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Difference between Multimeter and Clamp Meter
Both multimeter and clamp meter are types of electronic measuring and testing instruments used to measure different types electrical quantities such as current, voltage, resistance, etc. However, these two devices test different electrical measurements. It is difficult to find out which instrument to choose for a specific measurement, especially if one is new to electrical work. But, in simple words, we can say that a multimeter is used to measure current, voltage, resistance, continuity, etc. while the clamp meter is used to measure currents.
In this article, we have explained the differences between the multimeter and clamp meter along with their brief description.
What is a Multimeter?
Multimeter, as the name implies, is a combination of different measuring instruments in a single unit. The multimeter is a handheld measuring device which is used to measure multiple electrical quantities such as current, voltage, resistance, etc.
A typical multimeter detects the fault in the electric circuit and also gives the values of electrical parameter in the standard unit. An extended version of multimeter can also measure other electrical properties like transistors gain, diode forward voltage, capacitance, etc.
A basic multimeter is a combination of a DC voltmeter, AC voltmeter, DC ammeter, AC ammeter and ohmmeter. The multimeter is one of the important measuring instrument which is preferred by electricians for troubleshooting the problems in electrical appliances, motors, circuits, etc.
Based on the design and method of measurement and display, the multimeters are classified into two types as −
- Analog Multimeter
- Digital Multimeter
An analog multimeter is a type of multimeter based around the use of a moving coil meter. It consists of a display of analog form that uses the deflection of a pointer to indicate the level of the measurement.
A digital multimeter (DMM) is a measuring device which can also be used to measure electrical quantities such as voltage, current and resistance. In a digital multimeter, the measured value of the quantity is displayed on a digital screen.
What is a Clamp Meter?
A clamp meter is an electrical measuring device that tests for electrical faults and measures the electric current in the circuits. In practice, different models of clamp meters are available that can perform a variety of electrical measurements, but the main function of a clamp meter is to measure the electric current.
A basic clamp meter is a handheld device. It consists of a body with sensors at the end which can clamp around the wire whose current is to be measured. The design of the clamp meter is very similar to the multimeter, the only difference is that it has a clamp at the end. The working of the clamp meter is based on the principle of current transformer.
Difference between Multimeter and Clamp Meter
The major differences between a multimeter and a clamp meter are highlighted in the following table −
| Basis of Difference | Multimeter | Clamp Meter |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A multimeter is a multipurpose electrical measurement device used for measuring various electrical quantities such as current, voltage, resistance, continuity, etc. | A clamp meter is a handheld electrical measurement device which is mainly used for measuring the electric current in a circuit. |
| Design | A multimeter consists of two contact wires called probes, which are placed directly on the circuit that we are measuring. | Clamp meter consists of a clamp at the end which acts as a sensor for measuring the current in the wire around which it is clamped. |
| Function | A multimeter is used to test and troubleshoot the faulty electrical devices and circuits. A multimeter can function as a voltmeter, ammeter, and ohmmeter. | The major function of a clamp meter is to measure the electric current without making any direct contact to the circuit. |
| Need of breaking the circuit | We must break the circuit first because the multimeter is inserted in series within the circuit. | We do not need to break the circuit to perform the measurement with a clamp meter. |
| Accuracy | The accuracy of the multimeter is high as compared to clamp meter. | The clamp meter is less accurate than the multimeter. |
| Safety | The multimeter is directly connected in the circuit through the probes, hence it less safe than a clamp meter. | As the clamp meter does not make a direct contact with the circuit, hence, it is safer to use. |
| Best suited for | The multimeter is best suited for those electrical works where a variety of tests need to be performed that offer precise results. | Clamp meter is best suited for the general testing of current with decreased accuracy. |
| Cost | The multimeters are more expensive than clamp meters because they are more accurate and test more measurements. | The cost of a clamp meter is relatively less than that of a multimeter because of less accuracy. |
Conclusion
We discussed all the noticeable differences between a multimeter and a clamp meter. Both instruments are used to perform electrical measurements. As the above table gives a number of differences between clamp meter and multimeter, but the most significant difference between the two devices is that a multimeter consists of two contact wires (called probes) and measures multiple electrical quantities such as current, voltage and resistance, etc., whereas a clamp meter has a jaw at one end and primarily used to measure electric current in the circuit without direct contact with the current.
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