Ampere plier or clamp meter is a measuring tool that is made to measure the current magnitude on an electric conductor, such as a conductor cable by using two parts of the clamp without direct contact with that electric conductor.
Therefore, by using this plier, you do not need to turn off or disconnect the electric current that flows in advance, simply by clamping two handles of the ampere plier then the current magnitude will be readable quickly and easily.
Generally, many ampere pliers are also functioned as multimeters. So, besides being able to be used to measure the magnitude of the current that flows on an electric conductor, this tool can also measure the resistance magnitude, DC or AC voltage, and several ampere pliers also have a function that can measure the frequency and the electric current of DC.
Besides that, the ampere plier also has other functions, here are the functions of the ampere plier:
- As a measurement tool for electric voltage, this tool can be used to measure the magnitude of 1 phase and 3 phase AC current. 1 phase is generally equal to 220 volts – 230 volts and 3 phase is equal to 380 volts – 400 volts. This tool also can be used to measure the electric current of DC or direct current, which has a small voltage ranging from 1,5 volts to 50 volts DC.
- Measuring the electric current, to measure the electric current, this ampere plier can only read the electric current of AC or alternating current. Usually, the ampere plier can measure the current magnitude until thousands of ampere, depends on the capacity owned by the plier. To see it, you can see it in the manual book or guidebook.
- Measuring the resistance, several ampere pliers can also be used to measure the resistance (ohm), usually this tool is used to disconnect/break the point where there is a short circuit on the electric cable.
After knowing its functions, then you need to understand its parts to make it easier when using the ampere plier.
1. Clamp Head
The clamp head is the handle from an ampere plier that has a function to measure the magnitude of electric current that flows on a conductor.
2. Trigger
The trigger is a trigger on the ampere plier that has a function to open the clamp head.
3. Data Hold
Data hold is a button located in the side of the ampere plier body, which when the button is pushed, will display the current magnitude from the result from the measurement of an electric conductor.
4. Range Switch
Range switch is a selector that has a function to adjust the type of measurement that will be used to measure as needed.
5. Display
The display is the screen that presents the measurement result from the ampere plier.
6. Com Terminal
Com terminal is a hole for connecting the black-colored ampere plier’s handle. Usually, it can also be called Commot Terminal.
7. Volt/Ohm Terminal
Volt/Ohm terminal is a hole for connecting the red colored handle cable.