Recommend a clamp meter that will measure DC amps

[TxMN2020]

I see many that can handle ac/dc voltage, but having a hard time find a make/model that measure DC amperage, mine does AC amperage only.

[CRM]

I have 3 clamping multimeters and all 3 measure AC and DC amperage. One of the better ones I have is a Klein Tools CL390 which is around $100. 

Edit-Just took a quick look on Amazon and couldn't find a clamping meter that didn't do both AC and DC amperage. Might want to check your meter's documentation to verify that it doesn't actually measure DC amps.  

Edited February 11 by CRM

[Rivernerd]

I once bought by mistake a cheap Astroai CM2KOR clamp meter that, to my dismay, does not measure DC amperage, only AC.  So, I then bought a Klein CL390 clamp multimeter (for a higher price), that measures both AC and DC amperage.  I carry the Klein in our Elite II.  I also recommend the Klein CL390, about $68 presently on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DTDCG7T/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

Edited February 11 by Rivernerd

[jd1923]

3 hours ago, TxMN2020 said:

I see many that can handle ac/dc voltage, but having a hard time find a make/model that measure DC amperage, mine does AC amperage only.

As already mentioned, Klein tools have a long history for quality. They only have two clamp-style multimeters that measure DC Amps, the CL390 and the CL800.

I purchased the CL800 last year since it has a HD casing and an Ebay seller had one for $85. I still haven't figured out how to use 90% of its functionality, but I can read V, A and R! The CL390 is all you really need. We're all in agreement here! 😂

[CRM]

58 minutes ago, jd1923 said:

As already mentioned, Klein tools have a long history for quality. They only have two clamp-style multimeters that measure DC Amps, the CL390 and the CL800.

The CL900 also does and all the way up to 2000 amps. 😮

 

[Snackchaser]

3 hours ago, jd1923 said:

The CL390 is all you really need. We're all in agreement here! 😂

Well not completely!  Clamp-on amp meters are great tools for RV owners, and many double as multimeters too.  But it’s important know the differences and limitations to make an informed choice of which meter will meet your expectations.

Clamp-ons are great for measuring higher currents, such as battery chargers and power feeds.  But they're not great for measuring low currents, such as branch circuits and parasite loads.  They don’t have the resolution needed for lower amps, and they can be finicky if not positioned just right.  If you plan on measuring small currents, then get a basic Multimeter with a shunt type ammeter.  They measure "in-line" with the current, typically up to 10 amps (+/- 1 milli amp.)  Some clamp-on meters with built in multimeters, such as the Klein CL390, also include a shunt type amp meter.  But check the specs because a lot of these are in microamps, which is too low for an RV’rs needs. 

Amperage is subjective of many factors, so if you're really serious, consider a $$$ data logging meter to see whats going on over time.  The Victron smart shunt also has data logging (+/- 10 milli amps.)  You can use it to measure the current of various loads by isolating the circuits and inputs. 

Having said all that, I recommend getting both a Clamp-on ammeter and separate Multimeter to cover all your amp measurement needs.  You will probably be reaching for the multimeter most of the time.  

If you want some Oliver real life examples of ammeter accuracy, and how to measure parasite loads, see my post in the topic “Battery depletion rate 3% or more per day... with EVERYTHING off?”   My post is way down on the third page with photos.

Hope that helps,

Geoff

[MAX Burner]

On 2/11/2025 at 10:09 AM, Rivernerd said:

I carry the Klein in our Elite II. 

Same here.  It get's used fairly frequently on trips...

[jd1923]

On 2/11/2025 at 3:10 PM, Snackchaser said:

But they're not great for measuring low currents, such as branch circuits and parasite loads.

This is true, but does the Oliver owner need greater precision? The Klein products mentioned above read to +/- 0.01A DC and other multimeters can read to 0.001A. We're not testing electronic circuits. Several Oliver owners that have written here with electrical issues do not own one and have little to no experience in their use. Also, if you have a reliable Bluetooth shunt installed, do you need a clamp meter at all? They are clumsy and mine often sits in its pretty case.

However, all Oliver owners should have a basic multimeter and at a minimum know how to read voltage. For example, water pump not working? Is it getting 12VDC at the pump? Heck, I've done automotive installations and troubleshooting since the 70s with only a test light in my toolbox. With this simple tool, no dials to turn or readings to understand, if it lights brightly you have voltage. Got my son and I each one of these for Christmas stocking stuffers. They were on sale for $8 at the time and so easy to use with one hand (try that with a multimeter)! 🤣

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08D9RY532/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Edited February 15 by jd1923

[Ronbrink]

5 hours ago, jd1923 said:

They were on sale for $8 at the time and so easy to use with one hand

I got one for myself at that price, as well, along with a multimeter to replace one that went kaputt!