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Clamp-on ammeter
Correctly speaking, this measuring device must be described as a 'clamp-ammeter'. A further important expression in connection with this meter is: it measures 'indirectly'. The times of cutting the cable, so that one
could connect a measuring instrument between the two ends, is a thing of the past. Indeed, the internal workings, after switching on, would no longer be worth anything.
Very often the current-strength is not known, particularly immediately after switching on. Since, where is the curent flow always constant? Take the search for hidden consumers as an example, it's reassuring to simply
clamp onto a cable, without worrying about your instrument itself or the fuse.
Of course, It's not always this easy, e.g., when there are several plus- and minus cables on the battery. Is however the soft-metal-plate clamp closed, the magnetic field of the cable where current is flowing, will be
detected and evaluated. A galvanic connection does not exist, destruction is virtually impossible and the insulation remains intact. These devices, however, have one disadvantage: Due to the necessary amplification,
relatively low current can not be measured. 05/12
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