Attn all electronics gurus (not vape related, but need a hand)

[Hans Wermhat]

I am looking for a tool I have never seen. I need a clamp meter that will accurately measure down to 1 milliamp, but with jaws big enough to wrap around a piece of wire 1 1/4" in diameter. I think my boss is on crack, but he swears he saw one once and has charged me with finding one. Fluke makes a dozen different meters that will measure current that low, but there are no clamp attachments I can find that will handle a wire that big. Can anybody help? Thanks guys.

 

[bloodless2010]

You've probably never seen it because it doesn't need to exist, if you're looking for a multimeter (Judging by what you say in the post) it should be suffice, you don't need to clamp the connection piece to a wire, just make sure there is solid connection and there should be no problem with the reading. Most multimeters/ampmeters these days will easily be able to read down to 1mA. Unless you're looking for a LED display that shows the amps, that might be a different story.

 

[Bad Ninja]

Sound like you need a set of "jumper cables" from your trunk.
Attach cables to posts, then use multimeter to touch/ test the jumper.
Simple and easy.

Tell you boss use his head for more than a hat rack, and tell his boss you need a promotion.

 

[bloodless2010]

Sound like you need a set of "jumper cables" from your trunk.
Attach cables to posts, then use multimeter to touch/ test the jumper.
Simple and easy.

Tell you boss use his head for more than a hat rack, and tell his boss you need a promotion.

Crocodile clips should be suffice
Edit: Didn't see the diameter of the wire, maybe not lol

 

[xtwosm0kesx]

Believe he is referring to a clamp style meter for measuring current flow in an already completed circuit, ie there are no connections to attach leads to/measure from.

Sorry no ideas where to find one with the specs u need though.

 

[dbjune13]

I use a Milwaukee amp clamp every day. catalog number 2237-20 Clamp opens up to 1.3 inches. Not sure how low it will measure. Hope this helps.

 

[Hans Wermhat]

Believe he is referring to a clamp style meter for measuring current flow in an already completed circuit, ie there are no connections to attach leads to/measure from.

Yes, this.

I just found it... sorta. Fluke makes a clamp attachment (sold seperately, some assembly required, batteries not included) that will open that wide and measure that low, but it only works accurately at such a low current with a half dozen of their multi-meters, 3 of which are discontinued... ... ... The other three are not in stock anywhere within 100 miles of me and he wants it today. Of course. I don't know about a promotion as I'm already the head of my department, but a raise is certainly in order.

 

[Hans Wermhat]

Milwaukee amp clamp

measures down to 1A. I'm still trying to figure out why someone would pull in a piece of 750 MCM out there on the site if its only carrying a load measured in mA.

 

[93gc40]

Have you called Fluke directly yet. Or their factory rep........ 2 phone calls and I bet you have the solution.. Whether a Fluke product or not, in under a half hour.

 

[Hans Wermhat]

Politics here demand that I buy from vendors with whom we already have an account. I called Fluke to find out who has the tools I need. An A/C supply place in Witchita Falls has the meter, but obviously no account there since I'm in Dallas and work for an electrical contractor. One of our vendors has a warehouse in Waco that thinks they might have the clamp?... on a shelf?... somewhere?... maybe?

 

[philoshop]

measures down to 1A. I'm still trying to figure out why someone would pull in a piece of 750 MCM out there on the site if its only carrying a load measured in mA.

I'm kinda curious about this as well.

 

[edyle]

I am looking for a tool I have never seen. I need a clamp meter that will accurately measure down to 1 milliamp, but with jaws big enough to wrap around a piece of wire 1 1/4" in diameter. I think my boss is on crack, but he swears he saw one once and has charged me with finding one. Fluke makes a dozen different meters that will measure current that low, but there are no clamp attachments I can find that will handle a wire that big. Can anybody help? Thanks guys.

he's probably talking about this type of thing

but that's for measuring amps, not milliamps.

 

[Mike 586]

The guy does realize 1mA is 0.001A right? Hopefully he's just having a brain fart and saying milliamp when he means 0.1A. I don't even see even a closed, purpose build, CT for stationary equipment reading a 500A+ wire at that level of accuracy.

EDIT:

Didn't notice it was a 750mcm, had 1,000 in my head...but anyway...

...just get a calibrated Fluke 376 and tell him that's as good as it gets. It's an awesome meter and accurate enough for anyone in their right mind.

 

[Hans Wermhat]

Actually, this.

with this is gonna be my best bet I think.

 

[retired1]

As this isn't vape related, moved to The Lounge.

 

[Hans Wermhat]

Yeah, he had a brain fart. Was looking for 100mA. Lol! That clamp attachment above is the best I can find so far. But like I said nobody we trade with has either it or the meter locally.

 

[Hans Wermhat]

Amazon.com: GTC CM100 1 mA to 100 Amps AC/DC Low Current Clamp Meter: Automotive
It doesn't open wide enough, but I WAS amazed to find this...

 

[Mike 586]

I bought one of these for myself last Xmass. Love it!

It also reads to the resolution you're looking for and might be easier to find.

EDIT: Actually I've got a 376.