What Does a Clamp-On Ammeter Measure?

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Details

A clamp-on ammeter measures current by clamping around a conductor, so the circuit does not have to be opened to read it. The seven clamp meters below are the ones in our research set whose listings state a current range. Three are research products checked on 2026-10-11, and four are extra products checked on 2026-10-18. The listings give different current ceilings and do not all say whether they read DC current through the clamp, so this page keeps those points separate. Figures come from the listing text only, and we did not test any of these meters.

Quick answer

A clamp-on ammeter measures the current flowing in a conductor. Most listings here state a clamp range for AC current, and four of the seven also state DC current. The Elitech CM-210DC lists the highest current, up to 1000 A AC and DC, while the Klein CL120 lists 400 A AC. If you need DC current through the clamp, the Elitech, FNIRSI, ruicebao and TEMIRUP listings state it, and the other three state AC only.

The seven meters at a glance

Meter	ASIN	Clamp current (as listed)	Voltage (as listed)	Extra functions (as listed)
Klein Tools CL120 Digital Clamp Meter	B08CP6GL49	AC up to 400 A	AC and DC via test leads	Resistance, continuity, NCV in clamp jaw
Fieldpiece SC260 Compact HVACR Clamp Multimeter	B00KLYJG78	AC (AAC readings); no maximum stated	VAC readings, true RMS	Temperature, capacitance, NCV, diode
FNIRSI DMC-100 Clamp Meter	B0DP2L9CFR	AC and DC up to 600 A	Voltage listed, no range given	Graph recording, NCV, live wire, continuity
ruicebao K2026A Digital Clamp Meter	B0H6GD97ZV	AC and DC up to 600 A	600 V AC and DC	Capacitance, frequency, duty cycle, NCV
Elitech CM-210DC Clamp Meter	B0GZ2JFHF7	AC and DC up to 1000 A	1000 V AC and DC	True RMS, NCV, max/min, relative mode
TEMIRUP CM83E Clamp Meter	B0GHQV6981	AC and DC up to 600 A	600 V AC and DC	Continuity, temperature, NCV, LED flashlight
HC600 HVACR Clamp Meter (oiuebxe)	B0GDQZFXRX	AC up to 600 A	600 V AC/DC	Capacitance to 10000 uF, frequency, temperature

1. Klein Tools CL120 Digital Clamp Meter

The CL120 is an auto-ranging clamp meter for AC current up to 400 A. Its bullets describe the clamp as measuring AC current and a non-contact voltage test, while AC and DC voltage, resistance and continuity are measured through the test leads. The non-contact voltage detector is built into the clamp jaw. The display is backlit and the listing says auto-ranging picks the range for you.

The listing gives a weight of 9.76 ounces and a size of 8.45 x 3.51 x 1.51 inches. Its warranty line says to see the manufacturer website, so the terms are not on the listing. The listing does not give a DC current figure for the clamp, so it should be read as AC only through the clamp. This is a research product checked on 2026-10-11.

Klein CL120 clamp meter on Amazon

2. Fieldpiece SC260 Compact HVACR Clamp Multimeter

The SC260 is described for electrical HVACR service in hot and cold environments. Its bullets state higher-accuracy VAC and AAC readings, true RMS, temperature, capacitance and a backlight. The listing also gives non-contact voltage and amperage readings, a continuity warning and a diode test. An auto select mode is said to detect whether a capacitance or resistance measurement is needed.

The listing does not state a maximum clamp current in its bullets, so the range cannot be compared with the others on that point. Its weight field reads 0.27 g, which is not a plausible weight for a meter of this size, so treat that figure as an error in the listing. The dimensions are 3.5 x 3 x 9.1 inches. The style field says voltage tester while the measurement type says multimeter, so the listing’s own category is inconsistent. This research product was checked on 2026-10-11.

