Clamp meter on a $200 budget?

Here's what I use in my shop for less than $100 as well as a higher cost clamp meter with more capabilities.

Mr. Sokol,

I am a newbie to the RV life and have purchased a Winnebago 1020FB travel trailer. I have an engineering background but in mechanical engineering. With all the maintenance and electrical including solar, generator, power supply at campground and inverter I am looking for a clamp multimeter. I have reviewed several companies from Fluke, ldeal and other manufacturers but come away confused to what’s appropriate.

I would like to stay under $200.00 but would like an accurate tool for the use I am going to require. What is your input for this application? It would be much appreciated.

Thank you - Dennis D

Dear Dennis,

First of all, you can call me Mike. 😁

You’ll want a clamp meter with TRUE RMS measurement (better accuracy with distorted waveforms), as well as AC and DC clamp amperage capability.

Less than $100

Here’s the clamp meter I use in my training classes as well as general troubleshooting. It’s also the same meter issued to many RV technicians. The Southwire 21550T measures up to 400 Amperes of AC or DC current, so it can be used on your 120 volt AC electrical systems as well as 12-volt (or 48 volt) DC battery systems. Find it for less than $100 on Amazon HERE.

Around $200

If you want a meter with all of the above features, plus a Bluetooth link to a smart phone app as well as 1,000 Amp range and inrush current measurements, then the Southwire MaintenancePRO 23090T is a great choice for around $200. Find it on Amazon HERE.

Let’s play safe out there… Mike

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