allsun AC/DC Mini Clamp Meter Handheld Digital Multimeter CAT III Max. Input 400A/600V 50Hz-60Hz

I bought this low-cost clamp-on ammeter figuring it would be -eh- just okay - to replace an old B&K unit.It has two sensitivities, 1 mV/A and 10 mV/A, which, with the maximum output of 400 mV, translates to 400A and 40A full scale, respectively. On the higher sensitivity setting, it had mA resolution with a high-quality DVM, which I already had. So it is not necessary to re-configure the DVM to measure current directly, and that removes the risk of blowing _yet another_ $5 fast-acting HRC fuse. That means it is sensitive enough enough for most electronics work, except for sub-milliamp or microamp circuits which always require dedicated bench top meters. And for household and light-industrial use, a 10x AC line splitter is a perfect complement for similar sensitivity reasons.The unit is the magnetic clamp, with its internal amplifier, and needs a DVM to get the reading. That isn't the drawback it might seem: 1 Many of us already have a DVM, often better than the one in the integrated clamp-ons. And if a meter is needed, the user has the flexibility to choose one is best-suited to the application, 2 It's less expensive that most clamp-ons with built-in DVMs, while offering better utility.and 3 It permits the display to be placed a few feet away from the clamp, which makes it easier to get a clear view. Don't be deceived! — most pictures of integrated clamp-ons can subtly fool you showing the meter up-front and center. In my experience that's rarely the case. Often, the wire needing to be measured is in a tangled mess of stiff copper wires way, in the back of a panel box.Because this unit can also measure direct current, I was most interested to learn how to zero the reading from the Hall effect sensor. The old B&K has a thumb-adjusted flat rotary wheel which is so fussy to set that it takes one hand to make the adjustment, and another to hold the clamp. And maybe a third to hold the DVM. But this product has a simple push-button auto-zero that can be operated with the thumb of the same hand holding the clamp. The auto-zero is not perfect, it left an offset equivalent to ~ 0.8 mA on my sample, still good enough for my needs.The reading drifted a bit, even when the clamp was still. I did not evaluate it in detail because it was low enough, and slow enough, to allow a typical measurement with little affect on a reading. It would also take a complex set of test equipment to be able differentiate between electronic drift and variation caused by change in magnetic fields, for which I wasn't equipped.The reading is sensitive to orientation and movement of the clamp relative to earth's magnetic field, or other nearby magnetic fields, such as from a transformer. That seems to be just the nature of the beast, and the effect can be minimized by zeroing the meter in-situ, already clamped on the wire. That eliminates changes that could be caused by moving the clamp for the reading.One area for improvement is the AC/DC button, which has weak tactile feedback and limited movement. I found it necessary to inspect the switch, sometimes operating it a few times to make sure it was in the right mode. The zero function button doesn't have that issue.In summary, I was surprised and impressed. It was much more useful than I expected, especially for the price. I immediately ordered one for my son also who has his own high-end DVM.

It works well taking AC and DC current measurements when attached to a digital volt meter. Connecting it to an oscilloscope did not work well for my PMAC motor drive project. I was unable to capture an accurate waveform in AC or DC modes.

I needed a clamp with a cable so that I could measure the continuous current draw of my golf cart. I have a BK clamp that has its screen built in so I could only see peak current after I drove the cart. Setting my DMM to peak hold it reads the same as my BK meter. I also borrowed a fluke clamp from a coworker and this reads the same continuous reading as that. I cannot speak on reading drift over time as none of my tests have lasted that long, it seems to be correct once it has been zeroed before use. Overall, I am happy with this clamp and am glad that I added it to my toolbox.

I've tested 2 of these units now.I thought first one was defective, but it had the exact same measurements as the second that came in. Build quality feels ok, light lights up, but it shows no current for AC or DC. I've tested small, moderate, and larger amounts of current (figured a small space heater would be a decent enough larger current test). Doesn't show readings at all. Tried voltage setting 2 multimeters, shows nothing. Tried the dedicated clamp setting on my multimeter, shows no current. Interestingly enough it does show the frequency of the current on my DMM when measuring AC, but that's all I could get. It shows a small response when opening and closing the clamp but nothing while the clamp is on.Disappointed, cannot recommend.

Of all the current clamps I've had over the years this one got me by surprise. It's compact, has a good metal insert for the battery door and good terminals for the battery. I was curious so I opened it up. It happens to be well put together and with good ABS plastic too, comes in a good case. It's as accurate as my Greenlee clamp on meters, it feels like a good quality cable also. It's more compact than what I expected from the pictures. It's a nice shade of blue, does not look like a toy, feels good in the hand. Thought I would toss this in the toolkit for the times that getting dirty is unavoidable, now I can't. I've used and compared it to my clamp meters a few days now and it has been consistent. Considering the price I just had to give this 5 stars.I have not been so pleased with a cheap product for a long time. ALLSUN, whoever you are, Good Work, Respect!