Zangenampereometer

A Zangenampereometer, commonly called a clamp meter, is a portable instrument used to measure electric current in a conductor without opening the circuit. It works by placing a hinged jaw around a single conductor; the current flowing through the conductor creates a magnetic field that the instrument senses and converts into a reading.

Most clamp meters for alternating current rely on a current transformer: the conductor acts as the primary winding, and the magnetic flux induces a secondary current in the instrument’s core, which is then processed to display the current value. For direct current, many devices use a Hall-effect sensor to directly sense the magnetic field produced by the DC current. Some models combine both methods and offer true RMS measurement to better handle non-sinusoidal waveforms.

Typical handheld Zangenampereometer can measure from milliamperes to thousands of amperes, depending on design and jaw size. Many meters also include supplementary functions such as measuring voltage, resistance, continuity, frequency, and temperature, along with features like data hold, relative measurements, min/max recording, and Bluetooth or USB connectivity for data logging. Safety ratings (CAT classifications) indicate suitability for various installation environments and voltages, reflecting construction and insulation standards.

Applications of the device include electrical installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and testing in industrial, commercial, and residential settings. By allowing current measurements without interrupting the circuit, clamp meters enable quick, on-site assessments of loads, fault currents, and wiring conditions, contributing to safer and more efficient diagnostics. The term Zangenampereometer reflects its German origins, with synonyms such as Zangenamperemeter or clamp meter used in technical contexts.