Can somebody recommend a good amp meter?

Delphinus · #1 07-07-2002, 08:59 PM

What are people using to measure power draw at the wall of electrical devices (ie. pumps, ballasts)?

My DC/AC multimeter is only for small applications. (<= 500mA). Not going to be able to measure much with that..

DJ88, you've done this, right? What did you use?

DJ88 · #2 07-07-2002, 09:02 PM

I use a Fluke 87 III.

Basically you get what you pay for Tony. mine was a little over $600.

How accurate do you need to be? Is a close approximation ok? The more accurate you want the more you pay.

Delphinus · #3 07-07-2002, 10:05 PM

Boy you like the big toys, don't you!! A Fluke. I was kind of hoping there was a $100 option somewhere out there.

We have to guard our Flukes at work pretty closely. Most of our customers would give their eyeteeth to be able to walk away with them.

DJ88 · #4 07-07-2002, 10:14 PM

You can get meters at Radioshack that will run higher amperages. or look for an electronics supply store. they will have cheaper ones.

hth

StirCrazy · #5 07-07-2002, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by delphinus:
I was kind of hoping there was a $100 option somewhere out there.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I got the digital multimeter from radioshack that will do up to 10 amps and it was 120.00

Steve

JimE · #6 07-07-2002, 11:13 PM

Fluke has a clamp-on multimeter model 30 thats pretty versatile for regular guy use. I think they run about a buck & a half.

Jim

Delphinus · #7 07-08-2002, 12:30 AM

Um ... a buck and a half???

JimE · #8 07-08-2002, 12:55 AM

Sorry, still in work mode - slang for $150

Jim