The Hioki 3280-20 digital clamp-meter is a true RMS sensing, manual- and auto-ranging multimeter for measuring current, voltage, and resistance in electrical testing applications. It has a clamp that measures AC (alternating current) to 2,000A (amperes). The clamp has two jaws that can close around an electrical conductor up to 33mm (1.3 inches) in diameter to measure current without touching or interrupting the circuit. Each jaw can be opened can closed independently of the other and is 9.5mm (0.38 inches) thick to fit between narrowly spaced conductors. A set of test leads is included for measuring AC and DC voltage to 600V and resistance to 42M (megohms). The meter has a rotary switch to select the property to measure, and a 4,199-count LCD. To aid documentation of readings and capture readings in tight spaces, the data hold function keeps the most recent reading on the display after disconnecting from the circuit. A continuity buzzer confirms that the circuit conducts electricity. The unit operates on a single CR2032 battery, and turns off automatically after 30 minutes of non-use to conserve battery life. It has a low-battery indicator that signals when the battery needs to be replaced.

This true RMS (root mean square) sensing meter provides accurate readings when measuring linear or non-linear loads, regardless of the waveform. It has two ranging modes: manual, which allows the user to select the operating range, and auto, which automatically selects the appropriate operating range. Accuracy and resolution specifications vary according to the range being measured. It meets EN (European Standards) safety standards 61010-1, 61010-031, and 61010-2-032, and is rated for CAT (category) III installations to 300V, which covers equipment in fixed installations, such as switches in the fixed installation and some industrial equipment that is permanently connected to the fixed installation and category II installations to 600V, which covers energy-consuming equipment connected to a fixed installation, including household, office, and laboratory appliances. It is UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listed 61010B-1:2003 and has CE (European Conformity) marking. The unit comes with a carrying case.

Specifications

H is height, the vertical distance from lowest to highest point; W is width, the horizontal distance from left to right; D is depth, the horizontal distance from front to back.

Clamp-meters, also called clamp-on meters, have two jaws that fit around a conductor to measure electrical current without cutting through wires, or touching or interrupting the electrical circuit. Available in handheld or benchtop models, clamp-meters diagnose problems in electrical equipment, wiring, and power supplies. All clamp-meters test for current. Some come with test leads and inputs for measuring voltage, capacitance, and resistance. They display information either in analog or digital form. Factors that influence meter choice include the electrical properties to be measured, the anticipated range of results, and the desired level of protection against transient voltage. Safety ratings are based on International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards for low-voltage test equipment. IEC 61010 delineates four overvoltage installation categories. In general, a meter with a category IV rating will provide more protection against transient voltages than a meter with a lower category rating.

Hioki manufactures memory recorders, automatic test equipment, and electronic testing and measurement instruments. The company, founded in 1935, is headquartered in Japan and has a U.S. office in Cranbury, NJ.

What's in the Box?

• Hioki 3280-20 digital clamp meter
• Test lead set
• CR2032 battery
• Carrying case
• Instructions