Clamp Meters | AC/DC & Direct Current Digital Clamp Meters

Digital clamp meters for measuring AC and direct current (DC) without breaking the circuit — clamp around a single conductor for an instant, safe current reading. The CENTER range spans economy AC-only models through to TRMS AC/DC meters with dedicated DC current ranges down to 0.01A resolution, plus specialist leakage-current, inrush-current and HVAC models. If you’re comparing this page to component-level current sensors for panel-mount or energy-monitoring use rather than a handheld test tool, see the FAQ below.

Digital clamp meters for measuring AC and direct current (DC) without breaking the...

CENTER 20 economy AC Clamp Meter with AC/DC Voltage

AC or DC Clamp Meter — Which Do You Need?

Most general electrical work only needs an AC clamp meter. Direct current (DC) measurement — needed for solar/PV systems, battery banks, DC motor circuits and automotive/marine 12V–48V systems — requires a clamp meter with a dedicated DC current range and, for accurate low readings, a zero-adjustment function. Several CENTER models in this range measure both AC and DC current (TRMS AC/DC), with DC resolution down to 0.01A on the C250, C251, C252 and C260.

TRMS, Leakage and Inrush — Specialist Clamp Meters

True RMS (TRMS) clamp meters give accurate readings on the non-sinusoidal waveforms common in variable-speed drives, UPS systems and modern electronic loads — look for ‘TRMS’ in the model name if your load isn’t a simple linear circuit. Leakage clamp meters (CENTER 265) measure milliamp-level leakage current for earth-fault and insulation testing. Inrush clamp meters (CENTER 250) capture the brief high-current surge when motors and transformers start up.

Clamp Meter or Current Sensor — Which Do You Need?

The clamp meters on this page are handheld, battery-powered digital instruments with a display, built for field testing and troubleshooting by electricians and technicians. If you’re looking for a small open-core current-sensing component to wire permanently into an energy monitor, PLC or embedded project (for example a split-core CT sensor), that’s a different product category to what’s stocked on this page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I buy an AC clamp meter or an AC/DC clamp meter?

An AC-only clamp meter covers most general electrical testing. Choose an AC/DC (TRMS) model if you work on solar/PV, battery, DC motor or automotive/marine systems.

What does TRMS mean on a clamp meter?

True RMS — gives an accurate reading on non-sinusoidal waveforms, such as those from variable-speed drives or electronic loads, where a standard averaging meter reads incorrectly.

What's the difference between a clamp meter and a current sensor?

A clamp meter is a handheld, battery-powered instrument with a display for field testing. A current sensor (e.g. a split-core CT sensor) is a small component wired permanently into an energy monitor or embedded project — a different product to what's stocked on this page.

What is a leakage clamp meter used for?

It measures small (milliamp-level) leakage current for earth-fault and insulation testing — see the CENTER 265 model.

Can a clamp meter measure DC current?

Only if it's rated for DC — look for ‘AC/DC’ or ‘DC’ in the model name. AC-only clamp meters cannot measure direct current.

How to Use a Clamp Meter?

Clamp meters are designed to measure current by detecting the magnetic field around a conductor. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Select the Appropriate Mode:Turn the dial to the correct function—either AC (A~) or DC (A⎓)—depending on the current type you intend to measure.
Zero the Meter (for DC Measurements):Before measuring DC current, perform a zero adjustment to eliminate any offset and ensure accuracy.
Prepare the Meter:If your clamp meter has test probes attached, disconnect them to avoid interference during current measurement.
Clamp Around a Single Conductor:Open the jaws of the clamp meter and place them around only one conductor (wire). Clamping around multiple wires can result in inaccurate readings due to opposing currents canceling each other out.
Position the Conductor Properly:Ensure the conductor is centered within the clamp jaws for optimal measurement accuracy.
Read the Measurement:Once clamped, the meter will display the current flowing through the conductor on its screen.

Clamp Meter for Accurate Electrical Current Testing and Troubleshooting

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Brands

Price Range

CENTER 20 | AC Clamp Meter (Economy) with AC/DC Voltage

CENTER 200 | AC/DC Clamp Meter with Frequency Measurement (Pocket Size)

CENTER 201 | AC/DC Clamp Meter with Frequency Measurement (Pocket Size)

CENTER 202 | TRMS AC/DC Clamp Meter

CENTER 212 | TRMS AC/DC Clamp Meter

CENTER 22 | TRMS AC Clamp Meter (Pocket Size)

CENTER 221 | AC Clamp Meter (Pocket Size) with Continuity

CENTER 222 | AC/DC Clamp Meter (Pocket Size), 600A/600V

CENTER 223 | AC/DC Clamp Meter, 1mA Resolution (Pocket Size)

CENTER 23 | TRMS AC/DC Clamp Meter (Pocket Size)

CENTER 232 | TRMS AC/DC WATT Clamp Meter

CENTER 24 | Flexible TRMS AC Clamp Meter, 400A (8″ Flexible Loop)

CENTER 25 | Flexible AC Current Clamp Sensor, 3000A (for Use with a Multimeter)

CENTER 250 | Inrush Clamp Meter with Frequency Measurement, 0.01A Resolution

CENTER 251 | HVAC Clamp Meter with Temperature & Capacitance, 0.01A Resolution

CENTER 252 | AC/DC Clamp Meter with Zero Function, 0.01A Resolution

CENTER 26 | Flexible TRMS AC Clamp Meter, 3000A

CENTER 260 | TRMS AC/DC Clamp Meter, Thin Jaw, 1mA Resolution

CENTER 261 | TRMS AC+DC Clamp Meter with Combined Reading

CENTER 262 | TRMS Milli-Amp AC/DC Clamp Meter, 0.1mA Resolution

AC or DC Clamp Meter — Which Do You Need?

TRMS, Leakage and Inrush — Specialist Clamp Meters

Clamp Meter or Current Sensor — Which Do You Need?

Frequently Asked Questions