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General => General Discussion => Topic started by: darrenh on January 10, 2015, 08:22:42 PM

Title: Jaycar digitech ac dc 400amp clamp meters -reliability
Post by: darrenh on January 10, 2015, 08:22:42 PM

I have had 2 of these meters and they both only lasted a little over a year. Basically used 3 times a year.

Has anybody had more reliability or suggest an alternative for checking solar power current when camping ?


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Title: Re: Jaycar digitech ac dc 400amp clamp meters -reliability
Post by: gronk on January 10, 2015, 09:38:41 PM

I've been using this brand for a few yrs....no probs so far.....

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Current-Digital-Clamp-Meter-DC-AC-Max-upto-400A-600V-1MHz-/110888626828?pt=AU_B_I_Electrical_Test_Equipment&hash=item19d17a2a8c (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Current-Digital-Clamp-Meter-DC-AC-Max-upto-400A-600V-1MHz-/110888626828?pt=AU_B_I_Electrical_Test_Equipment&hash=item19d17a2a8c)

Title: Re: Jaycar digitech ac dc 400amp clamp meters -reliability
Post by: Muckinhell on January 11, 2015, 11:06:31 AM

Maybe a dedicated meter inline to check the current,  something like this, you could put onthe same style plugs and place inline or mount more permanently somwhere.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/AU-for-Analyzer-Amp-Ammeter-Watt-Meter-LCD-Wattmeter-60V-100A-Power-Volt-/301250541314?pt=AU_B_I_Electrical_Test_Equipment&hash=item4623ee7702 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/AU-for-Analyzer-Amp-Ammeter-Watt-Meter-LCD-Wattmeter-60V-100A-Power-Volt-/301250541314?pt=AU_B_I_Electrical_Test_Equipment&hash=item4623ee7702)

think someone on here was selling similar already to go as well.

Title: Re: Jaycar digitech ac dc 400amp clamp meters -reliability
Post by: briann532 on January 12, 2015, 08:25:48 PM

I use "Fluke" gear for work.

These look like like a cheap knock off (possibly the real deal, but does not look like it, and I'm too lazy to do the research!!!)

However for the price it may be worth a go.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-Fluke-362-Jaw-AC-DC-Digital-Clamp-Meter-Multimeter-600V-F362/140848853176?_trksid=p2054897.c100204.m3164&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140407115239%26meid%3D1bd1612af561404c8f910b3e26579ac5%26pid%3D100204%26prg%3D20140407115239%26rk%3D10%26rkt%3D30%26sd%3D171201626752 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-Fluke-362-Jaw-AC-DC-Digital-Clamp-Meter-Multimeter-600V-F362/140848853176?_trksid=p2054897.c100204.m3164&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140407115239%26meid%3D1bd1612af561404c8f910b3e26579ac5%26pid%3D100204%26prg%3D20140407115239%26rk%3D10%26rkt%3D30%26sd%3D171201626752)

Title: Re: Jaycar digitech ac dc 400amp clamp meters -reliability
Post by: gronk on January 12, 2015, 10:09:43 PM

I've used  Fluke gear at work also, but for general camping testing of solar panels etc, the $38 job is pretty good value..

Title: Re: Jaycar digitech ac dc 400amp clamp meters -reliability
Post by: darrenh on January 12, 2015, 10:59:18 PM

Thanks
I am thinking of getting a fluke as on the ebay site. I will check what they are worth from my electrical wholesaler in Brisbane.
Looks like the jaycar version I have had 2 fail now is not being used by the myswag team so I am not going to try another one.

I also have an inline jaycar power meter that I use some times.

Thanks for the info


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Title: Re: Jaycar digitech ac dc 400amp clamp meters -reliability
Post by: fluids on January 13, 2015, 07:04:16 PM

I've been using one from ABR Sidewinder. AC DC Amps Volts etc .... Has lasted for 2yrs and cost around $40. Also use the same in the workshop at work.

Gets my vote !

Kev..

Title: Re: Jaycar digitech ac dc 400amp clamp meters -reliability
Post by: Malooski on January 13, 2015, 08:37:49 PM

+1 for Fluke. Just be careful as they make AC only versions

Title: Re: Jaycar digitech ac dc 400amp clamp meters -reliability
Post by: Rainsey on January 13, 2015, 08:41:59 PM

I've had a Jaycar clamp ammeter for some 8 years now and it gets used and abused and is still working fine.

Guess the quality must have dropped since getting mine.


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