76 to +1,832 degrees F).

The meter has a rotary switch to select the property to measure, and a 10,000-count LCD with a backlight for visibility in low light that turns off automatically after two minutes. The inrush current function, with a selectable sampling time of 1ms (millisecond) or 100ms, analyzes surge current at startup and due to load increases in installations that are up and running. The maximum/minimum function tracks the highest and lowest readings for a property for as long as the function is engaged. To aid documentation of readings and capture readings in tight spaces, the data hold function keeps the most recent reading on the display after disconnecting from the circuit. A continuity buzzer confirms that the circuit conducts electricity, and a diode check detects whether a circuit's diodes are working properly. The unit operates on four AA batteries, and turns off automatically after 10 minutes of non-use to conserve battery life. It has a low-battery indicator that signals when the battery needs to be replaced.

This true RMS (root mean square) sensing meter provides accurate readings when measuring linear or non-linear loads, regardless of the waveform. It is auto-ranging, so it automatically selects the appropriate operating range for the property being measured. Accuracy and resolution specifications vary according to the range being measured. The meter meets IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) safety standard 61010, and is rated for CAT (category) IV installations to 1,000V, which covers equipment at the origin of the installation, such as electricity meters and primary over-current protection equipment. It has CE (European Conformity) marking and is IP (Ingress Protection) 54 rated against dust and water spray. The unit comes with a soft carrying case.

Specifications

H is height, the vertical distance from lowest to highest point; W is width, the horizontal distance from left to right; D is depth, the horizontal distance from front to back.

Clamp-meters, also called clamp-on meters, have two jaws that fit around a conductor to measure electrical current without cutting through wires, or touching or interrupting the electrical circuit. Available in handheld or benchtop models, clamp-meters diagnose problems in electrical equipment, wiring, and power supplies. All clamp-meters test for current. Some come with test leads and inputs for measuring voltage, capacitance, and resistance. They display information either in analog or digital form. Factors that influence meter choice include the electrical properties to be measured, the anticipated range of results, and the desired level of protection against transient voltage. Safety ratings are based on International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards for low-voltage test equipment. IEC 61010 delineates four overvoltage installation categories. In general, a meter with a category IV rating will provide more protection against transient voltages than a meter with a lower category rating.

AEMC Instruments manufactures electrical testing and measurement instruments, including clamp meters, power quality analyzers, ground resistance testers, and data loggers. The company, founded in 1893, is headquartered in Foxborough, MA.

What's in the Box?

• AEMC 401 digital clamp-meter
• Test lead set
• Test probe set
• Alligator clip set
• K-type thermocouple probe with adapter
• (4) 1.5 V AA batteries
• Soft carrying case
• Instructions