Clamp meter or multimeter? Reading the spec sheet
A clamp meter reads current through its jaws without opening the circuit; a multimeter reads voltage, resistance and continuity through test leads, and small currents only when it is wired into the circuit through its fused input. Many electricians carry one of each, and many clamp meters also take leads for voltage. Below are the spec lines that separate the models, with the meters we cover grouped by what their makers publish. Nothing here is a test result; every figure is on each model's own page with its source.
Five lines on the spec sheet
- Safety rating (CAT and voltage): where in the system the meter is built to be used. See the CAT ratings guide below.
- True-RMS: reads current and voltage correctly on distorted waveforms (drives, LED drivers, electronic ballasts). An averaging meter is accurate only on a clean sine wave.
- DC current: many clamp meters measure AC current only. Solar, battery and automotive work needs a DC current range.
- Low-impedance (LoZ) mode: drains ghost voltage induced from nearby wires, so a dead conductor reads near zero instead of a misleading figure.
- Display counts and jaw opening: counts set the resolution (a 6,000-count meter shows 240.0 V where a 2,000-count meter shows 240 V); the jaw opening sets the largest conductor or bundle a clamp can close around.
Clamp meters that publish a DC current range
Each of these lists DC current on its maker's page, as well as AC.
- Fluke 325Clamp Meter - CAT III 600 V, CAT IV 300 V; leads: TL75 Test Leads
- Fluke 376 FCClamp Meter - CAT III 1,000 V, CAT IV 600 V; leads: TL75 Test Leads
- Klein Tools CL800Clamp Meter - CAT IV 600 V; leads: 41'' (1041.4 mm) Test Leads
- Klein Tools CL900Clamp Meter - CAT IV 600 V, CAT III 1,000 V; leads: Straight Input Test Leads
- Klein Tools CL390Clamp Meter - CAT III 600 V; leads: Test Leads
- Milwaukee 2237-20Clamp Meter - CAT III 600 V; leads: Test Lead Set
Meters that publish a low-impedance (LoZ) mode
Listed as a feature or mode on the maker's page.
- Klein Tools CL800Clamp Meter - CAT IV 600 V; leads: 41'' (1041.4 mm) Test Leads
- Klein Tools CL900Clamp Meter - CAT IV 600 V, CAT III 1,000 V; leads: Straight Input Test Leads
- Klein Tools CL700Clamp Meter - CAT IV 600 V; leads: Test Leads
- Klein Tools MM700Multimeter - CAT IV 600 V, CAT III 1,000 V; leads: Test Leads
- Klein Tools MM720Multimeter - CAT IV 600 V, CAT III 1,000 V; leads: Test Leads with CAT III/CAT IV Safety Caps
- Milwaukee 2217-20Multimeter - CAT III 600 V; leads: Electrical Test Lead Set
Multimeters rated CAT IV 600 V
The highest category among the multimeters we cover; each also lists CAT III 1000 V.
- Fluke 87VMultimeter - CAT III 1,000 V, CAT IV 600 V; leads: TL75 Test Leads (TL175 Eur)
- Fluke 87V MAXMultimeter - CAT IV 600 V, CAT III 1,000 V; leads: TL175 TwistGuard test leads
- Fluke 179Multimeter - CAT III 1,000 V, CAT IV 600 V; leads: Test leads
- Klein Tools MM700Multimeter - CAT IV 600 V, CAT III 1,000 V; leads: Test Leads
- Klein Tools MM720Multimeter - CAT IV 600 V, CAT III 1,000 V; leads: Test Leads with CAT III/CAT IV Safety Caps
- Klein Tools MM600Multimeter - CAT IV 600 V, CAT III 1,000 V; leads: Test Leads
Check the box before you pay
- Test leads: the rating that applies is the lowest of the meter and its leads. Each model's page lists the leads in the box.
- Cells: most meters ship with their AA, AAA or 9 V cells installed; the box list says so where the maker does.
- Case or holster: listed on each page when the maker includes one.
- Temperature probe: several meters include a thermocouple; it is named in the box list where it is in the box.
Researched by Rob, licensed electrician (Australia). Figures and box contents are copied from each maker's US product page, with the date checked on each model's page. This page groups models by what the makers publish; it does not rank them. Found an error? Tell us.
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