When you are measuring current with clamp meters, they are often cumbersome and you run the risk of your fingers touching live wires when opening the jaws, says Ryan Burger, Divisional Product Manager – Tools and Instruments of HellermannTyton. “With the new TBM038F Forkclamp Multimeter, it is much easier and safer as you ‘stab’ the jaws onto the wire. Aimed at those testing panels, which, by their nature, are small with tight spaces, the compact, ergonomic TBM038F is narrower and flatter than most clamp meters on the market, allowing users to get into small spaces safely.”
Users simply apply the fork-clamp around the conductor(s) of only one single pole of a circuit for load current measurements. Applying the clamp around conductors of more than one pole of a circuit may result in zero current or very small current (for instance to identify leakage current) measurements.
Burger notes that the innovative BeepLit function is unique to clamps in this price range. “BeepLit offers audio and visual warning during diode tests and continuity for users; it visually lights up as well as having a series of different sounds. This function provides improved convenience for checking wiring connections and operation of switches,” he says.
A continuous beep sound together with display backlight flashing indicates a complete wire. Such audible and visible indications improve continuity readabilities in noisy working environments He notes that another valuable feature of the TBM038F Fork-clamp Multimeter is the Non-contact EF detection which allows users to pick up on live wires to determine if a conductor is carrying a current. “This function also allows you to trace wires in shallow areas by adjusting the sensitivity setting; a high sensitivity detection can be used to trace hidden live wires, ensuring safety whilst on the job,” he says. Furthermore, the Crest function allows you to sample readings and highlight anomalies. “Current or voltage spikes usually go unseen; however, the Crest function can be used to determine and display maximum and minimum spikes or dips.”
Additional features
Dual Sensitivities EF-Detection: Features Non-Contact (NCV) and Single-Probe Voltage Detections for Identifying Live Lines; Added User Selectable Hi/Lo Sensitivities.
12.5 mm ACA Fork-Clamp: Measures ac 200 Amps for conductor size up to 12.5 mm (perfect for circuit breakers). LVD CAT III 600 V and CAT IV 300 V: Certified EN61010-2-032, EN61010-2-033, EN61010-1 and Relevant Standards on CAT III 600 V and CAT IV 300 V.
1.0% dc V Basic Accuracy: Measures up to 600 V dc. Direct LPF ACV and LPF Hz for VFDs: Measures voltage and frequency of most variable frequency drives and noisy electrical signals up to 600 V ac.
Fully auto-ranging: Shortens the time to measure and increases the ease of use.
True RMS Measurements: For non-sinusoidal and complex waveforms of voltages and currents. The TBM038F Fork-clamp Multimeter will be available from the beginning of January 2021.
Enquiries: www.hellermanntyton.co.za