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Frisco, Texas 75035

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How to use a clamp-on Multimeter
What is this thing and why do I need one? These devices are used to make all kinds of electrical measurements like Volts, Amps, Ohms …, but the feature we are most interested in is measuring amperage (Amps) or AC current as it is sometimes referred. Have you ever wondered if you are overloading your extension cords or outlets? This device will help you balance your electrical load once you learn how to use it. The price range for these devices range from $15 at Harbor Freight Tools to $100+ for FLUKE brands and other more professional models. The amount you pay for one of these will depend on your budget and features you want. For the intended use of checking loads during the holidays the cheap ones will work fine. The more expensive ones will be more durable and have more features but the choice is up to you. Before you go out and buy one, there are some features you will want to have for testing Christmas lights.
• Digital verses analog meter. If you have never used a multimeter then an analog meter can be difficult to understand. These types have a little needle that moves back and forth to display the readings. The digital meters are much simpler to read and give you a numerical number to show the reading. This is a must have feature in my book. • The second feature you want to have with any clamp-on meter is a "Peak Hold" feature. This is very useful for animated displays and will display the peak amperage pulled during your test. It may be called something different on various models. To use this feature you will clamp on your meter while your sequence is running. As various parts of your display go off and on, this feature will remember the highest usage during your test. You would then use this number to determine the peak load placed on that circuit. • Make sure your meter can test within the appropriate current range. Most meters have different setting that you can change to measure different currents. If you just want to test amperage draw on your extension cords and outlets then your meter only needs to measure AC current up to 20-50 amps for normal homes. If you plan on testing larger circuits in your breaker panel then you will need something that measures AC current up to 200, 400 or whatever your breaker panel is rated for. Here are three examples of how you use the clamp-on meter. The one pictured is a Greenlee CM-310 and costs about $50. Clamp the meter around either the hot or neutral wire to take your reading. Make sure the wire is not touching the edges of the meter and the wire is going through the center of the clamp. It will be helpful if you make your own adapter like the center picture. This one is good for testing the larger loads on extension cords.

The last image is using a line splitter. This line splitter is unique because it has two clamp position slots. One slot is for direct reading and the other magnifies the signal by 10 to accurately measure low current items such as mini lights. I bought this one at Harbor Freight Tools. (CLAMP METER LINE SPLITTER Lot No. 92072-OVGA $4.99)

I have received a few questions about the short extension cord in the center picture above. I got this from my neighbor Jeff Trykoski and I use it all the time. Basically it is a short extension cord that can handle larger currents. Here is a list of things you will need to make your own. 1) 15 AMP Male and Female plugs. You can get these at almost any hardware store. The plug opens up so you can attach the wires inside and make your own extension cords. These plugs come in different sizes. I like the large ends because it is easier to handle the cord during cold weather with gloves on. 2) Next you will need about 12"-18” of 14 gauge 3 conductor stranded cable with a flexible jacket. 14 gauge = the thickness of the wire. 12 gauge (larger) wire could be used as well. 3 conductor = three wires. (hot, neutral, ground) stranded = small pieces of copper wire twisted together. This type of wire will make the cord flexible enough to bend. You don’t want to use solid copper wire like found in house wiring. This will be too stiff and the wires will fatigue and break over time with repetitive bending. Wire the plugs to each end of the cable connecting hot to hot, ground to ground and neutral to neutral. When this is complete carefully cut away a section of the outside cable housing to expose the three wires inside. This area should be at least 4 inches wide so you can have room to get the clamp meter between the wires.

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