The B&K Precison 316 mini digital clamp meter is an average-sensing, auto-ranging multimeter for measuring current, voltage, and resistance in electrical testing applications. It has a clamp that measures AC and DC current to 100 amp. The clamp has two jaws that can close around an electrical conductor up to 12.5mm in diameter to measure current without touching or interrupting the circuit. A set of test leads is included for measuring AC and DC voltage to 600V and resistance to 10 kilohms. The peak hold function records the maximum measurement of a current surge. 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. Its zero function allows a measurement to be set as a reference value for subsequent measurements. An audible continuity sensor confirms that the circuit conducts electricity. The meter has a rotary switch to select the property to measure, and a four-digit LCD that shows readings. It can output an analog signal for reading measurements on a secondary device, such as an oscilloscope. The unit operates on two AA batteries, 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. Clamp meters are typically used by electrical engineers to measure properties of electrical current without physically touching or disconnecting the conductor.

This average-sensing, or average-responding, meter provides accurate readings when measuring linear loads, such as standard induction motors and incandescent lights, where the current or voltage has a sinusoidal waveform. It is auto-ranging, so it automatically selects the appropriate operating range for the property being measured. Accuracy and resolution specifications vary according to the range being measured. It meets International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) safety standard 61010 and is rated for CAT II installations to 600V, which covers large household appliances and devices connected to a fixed power supply (such as refrigerators and air conditioners) and CAT 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. The European Conformity (CE) marking indicates compliance with applicable European Union directives. The unit comes with a battery, a test lead set, a carrying case, and instructions.

Specifications

H is height, the vertical distance from the 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, 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. A current clamp has two jaws that fit around a conductor to take measurements. 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 voltages. 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.

B&K Precision manufactures test and measurement instruments for research and development, production-line testing, and electronic field service applications. The company, founded in 1951, is headquartered in Yorba Linda, CA. It meets International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard 9001:2008 and is compliant with Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and waste electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE) directives.

What's in the Box?

• B&K Precision 316 Mini AC/DC clamp meter
• (2) 1.5V batteries
• Test lead set
• Carrying case
• Instructions