Our Picks for Best Amp Clamp Multimeter for HVAC

By | June 28, 2023

Best Amp Clamp Multi Meter for HVAC 2019
Having a multi-meter with an amp clamp when troubleshooting an HVAC system is ideal when needing amp load readings.

There are many good HVAC amp clamp multimeters available with our favorite picks below.

What is an Amp Clamp Multimeter?

An amp clamp can read the current flowing to a device which is measured in amps by clamping onto the outside of a wire.

The amps a device is using can be measured with a clamp that goes around a wire.

A digital clamp meter can be very helpful when troubleshooting a unit since it will show if it is pulling the correct amount of amperage.

If an HVAC system is pulling too many amps, there is a problem with the system.

For example, testing a condensing fan or blower motor for over-amping can be done quickly by simply clamping one of the pole wires.
Best Amp Clamp Multi Meter for HVAC 2020
If the blower motor is over-amping, it is likely bad and will need to be replaced.

Without an amp clamp troubleshooting, a bad condensing fan motor would be much harder.

With the many brands available, below are our picks for the best HVAC amp clamp multimeters.

As always, be sure to read the reviews on Amazon, forums, or elsewhere to be sure a unit is a good fit for you.

*This site contains affiliate paid links for which a commission earned.

Our Picks for Best HVAC Multi-Meters with Amp Clamp

  1. Etekcity MSR-C600
  2. Best HVAC Multi-Meters with Amp Clamp Etekcity
    Available Here on Amazon

    Available Here on eBay
    If you need a low-cost amp clamp, the Etekcity MSR-C600 is a cheap budget solution.
    Best HVAC Multi Meters with Amp Clamp 2021 Etekcity
    It measures all voltages AC and DC as well as an amp clamp with a built-in display.

    It is not a top-of-the-line multimeter but is good as a backup meter for an HVAC tech or for a DIY homeowner.

    The package comes with a small carry bag to help keep it protected when stored away.
     

  3. Fluke 325
  4. Best HVAC Multi Meters with Amp Clamp 2021 Fluke
    Available Here on Amazon

    Available Here on eBay
    Fluke is a well-known manufacturer with many good multimeters.

    The Fluke 323 is a good unit that has a clamp to quickly and easily measure amps.

    It is also a True-RMS which means it is very accurate with readings.

    The Fluke 325 is a good unit that gets the job done
     

  5. Fieldpiece HS36
  6. Best HVAC Multi Meters with Amp Clamp 2021 Fieldpiece HS36
    Available Here on Amazon

    Available Here on eBay

    The Fieldpiece HS36 is an older Amp clamp meter that has been around a while.

    It has an attachable accessory head that allows for an Amp clamp to be easily attached.

    I have used one for many years, and it may be the familiarity, but it is my go-to unit.

    There are many more meters available with the Fieldpiece HS36 a dependable unit that has always worked for me.
     

  7. Klein Tools CL900
  8. Best HVAC Multi-Meters with Amp Clamp Klein Tools CL900
    Available Here on Amazon

    Available Here on eBay
    The Klein Tools is a popular brand name with many amp clamp meters, including the CL900.

    It has many nice features, such as an analog bar graph and a backlight display.

    It is also a TRMS meter, which is good for accuracy.
     

  9. UEi Test Instruments DL369
  10. Best HVAC Multi-Meters with Amp Clamp UEi Test Instruments DL369
    Available Here on Amazon

    Available Here on eBay

    The UEi DL369 is a dual display meter with an attachable amp clamp.

    The clamp can be removed for easy storage, and other attachments can be used, such as a K-Type temperature probe.

    It has been available for some time and is a good unit for the price.

    HVAC Multimeters with Amp Clamp Comparison Table

    NameAmp ClampTrue RMSBuild
    Etekcity MSR-C600YesYesBudget
    Fluke 323 YesYesHigh-End
    Fieldpiece HS36YesYesHigh-End
    Klein CL900YesYesMid-Range
    UEi DL389YesYesMid-Range

How to Use an Amp Clamp Multimeter

Using an amp clamp is easy to do, but care has to be taken since high voltages are being measured.

To use the meter, place the clamp around one lead wire of the system you are trying to measure the amps on.
How to Use an Amp Clamp Multimeter
Only one lead wire can be used with the clamp, or the measurement will not be correct.

If both leads are clamped, the amp measurement will be wrong.

Basically, only clamp one leg of the main voltage wires and not both to get a reading.

Of course, a device such as a motor will also need to work on getting a reading.

Be sure to be careful working with the wires since they will be live and place ho to clamp one of the wires safely.
 
Summary
Many techs will have personal favorite meters for HVAC, with no single unit being the best.

There are many types of multi-function clamp meters, all with different features such as reading AC voltage, diode testing, RMS sensing, TRMS, low battery indicator, auto-ranging, measures temperatures, backlit screen, and much more.

Fluke units are usually considered the top brand name, but many other units work just as well.

HVAC service technicians are often divided when it comes to AC clamp meters for HVAC.

Reading through the reviews on sites such as Amazon or forums is always a good idea to see if it is the right fit for you.

Personally, I use a Fieldpiece HS36 that has an attachable Amp clamp and has worked great for many years.

Finding a good HVAC meter that helps you get the job done quickly and reliably is always the goal.

Do you have a good amp clamp multimeter? Let us know in the comments below.

Category: HVAC multi meters

About Aaron H. Benetti

Aaron H. Benetti an HVAC technician who has worked in the field since 1991. He began his career as an HVAC installer and later began doing troubleshooting and repairs. Around 2010, he began to write books on HVAC topics, mainly tutorials and how-to information. Currently, Aaron works as an HVAC tech and also writes many articles and posts for websites as well as books and videos on HVAC topics.

One thought on “Our Picks for Best Amp Clamp Multimeter for HVAC

  1. Throttle

    Low amperage and small wire gauge is hard to read on large clamps. For the best readings you’d need multiple size and rated meters, not very practical 🙂

    Reply

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