Electrical measuring pliers: purpose, characteristics

The need to measure electricity arises not only among workers of the appropriate profile, but also among ordinary people. In this case, electrical clamps are becoming indispensable, characterized by convenience and ease of use.

Varieties

This tool allows you to measure almost all electrical parameters, for example voltage or current. At the same time, the network does not change in the process, and the network does not break. Devices are divided into several types depending on the measured values:

• Ampere voltmeter;
• wattmeter;
• ammeter;
• Phase meter;
• Ohmmeter.

The most popular use of current clamps, necessary for determining the alternating current in the conductor. They take into account the physical processes of the current transformer, which has two windings. The first is a bus with measured parameters, and the second has a connection with a special magnetic core.

What are the electrical clamps used for?

First of all, they are used to calculate the network load. In a single-phase version, the work is performed in the following sequence: measurements are made on the incoming conductor, the resulting parameters are multiplied by the line voltage and the cosine of the interfacial angle (in the absence of the reactive load, it is unity).

Also with the help of such a tool it is possible to determine the power of electrical equipment or household appliance. The result is calculated according to the formula, in which the value of the current in a certain section of the circuit must be taken into account.

In addition, current clamps are suitable for checking the electrochemical devices, in particular, to determine the correctness of their functioning. So you can find out if there are any discrepancies in the meter reading and actual energy consumption.

Design

The main elements of the instrument are the working part, which makes measurements, winding and magnetic circuit. The latter is a handle, between it and the working element is a winding, acting as insulation. Such a design has all the units regardless of the specifics of the operation and the measured voltage. It should be noted that there is no handle in one-handed tools, its function is performed by an isolating connection.

Electrical and insulating tools are divided into two types, depending on what the electrical clamp is used for, that is, the power of the network. Two-hand devices are suitable for work with voltage up to 10 kV, while the limit of single-handed ones is 1 kV. The first option provides a measurement without disconnecting the mains, and the indicators must comply with the established standards: the length of the handles should be more than 13 cm, and the insulating part should be at least 38 cm. The equipment used for low-power networks is not subject to such requirements.

Terms of Use

First you need to open the tool and take one cable that can have any phase. After closing, the parameters of the detected value are displayed on the screen. If you want to make measurements in a place with complicated access, you can use a special button for fixing the readings. That is, the values will be displayed on the screen even after disconnecting from the conductor. Use is possible on installations of any kind, both closed and open. Measurements in the open air should be made only under the condition of suitable weather conditions and no precipitation.

Work with electrical clamps is carried out only when equipped with special dielectric gloves. Also, the person doing the measurements should be on a surface with insulating functions. The instrument is subject to systematic verification in case of intensive use, it is based on a high voltage level and is produced every two years. When buying a device for work at home, you need to pay attention to the presence of verification by the manufacturer, which is indicated on a special stamp. Despite the fact that electric clamps are accessible to everyone, care must be taken when using this tool and observe the established rules. It is desirable that measurements are made by two people - one is engaged in removing parameters, and the other reads and writes the final values.

How to choose

Quality materials used for manufacturing are the main parameter of choice. In the modern market there are a lot of budget tools of Chinese production, but they are usually made of low-quality rubber and plastic and have a characteristic sharp smell.

The cost of such products is small, as well as the service life. At the same time, if you need electric measuring digital clamps for household use, you should not choose devices with an extensive list of functions and possibilities of use, since most of them will remain unclaimed, and the price for them is quite high. Optimal option will be a device that measures voltages, resistance and amperage.

Preparation for use

Works can be made in current-carrying elements with or without insulation. The electrical measuring tools must be thoroughly inspected before being used for faults, after which the handle and the insulating element must be wiped clean with a dry cloth. Also during the inspection, attention should be paid to the joints of the magnetic circuit parts: there should be no traces of corrosion and contamination, and the insulating part should have a uniform coating without visible damage. It is worth noting that the particles of rust on the magnetic circuit will reduce the density of adhesion of its elements, as a result, the results of measurements will be incorrect. As mentioned earlier, dielectric gloves are an essential addition to the tool .

What you need to know

In the process of measuring, electrical measuring clamps must be kept on extended or bent hands, and they should not touch grounded and current-carrying cables. This is necessary to ensure safety and prevent accidental contact of the operator's hands with live parts.

Special materials are used for manufacturing the insulating part and handle. The working part can have a metal base or be made of insulating material. If steel was used for the manufacture of sponges, then they must be secured with lining to prevent damage to the fuse holder during manipulation.

Change of fuses without removing the voltage is carried out in goggles. Before use, the mites are inspected to verify their integrity and integrity of the lacquer coating of the insulating parts.

Features

On the clamp, the electrical measuring price can vary depending on the quality of the workmanship, the available functions and the design. On average, such an instrument will cost in the amount of 3000-4000 rubles.

On the hand side of the insulating element there is a stopper in the form of an abutment or a ring whose diameter is 10-15 mm larger than the handle. The workpiece must have an ergonomic shape that ensures a tight grip of the electrical safety devices and the fuse holder. The dimensions of the ticks are determined by the ease of use.