YvanFeb 28

#Electonics Fedi — in the UK — can anyone recommend a clamp meter capable of measuring DC amps that is worth owning, preferably under £50, ideally more rather than less "under" lol.

Ideally it should also log min/max.

My current cheap TackLife clamp meter has always seemed fine for AC mains wiring use, but I'm struggling with DC car electronics where it always seems to be claiming it has detected AC amps and is giving me definitely weird numbers. There seems to be no manual DC/AC mode, it claims to be "auto". (I am trying to assess the state of an alternator.)

[Edit: it doesn't actually do DC 🤦🏻 I am an idiot.]

Show threadgroff 🇺🇦Feb 28
@yvan There'd normally be a mode or select button to switch ac/dc. Which model is it?
Show threadYvanFeb 28
@geoffl yeah, no mode switch I can find. I tried all the buttons including various long/on/off presses on the power switch.
Show threadYvan
@geoffl just a cheapie I bought for very basic mains testing
Feb 28 at 2:44pmWeb
Show threadgroff 🇺🇦Feb 28
@yvan Looks like that only does AC amps, judging by the symbols on it.
Show threadYvanFeb 28
@geoffl you know what, I saw the DC symbol below the AC amp symbol and entirely failed to clock the big fucking "V" below it. Shite. 😂
Show threadgroff 🇺🇦Feb 28
@yvan We've all been there. 😂
Show threadYvanFeb 28
@geoffl well I am definitely still looking for a decent value DC clamp meter for automotive use 😅
Show threadYvanFeb 28
@geoffl which I also think comes with the requirement "not massive so It can fit in tighter spaces". I can only just squeeze this TackLife one into the small space where I can access the cable off the alternator.
Show threadgroff 🇺🇦Feb 28

@yvan Mine doesn't do DC amps, I've not had the need. The parkside one, available tomorrow, doesn't either I just checked. Some of the other techlife models do. Other brands have a fixed jaw and retractable arm which can be better in tight spaces.

The listings are horrible online and often don't it clear if they do DC amps of not.

EECblog forums might have suggestions.