How To Choose Multimeter and Clamp Meter Test Leads?

How To Choose Multimeter and Clamp Meter Test Leads
July 23, 2025

In various industrial applications, different tools are used. One such tool is digital multimeter. This is used for measuring voltage and it has some current abilities.

A clamp meter is essentially a current-measuring tool with some voltage abilities.

These two are distinctly different instruments. They have unique capabilities, characteristics, and benefits.

You can get good-quality instruments and tools at MEXTECH, which is a reputed name in the industrial arena.

A digital multimeter (DMM) brings qualities like better resolution, ability to measure milli units, e.g., millivolts, milliamps and milliohms.

This instrument is used for doing electrical measurements up to 20 amps.  However, it can measure higher currents if you attach a plug-in clamp accessory to it.

A clamp meter is a different instrument. It measures to the nearest tenth or hundredth of a unit, instead of milliunits in a DMM. This is sufficient for electrical tasks.

You can get the best-quality clamp meters from Digital clamp meter manufacturers in India.

Situations where you can use multimeters and clamp meters

Earlier, electricians were using test probes to measure current.  Nowadays, they use clamps because it allows you to measure current without breaking the circuit. You get the current reading. Modern clamp meters use flexible current probes.

The clamp meter is the most versatile diagnostic tool for electricians.  Therefore, it is important that you order them from the top digital multimeter manufacturers in India.

Clamp meters are useful when:

  • You want to measure an analog conveyor speed signal and the respective motor current at the same time. By using this instrument, you can calibrate the system for the required process flow.
  • You want to monitor the output of solenoid and input from the PLC for solenoid testing.
  • You want to measure electronic voltages and electrical currents at a motor drive simultaneously for troubleshooting fluctuations in line speed.
  • You want to monitor feeder voltage and current simultaneously for troubleshooting nuisance trips.

Which multimeter or clamp meter is right for you?

  • If you have to measure only basic voltage and continuity, then you should buy only a basic meter.
  • High-end digital multimeter is useful when you need very high resolution and advanced features that are not found on clamp meters.
  • If the three phases on the feeder are pulling the same current, then you should use basic clamp meters.
  • If there are intermittent breaker trips, then you need a logging clamp meter.
  • When you want to take remote readings with higher safety and without any assistance, you should multimeter or clamp meter with a detachable display.
  • Advanced clamp meters are useful when you need accurate measurement of motor inrush current.

What is the right combination of test equipment? It depends on two things- the equipment you work on, and the measurements needed. Choose the appropriate tools and get accurate readings. Low-quality testing tools affect the accuracy of the measurement. Hence, always use the best-quality industrial standard tools. Also, you should ensure that the equipment has all the required safety ratings. This will bring 100% accuracy in test results and correctness of processes.

Also read: What Is a Gloss Meter? Know about its Measurements and Standards

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