Fieldpiece SC260 clamp multimeter on Amazon

3. FNIRSI DMC-100 Clamp Meter

The DMC-100 is a true RMS clamp meter with AC and DC current up to 600 A. Its bullets describe real-time curve recording, with 8 sets of real-time data and 30 sets of historical records stored on the unit. The display is a 2-inch TFT with 10 brightness levels and dark and light themes. The battery is a built-in 1500 mAh lithium cell charged by Type-C. The listing says it adds NCV detection, live wire testing, continuity and diode checks.

The count is listed in two places as different figures. The title says 9999 counts, and the style field says 10000 counts, while the unit count field says 9999. The included components are the clamp meter, two multimeter pens, a temperature probe and a Type-C cable. The weight is 6.72 ounces and the size is 7.7 x 2.91 x 1.14 inches, according to the listing as checked on 2026-10-11.

FNIRSI DMC-100 clamp meter on Amazon

4. ruicebao K2026A Digital Clamp Meter

The K2026A is listed for 600 A AC and DC current, 600 V AC and DC voltage and resistance from 600 ohms to 60 megohms. Its bullets add capacitance from 6 nF to 60 mF, frequency from 10 Hz to 10 MHz, duty cycle from 0.1 to 99 percent, diode and continuity checks, and temperature measurement with thermocouple probes. The non-contact voltage detection sounds an audible and visual alarm.

The bullets describe the meter as CAT III 600 V, with double insulation and overload protection. The listing includes alligator clips with wires, a user manual and a battery. The bullet for current says 600A DC/ DC current, which looks like a typo for AC/DC, and the title says AC/DC. The size is 8.27 x 3.54 x 2.36 inches.

ruicebao K2026A clamp meter on Amazon

5. Elitech CM-210DC Clamp Meter

The CM-210DC is the highest-rated current in this set, with AC and DC current up to 1000 A that the listing says can be measured without interrupting the circuit. Its voltage range is 1000 V AC and DC, and its resistance range is up to 40 megohms. The listing also covers capacitance, frequency, and temperature with a K-type thermocouple. Its functions include data hold, max and min recording and a relative mode that zeroes out lead resistance.

The bullets describe true RMS readings on distorted waveforms and a built-in non-contact voltage sensor. The package includes a meter, a pair of test leads, a K-type thermocouple and three 1.5 V AAA batteries. The listing gives a one-year warranty, a weight of 0.26 kg and a size of 5.51 x 2.13 x 10.04 inches.

Elitech CM-210DC clamp meter on Amazon

6. TEMIRUP CM83E Clamp Meter

The CM83E is listed for 600 A AC and DC current, 600 V AC and DC voltage, resistance, capacitance, continuity, temperature and diode checks. The title describes 6000 counts and true RMS, with automatic ranging. Its non-contact voltage mode has VFD and LoZ modes, which the bullets say give more accurate readings in some cases. The display is backlit, and an LED flashlight is built in for dark spaces.

The bullets state that the meter has a zero function for reducing errors from the Earth’s magnetic field, and an auto power-off after 10 minutes of inactivity. The package includes batteries, a storage case, a temperature probe and the clamp meter. The listing gives a 2-year manufacturer warranty, a weight of 7.52 ounces and a size of 7.8 x 3 x 1.4 inches.

TEMIRUP CM83E clamp meter on Amazon

7. HC600 HVACR Clamp Meter

The HC600 lists AC current up to 600 A through the clamp, and it lists AC and DC voltage up to 600 V. The bullets say it measures capacitance from 0.001 nF up to 10000 uF, which the listing describes as more than most standard clamp meters, and frequency up to 40 MHz. The temperature range is listed as minus 50 to 1000 degrees Celsius, and the TEMIRUP specification block gives the same upper limit as 1832 degrees Fahrenheit.

The listing states CAT III 600 V and a 4000-count display, and the bullets describe true RMS readings. The included parts are the clamp meter, a test pen, a temperature sensor, a manual and a canvas bag. The size is 8.3 x 3 x 1.2 inches. The listing does not state a DC current figure for the clamp.

