Best clamp meters for hard-to-reach areas

The design and manner of using clamp meters hugely influences the fact, that unlike classic digital multimeters, the dimensions of these devices are crucial. AXIOMET’s offer includes clamp meters unlike any other. They are only 24mm thick in their thickest point, which means they can easily be used even in hard-to-reach areas.

AXIOMET AX-353 and AX-354 meters with slim-type enclosure

When searching for a clamp meter, most users focus on the diameter of the clamps, and subsequently in the maximum diameter of a cable that can be measured. However, more and more people start to realize that the size of the meter itself is also important.

The AXIOMET AX-353 and AX-354 meters feature particularly narrow clamps and slim-type enclosure, which makes them extremely handy. This is crucial e.g. in automotive industry, where such meters are widely used.

Meters especially useful in automotive applications and control cabinets

There is a trend of installing increasing numbers of electronic devices in cars, which automatically means additional wiring. Simultaneously, we can observe efforts aimed at maximizing the comfort of journeys by providing additional space for the driver and the passengers. Therefore, electric wires need to be maximally condensed. As a result of that, performing measurements in a vehicle with the use of a large clamp meter is a very difficult thing to do.

Similar problems occur in control cabinets. Currently, devices of this type feature modern drivers, power supply units, and other compact devices, but the number of their connections remains the same. Wires are extremely condensed, which makes using a large clamp meter very inconvenient. In such cases, meters in slim enclosures are a perfect solution.

Characteristics of AX-353 and AX-354

The AXIOMET AX-353 and AX-354 meters allow you to measure currents in wires with diameter of up to 38 mm. They can be held easily moved with one hand, especially that they’re really light (only 150g). Both models enable measurements of alternating current, direct and alternating voltage, as well as resistance and frequency. The results are presented on 3.75-inch LCD displays. The AX-353 model can be used for measurements of capacity, temperature, and duty cycle. The AX-354 model can additionally measure direct current of up to 1000A.

The meters are compliant with the requirements of the EN61010 600 V cat. II standard. They are delivered with test leads and a case. Compact dimensions of the enclosures were achieved thanks to powering them with the use of three 3V CR2032 batteries.

Parameters	AX-353	AX-354
Type of meter	multifunction	multifunction
Kind of meter	digital pincers type	digital pincers type
Measuring instrument features	auto and manual ranging automatic power-off low battery indicator overflow indicator slim design	auto-power-off function which can be turned off low battery indicator
Kind of display used	LCD	LCD
Display parameters	3,5 digit (3999)	3,75 digit (4000)
Max. diameter of measured cable	38mm	38mm
AC current measuring range	400A 0.5kA	400A 1kA
AC current measuring accuracy	±(2.5% + 5 digit)	±(2.5% + 5 digit)
DC voltage measuring range	400mV 4V 40V 400V 600V	400mV 4V 40V 400V 600V
DC voltage measuring accuracy	±(0.5% + 2 digit)	±(0.5% + 3 digit)
AC voltage measuring range	400mV 4V 40V 400V 600V	400mV 4V 40V 400V 600V
AC voltage measuring accuracy	±(1% + 3 digit)	±(1% + 3 digit)
Resistance measuring range	0.4kΩ 4kΩ 40kΩ 400kΩ 4MΩ 40MΩ	0.4kΩ 4kΩ 40kΩ 400kΩ 4MΩ 40MΩ
Capacitance measuring range	40nF 400nF 4µF 40µF 100µF
Capacitance measuring accuracy	±(4%+ 5 digit)
Frequency measuring range	4Hz 40Hz 400Hz 4kHz 40kHz 400kHz 4MHz 10MHz	10Hz 100Hz 1kHz 10kHz 100kHz 1MHz
Frequency measuring accuracy	±(0.5%+4 digit)	±(0.1%+3 digit)
Temperature measuring range	-20...800°C
Temperature measurement accuracy	±(3% + 1 digit)
Duty cycle factor	0.1...99.9%
Diode test	1mA @1.5V	1.5V
Continuity test	acoustic indication <50Ω	acoustic indication
Dimensions	190x55x24mm	190x64x24mm
Power supply	battery CR2032 3V x3	battery CR2032 3V x3
Measurement	AC current AC voltage capacitance DC voltage frequency resistance temperature	AC current AC voltage DC current DC voltage frequency resistance
Conform to the norm	CAT II 600V EN 61010	CAT II 600V EN 61010
Standard equipment	case test leads	case test leads
Battery/ rechargeable battery	battery CR2032 3V x3	none
Resistance measuring accuracy	±(0.8%+2 digit)	±(0.5%+3 digit)

Summary

Flat enclosures of the AXIOMET AX-353 and AX-354 meters ensure not only that the devices don’t use a lot of space in your toolbox, but they also make them very handy and useful in narrow spaces between wires. Obviously, there are also other important factors, e.g. the accuracy of measurements, available functionalities, or compliance with safety standards.