Current clamp: device features

Current clamps are used to measure the current in the analysis and adjustment of electrical circuits. The design of the instrument allows measurement without interruption of the circuit with the equipment running. With the help of the device, the current is measured with high accuracy, so it is often used in the analysis of electronic circuits.

Most experts believe that the best tool for determining the magnitude of the current is precisely the current clamp. The principle of the device is based on the phenomenon of self-induction. In the test leads are installed ferrite cores, which serve as a magnetic circuit. The device operates on the principle of a current transformer.

To measure the value it is enough to hook the pliers on the wire and take the readings from the digital display. In this case, it does not matter whether the wire is insulated or not, the conductor on which the measurement is made can be represented as the primary winding of the current transformer, and the clamp - secondary. The created magnetic flux around the surface of the wire crosses the ferrite rod of the instrument's probes, they create an EDS, which enters the input of the electronic circuit.

In some cases, it is not possible to measure the current through a standard ammeter because of the inadmissibility of a circuit break. For this reason, a new solution was invented, which allows quick and prompt measurements of any circuits.

It is important that the current clamp be closed when measuring, in which case the magnetic circuit of the device is looped, and only then the resultant EDS arises, which can only be created by an alternating field. By the way, the closed core of the mites is nothing more than a secondary winding of the current transformer, so it is reasonable to note that the value of the current in the secondary is directly dependent on the current in the wire.

When choosing an instrument, you need to determine the needs of production. The development companies produce various current clamps. The direct current does not change in magnitude and direction, so its magnetic field does not create an EDS, as it does in the case of alternating current. However, the graph of constant values is not ideal and does not exclude microbursts and barely noticeable changes, therefore special meters are used for measuring in DC circuits, which are equipped with electronic frequency amplifiers.

It is important to determine the limits of measurement. If the device is planned to be used for low-current circuits, it is better to choose a device with a higher degree of accuracy, however, such current clamps are more expensive than analogs for working with high currents. In addition, manufacturers produce devices for measuring currents for different diameters of conductors.

Use current clamps at work and at home is very convenient. It is useful for each electrician to arm this wonderful instrument of measurement. In addition, the modern release of devices implies not only the possibility of measuring current, but is also realized with the function of measuring voltages, resistances in large ranges, as well as temperature and even power.

Today, the devices are manufactured with the ability to diagnose the transient resistances between the semiconductor regions of the transistor and the diode, and also to measure the capacitance of the capacitor. Thus, current clamps should be attributed to universal solutions when measuring electrical quantities.