HC600 clamp meter on Amazon

How we chose these seven

We kept clamp meters whose title or bullets name a clamp current range, and we used the three research products with listing data and the four extra products with a status of ok. The research set also contained a tape measure, a dirty-electricity meter and two kWh meters for RV and home use. Those were left out because their titles name a different job. We did not test any of these meters. Every figure below comes from the listing text.

Worked example: which clamp covers a 750 A load

Take a current of 750 A as an illustration only. The Elitech lists AC and DC current up to 1000 A, so 750 A falls inside that range for either current type. The Klein CL120 lists AC current up to 400 A, so 750 A is above its ceiling. The FNIRSI, ruicebao, TEMIRUP and HC600 all list a ceiling of 600 A, so 750 A is also above those ceilings. Only the Elitech covers this load on its stated range.

Now take a DC load of 100 A. Four listings state DC current through the clamp: the FNIRSI, ruicebao, TEMIRUP and Elitech. The Klein CL120 and the HC600 state AC current only, and the SC260 lists AAC readings, so neither of those three can be read as a DC clamp on the strength of its listing.

Where the listings disagree

• FNIRSI count: the title says 9999 counts, the style field says 10000 counts, and the unit count field says 9999.
• Fieldpiece weight and type: the weight field reads 0.27 g, and the style field says voltage tester while the measurement type says multimeter.
• ruicebao current label: one bullet reads 600A DC/ DC current, while the title reads AC/DC.
• Klein DC current: the title and bullets list AC current through the clamp, while DC voltage and resistance are through the test leads.

What the listings do not say

Only the Elitech states a clamp current of 1000 A, and none of the listings gives a current accuracy figure for the clamp itself. The Fieldpiece does not state a maximum clamp current, and the Klein does not give a battery type. None of the listings says whether the clamp jaw size fits a specific cable diameter, so check the jaw opening on the live listing before you buy for a large conductor.

Frequently asked questions

Does a clamp-on ammeter measure DC current?

Four listings state DC current through the clamp: the Elitech, FNIRSI, ruicebao and TEMIRUP. The Klein CL120, HC600 and Fieldpiece SC260 list AC current through the clamp only.

What is the highest current in this set?

The Elitech CM-210DC lists 1000 A for AC and DC current. The Klein CL120 lists 400 A AC. The FNIRSI, ruicebao, TEMIRUP and HC600 all list 600 A.

Can these meters measure voltage and resistance as well?

Yes. Every listing in this set includes a voltage function, and most include resistance and continuity. The Fieldpiece SC260 lists VAC readings, and the FNIRSI lists voltage with no range given.

Do the listings include a temperature probe?

The FNIRSI, TEMIRUP, Elitech and HC600 list a temperature probe or sensor in the included components. The ruicebao describes temperature measurement with thermocouple probes but does not list one as included.

How are these clamp meters powered?

The Elitech takes three 1.5 V AAA batteries, and the FNIRSI has a built-in 1500 mAh lithium battery charged by Type-C. The ruicebao and TEMIRUP include batteries. The Klein CL120 is listed as battery powered without a battery type.

Conclusion

The seven listings split by current type and ceiling. The Elitech is the only one that states 1000 A and reads both AC and DC current through the clamp. The FNIRSI, ruicebao, TEMIRUP and HC600 share a 600 A ceiling, and each adds its own extra function, such as graph recording on the FNIRSI or a flashlight on the TEMIRUP. The Klein and the Fieldpiece are AC clamp meters with a fixed AC ceiling or none stated. Check the current type, the ceiling and the included parts on the live listing before you buy.

For more on this topic, see best true RMS digital clamp meter, best AC DC current clamp meter, and best how does a current clamp work.

Klein CL120 on Amazon · Fieldpiece SC260 on Amazon · FNIRSI DMC-100 on Amazon · ruicebao K2026A on Amazon · Elitech CM-210DC on Amazon · TEMIRUP CM83E on Amazon · HC600 on Amazon