DC amps

[leathermaneod]

Hi all,

I’m new to the forum and new to HVAC as well. I’m looking for a good clamp meter. I have the Fluke 324 and 325 in my sights. I already have a Fluke 116 as well. My only hang up is, how likely am I to need to measure DC amps in the HVAC trade?


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[lkapigian]

Hi all,

I’m new to the forum and new to HVAC as well. I’m looking for a good clamp meter. I have the Fluke 324 and 325 in my sights. I already have a Fluke 116 as well. My only hang up is, how likely am I to need to measure DC amps in the HVAC trade?


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Can be very likely, especially if you move into controls..........flame sensing is in micro amps

[leathermaneod]

Can be very likely, especially if you move into controls..........flame sensing is in micro amps

Thank you for the reply! I read a bit about the flame sensor testing since my 116 has that function. Would I need an amp clamp for control related measurements, or a dmm that can measure dc amps?


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[lkapigian]

Thank you for the reply! I read a bit about the flame sensor testing since my 116 has that function. Would I need an amp clamp for control related measurements, or a dmm that can measure dc amps?


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dmm for me

[m singer]

Hi all,

how likely am I to need to measure DC amps in the HVAC trade?


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For residential/light commercial you will not need a clamp for DC current.

[Core_d]

All of the inverter type stuff that is dc can be measured using the ac amp function on your meter. It acts as an ac sine with half the wave missing.

[channellxbob]

Yes, it's pretty important. I don't like buying a meter that can't do most, if not all, of the functions I normally need. Sometimes it's just not possible to find such a meter, but usually you can come really close, you'll have to look around. I can give you some clues.
Fieldpiece meters are top notch and have nearly all anyone could ask for. Klein CL450 has it all, Amprobe ACD-14-Pro has all but dc millivolts to check thermocouples. Same with the ACD-51-NAV, but it has a killer screen, does watts and pf, and is a cat IV meter. Just a few ideas.
Don't ever underestimate the need for a clamp meter, it can be used in all kinds of ways. It's nice to be able to be on a rooftop and check the amps on a "supposedly" running fan and be able to confirm it is actually drawing current. Motor starting checks are also handy as a shirt pocket.

[Juan Madera]

Not too likely that in HVAC or Refrig that you will be working with DC current above the inline DCA capacity of most meters.

If you were to get into Solar, wind, battery storage and power inverters, that'd be a different story.....