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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. 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
Maximum AC input100 ampMaximum DC input100 ampMaximum AC voltage input600VMaximum DC voltage input600VMaximum resistance detected10KΩInstallation ratingCAT II, 600V; CAT III, 300VStandards metEN safety standard 61010, CE markingPower supply(2) AA batteriesWeight180gDimensions202 x 70 x 34mm/7.95 x 2.76 x 1.33 inches (H x W x D)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
twodotmike
Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2023
The test leads that came with my B&K Precision 316 meter have a sheathing on the probe end that goes nearly to to the end of the probe and the sheathing is non-removeable, therefore, you can't use alligator clips with these test leads, which is a big inconvenience! My test leads were not identified as being B&K Precision leads as the only markings on the test leads were the voltage class ratings. They appear to be similar to the B&K Precision TL37 test leads (?), https://www.amazon.com/Precision-TL-37-Sheathed-Banana/dp/B00ZF9D9G8 . Just be aware that you may need to buy another set of test leads if you were planning on using alligator clips. I did not purchase my meter through Amazon.com.
Eduardo Perez
Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2021
The meter is fine works great, the lead probes sent are not the same as in the picture.Most Probes have a cap on the tip that you can pull on and off to insert into connectors or put alligator clips. These do not have that capability , the tips are molded plastic and only have a little of the metal tip exposed.I had to cut off the plastic to make the tips more useful
Tab McBlane
Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2015
Great meter and measures small amounts of amp draw. You will notice if you measure like a battery and reverse the leads you will get probably .1 difference in volt measurement. I contacted them and they said it is the way the circuitry is built and is within specs. Not a critical issue just an odd thing I noticed. Love the meter in general!
Michael Viala
Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2015
We use this one at work for general diagnostics of industrial packaging equipment. It works well for us. The resolution of the low amps is quite handy compared to most clamp DMMs.
Julia Truchsess
Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2014
I love the idea of this meter - nice usable ranges for electronics (as opposed to 100's or 1000's of amps like many clamp meters), a reasonably small opening size, and a reasonable price. I find, however, that its DCA reading is completely untrustworthy. I put my 5-digit bench multimeter in series with a load of 60mA, but the B&K 316 clamp meter reads anywhere from 20mA to 150mA with the same load, depending on how I orient the wire in the clamp, or how I orient the meter, or its mood at any particular moment. Maybe I'm using it wrong, but the manual makes no mention of cable orientation in the jaw. Maybe the opening is too big for small wires; I see a number of clamp meters and probes from China with nice small openings of just a few mm.The Peak function doesn't work, or at least not as I expect it to work. For example, I have it on real-time time auto-ranging, and it says 120mA with a particular load. I turn on Peak mode and it reads 60mA. I turn off Peak and it goes back to 120mA. What the heck?
aw
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2014
Most clamp ammeters are either only AC or if they are AC/DC, they are intended for very high currents. This one is different, as it has a resolution down to 1mA DC. The accuracy of these meters - at around 2.5% are not quite as good as a standard ammeter, but for the type of meter it is, it is close enough.Just the thing for working on DC circuits on a RV, boat, or motorhome.
Nevil_Clavain
Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2014
Accurate even at low currents. Consistent readings as well. Used to have an ex tech. This is much better.oh yes oh yes
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