TPI 265 HVACR Autoranging Digital Clamp-On Meter with Frequency and Capacitance, 40 Megaohms Resistance, 600V AC/DC Voltage, 400A AC Current

The TPI 265 digital clamp meter is an average-sensing, manual- and auto-ranging multimeter for measuring current, voltage, resistance, capacitance, and frequency in electrical testing applications. It has a clamp that measures AC current to 400 amp. The clamp has two jaws that can close around an electrical conductor up to 35mm (1.37") in diameter to measure current without touching or interrupting the circuit. A set of test leads is included for measuring AC and DC voltage to 600V, resistance to 40 megohms, voltage frequency to 40mHz (megahertz), and capacitance to 4,000 microfarads. An audible continuity sensor confirms that the circuit conducts electricity, and a diode check detects whether a circuit's diodes are working properly. 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. The meter has a rotary switch to select the property to measure, and a 4,000-count LCD that shows readings numerically and in a 41-segment bar graph. The unit operates on a single 9V battery, 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. Clamp meters are typically used by electrical engineers to measure properties of electrical current without physically touching or disconnecting the conductor.

This average-sensing, or average-responding, meter provides accurate readings when measuring linear loads, such as standard induction motors and incandescent lights, where the current or voltage has a sinusoidal waveform. It has two ranging modes: manual, which allows the user to select the operating range, and auto, which automatically selects the appropriate operating range. Accuracy and resolution specifications vary according to the range being measured. It meets International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) safety standard 61010 and is rated for CAT III installations to 600V, which covers items used with enclosed building circuit installations, such as service panel parts, branch circuits, and fixed installations that are connected directly to a building's AC power supply. The European Conformity (CE) marking indicates compliance with applicable European Union directives. The unit comes with a test lead set, a 9V battery, a carrying case, and instructions.

Specifications

H is height, the vertical distance from the 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, 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. A current clamp has two jaws that fit around a conductor to take measurements. 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 voltages. 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.

Test Products International (TPI) manufactures test and measurement equipment such as oscilloscopes, manometers, multimeters, and test leads. The company, founded in 1997, is headquartered in Beaverton, OR.

What's in the Box?

• TPI 265 Clamp meter
• Test lead set
• 9V battery
• Case
• Instructions