On 7/2/2011 11:15 PM, Peter wrote:
On Sat, 02 Jul 2011 14:27:52 -0500, brian whatcott
wrote:

I've got a problem. A good problem.

Always wanted a clamp meter - but never wanted to pay the price.
So when the cheapie Chinese models came along, I bought one.
A model DT3266E to be precise.
2A~ 20A~ 200A~ coupla ohms scales and voltage scales
with attached leads.


Anyway, I knew in my head that cheapie clamp ons are only
good for AC - and that's what the range selecter said too.

But still, I bought a way expensive little lead acid battery for a Honda
Recon 4 wheel RV, and filled it with the acid provided then hooked it to
a charger.

I tried the clip on. It read 2.5 A initially.
That seemed about right.
It tapered to 0.9 A in the next few hours. THAT seemed right.

Here's the problem: if it works on DC ( or maybe rough DC)
why is it marked for AC only?

Brian W

Could be a problem with the iron circuit getting sturated at higher
levels of DC current, even though it seems to work at the lower
levels, and also there may be the problem of magnetising the core, and
causing subsequent measurements to be inaccurate.

peter

Thanks for the sensible suggestions, folks. The clamp is made from
laminations, no doubt.
Just surprised it tracked so well on low DC amps.

Brian W