The Panel Decides: Best clamp meters for electricians
If you’re in the market for a new clamp meter, check out our experts’ reviews before you part with your hard-earned cash!
The Tools
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KLEIN TOOLS – Digital AC Auto-Ranging Clamp Meter |
CABAC – Compact Clamp |
FLUKE – 325 Clamp Meter |
| TRADE PRICE $105.97 + GST | TRADE PRICE $665.38 + GST | TRADE PRICE $435 + GST |
THE LOWDOWN:An automatically ranging digital clamp meter |
THE LOWDOWN: The BM079 is a powerhouse in a pocket-sized package. This 600A AC/DC meter is ideal for domestic, industrial, or auto electricians. It measures AC/DC voltage and current, and includes built-in phase rotation. Additionally, it offers EF proximity detection, continuity, resistance, temperature, capacitance, and frequency measurements. |
THE LOWDOWN:The Fluke 325 True-RMS clamp meter is a |
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| Stephen Moseley
from Stephen Moseley Electrical Experience: 39 years |
Matt De Marco
from Ric Electrics Experience: 20 years |
Alex Crawford
from One Spark Electrical Experience: 12 years |
The Verdict
KLEIN TOOLS – Ratcheting Crimper
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“APPRENTICE LEVEL.” – STEPHEN |
| Stephen: Apprentice level. This is a good, basic tester. I liked the probe holder and NCV function, although it lacks a capacitance test, which would be useful. For the price, this is a good starting tester for an apprentice. The other testers I tried out have more features. |
Matt: Lacking. A very basic meter, which means you need to carry other meters for other functions. This one isn’t great for commercial or industrial sparkies. There were no DC Amps, which is a common feature on most meters. |
Alex: Bit basic. Feels strong and durable, and it’s easy to use two-handed without having to fumble around. The clamps are too bulky, however, and I found it hard to get in tight spots. It’s a good basic meter for an apprentice. |
| VERDICT: Lacking in features.
RATING: 6/10
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VERDICT: Not for me.
RATING: 4/10
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VERDICT: I’ll pass.
RATING: 5/10
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CABAC – Compact Clamp
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“FEATURE PACKED!” – MATT |
| Stephen: Good – but expensive. I like all the functions, including the ability to test VFD output and phase rotation. It’s good for general, industrial and HVAC. The colour means it gets lost in the field easily. It is expensive, so the price may be an obstacle. |
Matt: Feature packed!. The phase rotation and motor rotation before power-up is a massive plus for me. It’s got lots of features, although you need to carry the operation manual with you to work it! On the downside, it’s expensive. |
Alex: Too much going on. The inclusion of the phase rotation was a great idea. The clamp is nice, large, narrow, and easy to get in tight spots. The settings are not clear, and there are too many settings in the one selection. |
| VERDICT: My favourite.
RATING: 8/10 *TOP PICK*
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VERDICT: Best of the three!
RATING: 8/10 *TOP PICK*
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VERDICT: Overpriced and overcomplicated.
RATING: 7/10
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FLUKE – 325 Clamp Meter
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“PICK OF THE BUNCH.” – ALEX |
| Stephen: A very good tester. This is a good, general tester. It felt good in my hand, and if it had mA and mV, this would have got my vote. I like the capacitance and temperature functions. Although the Cabac got my highest rating, this is the best buy at the price. |
Matt: All the functions. A nice-sized, durable meter, with a good-sized clamp and all the functions required. The temperature function is good but it does not have a non-contact voltage reading, which would be handy for a meter at this price point. |
Alex: Pick of the bunch. The settings are easy to understand and it has all the features I’m looking for. The display is nice and clear. It could use a probe holder or a magnet to hang it up while testing. The addition of alligator clamps would be nice to have. |
| VERDICT: Value for money.
RATING: 7/10
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VERDICT: Smart buy.
RATING: 7/10
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VERDICT: It’ll do for me!
RATING: 8/10 *TOP PICK*
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