Measuring clamp: types, purpose. Electrical appliances

Electrotechnical measures are necessarily carried out in the framework of construction and major repairs. In addition, their methods are used in some industries and in testing materials. An obligatory component of the arsenal of any electrician is electrical measuring instruments, which allow to determine the performance characteristics of a particular line.

General information about electrical measuring equipment

Most instruments of this class are guided by the definition of three main parameters - current, voltage and resistance. In this case, there are devices that allow you to determine just three characteristics, and there is a specialized equipment designed to identify specific indicators. But all devices differ in one important condition of work - they do not tear and do not deform the existing line. In particular, measuring pincers are able to record the values of high-current currents without breaking the circuit. True, there are significant disadvantages for compact models of this type. First, as a rule, they are not very accurate. Suffice it to say that the quality of the parameter definition depends on the position of the working parts of the device. Secondly, in order to obtain more or less objective data, certain training is required for the user himself.

In what cases are measuring pincers used?

Ticks have a very specific field of application. The fact is that professional measuring equipment is quite suitable for working in rooms and on the construction site, where there are all conditions for comfortable work. In turn, ticks are more likely to work in difficult places, including high-voltage lines. It would seem that work on responsible sites may not be available to the simplest tools of this type. But specifically to maintain sufficient working properties, for example, dc measuring clamps are supplemented with auxiliary equipment. So, if a measurement is made on the same high-voltage line, then it will not be superfluous to use the multimeter function in addition. Preference should be given to digital models - they will make the function of ticks more precise and convenient for subsequent processing and registration.

Types of measuring ticks

There are three principles for the separation of measuring ticks by species. The basic classification provides for the segmentation of instruments by the type of the measured quantity. In particular, electrical measuring instruments can be represented by wattmeters, ohmmeters, phase meters, etc. Of course, there are also universal models designed to process several quantities at once, but the accuracy of such measurements is usually inferior to specialized instruments.

The second principle of separation refers to the structural design. On this basis, the models are divided into digital hull and open-frame. No less important is the method of data transmission - this is the third method of classification. For example, most devices realize the translation of data over analog channels. But more and more often there are wireless devices. These include the Fluke clamp meter in the modification of the CNX 3000. This unit can be connected to a multimeter or a laptop using special adapters.

Tool characteristics

The main parameters that determine the functionality of the measuring equipment are based on the maximum values of the determined quantities. For example, for voltage, the maximum for standard models is usually 600 V. For resistance, a similar parameter will have a range of 20-40 Ω. In addition, it is important to take into account the error factor. Usually professional instruments of this class have a minimum deviation value of about 1%. Household measuring pincers perform measurements with an average error of about 2%. Also, when choosing a measuring electrotechnical device, it is worth paying attention to other, ergonomic parameters. If we are talking about a digital device, then, for example, it will not be superfluous to evaluate the interface performance, display resolution, and communication capabilities.

Manufacturers

Functional and technological models of ticks are represented on the market by the brands Elitech, the mentioned company Fluke, Sturm, etc. These are modern devices that allow to establish a tight communication link with computers and multimeters. Developers think over and design the models in terms of minimizing interference, and take care of the overall ergonomics of the devices. More traditional models are produced by domestic companies, including Zubr and Resanta. As a rule, these are Dietze pliers with a classical design that perform basic measurements of resistance, current and voltage. At the same time, it can not be said that Russian devices significantly lose foreign products in manufacturability. Budget versions really look just against the background of premium Elitech or Fluke equipment, but in some families of the same Zubr brand there is a technique with modern solutions for the functional and structural implementation of the case.

Price issue

Again, differences on the price tag are especially striking when comparing Russian and foreign products. In the budget rulings of domestic companies, you can find models for 1-2 thousand rubles. Better equipment, which can be used in solving professional problems, is estimated at 3-4 thousand rubles. By the way, in the same range are budgetary foreign measuring pliers. The price of professional instruments from Fluke or Sturm can reach 6-7 thousand. This level of the same wireless technology, which is different and high accuracy of measurements, and durability.

Conclusion

In the choice of measuring equipment, it is important to assess the requirements for planned operations. The formats of operation of such instruments are very different, therefore, the selection parameters can differ markedly. So, for annual work on a household line in the private service it is possible to purchase measuring pincers with a typical design, analog data supply and cost up to 2 thousand. For a master who often encounters working necessity with the solution of measuring problems of this kind, it is necessary to provide a more serious apparatus . It can be a model with a price tag of about 4 thousand, which will provide the user with the opportunity to interface with auxiliary equipment. This option is optimal both in terms of measurement accuracy, both in terms of performance and ergonomics in handling the instrument.