How to use a multimeter like a pro - Clamp meter

[@EngineeringMindset]

*This free video took WEEKS to make!* If you’d like to support Paul’s efforts, links below: 👑Get your PDF clamp meter tutorial here: tinyurl.com/PDF-Clamp-Meter 📽Watch ad-free here: www.patreon.com/theengineeringmindset

[@Timewastedonyt]

Great well researched video 👍

[@nadinenewland]

0:12 😂😂😂 Electric shock

[@EastCoastScott]

I think this may be the first time I saw Fluke as a sponsor.

[@WillProwse]

Yeah I've never seen that either

[@dannythompson1948]

They dont need to sponsor. Everybody in any somewhat related field knows its fluke or its trash.

[@jessihawkins9116]

@@dannythompson1948I only buy fluke. I own five flukes 😌

[@Josh-ol7jg]

@@dannythompson1948 Really? Fluke is good but isn't the only good brand. Have you ever even heard of Brymen or Fieldpiece?

[@_soupnazi]

Same. This guy got the hook up for sure.

[@ketas]

finally real sponsor. instead of other useless services and products you only find in yt

[@EngineeringMindset]

I only accept useful and relevant sponsorsors. I turn down all games, crypto, fashion, makeup, trading, shaving clubs etc etc despite high offers on a weekly basis.

[@Maulana_rhodes]

Gaymes are uselful​@@EngineeringMindset

[@2-BIT_OfficialGameDEV]

​@@EngineeringMindset respect 😎

[@Flames_Spirit]

@@2-BIT_OfficialGameDEV +1

[@ПавелС-ш8м]

@@EngineeringMindset thank you that not all are bad bloggers. but if you took it apart and showed what’s inside it would be absolutely wonderful

[@Longwing70]

Wow you really blew my mind by showing me a DC current and then explaining why the AC-only meter was not measuring any current.

[@dang48]

When I was starting out, I was told to check to ensure the clamp meter I was going to buy had both the AC and DC current modes. Glad I did. Had to return the first one as I forgot the advice I was given. The meter I bought more than 12 years ago still serves me very well.

[@robboinc1]

Need me one of those new flukes I'm due an upgrade.

[@johnwarwick4105]

Back in the day when I was a young ish spark there was no such thing as a DC clamp meter ( only some crappy thing from snap on for cars. Can’t remember when DC meters came out mid to late 90’s ? These cost about ten times the price of an AC meter ( probably a weeks wage) now we buy them at throwaway money. Sooner or later we all accedently smoked an old analogue AVO by forgetting it was left on ohms, if you were lucky it just popped the fuse, if not you were looking at a couple of days wage for a new one 😳

[@johnpoldo8817]

So cool to review clamp-on meters again. My first college co-op job in the late 60’s was to repair these and I learned so much. Back then, nearly all meters were made in USA and analog.

[@Jacobwlane]

I learnt a lot from this - particularly the use of hall effect sensors for DC current sensing!! That's incredibly cool - however, I do have a couple of things to mention: - The directions for current flow used with the clamp-type DC multimeters is called conventional current (TEM obviously know this and the video is correct, but just some added detail). Technically speaking, current flows from negative to positive (electron flow) but that's just confusing and unnecessary for most people - Compounding from the previous point, connecting the neutral/negative first is almost always a good idea, but it won't save you. Car chassis are tied to battery negative, so you should always connect negative first because it can't short against the chassis whereas connecting the positive first means your circuit could short against the chassis. The same idea mostly applies with household circuitry - neutral and ground are tied together, so _theoretically_ you remain in phase with any current if you ground yourself accidentally. However, shorting to literal "ground" (i.e. touching grass) will hurt just as much as putting hot to the same location.

[@jsax01001010]

I think you missed something in your point about not always connecting the negative/neutral first. You didn't give an example of when it's appropriate to connect to positive first. You mentioned car batteries, so I think you may have intended to mention that when installing a car battery, you should always attach the positive terminal first (unless you have a weird British car with a positive ground frame). The reason you do this is, once the positive terminal is installed, accidently touching the negative terminal to any metal part of the car (for example, by dropping a wrench in a way that touches the negative terminal and the frame of the car) completes the circuit as normal with all the car's protection circuits in the loop, and 12 volts is so low there is almost no risk of shock if you accidently complete the circuit with your body. If you install the negative terminal first, then if you accidently touch the positive terminal of the battery to any metal part of the car besides the positive cable, you will short the battery, and it will try to dump its full rated current of 600+ amps through what ever you touched it to and the negative cable. Because the frame is ground and directly connected to the negative of the battery, there is no current protection to save you from this mistake. Another example of how this could become dangerous is if, after installing the negative terminal of the battery, you go to install the positive terminal, and while tightening the positive cable, your wrench or tool contacts the frame at the same time, you will short the battery. For the same reasons as above, when removing a car battery, you should always disconnect the negative terminal first, or if you're just disconnecting the battery to do work on the electrical system, the negative terminal is the one you should disconnect.

[@djnor1979]

Absolutely correct and detailed video for people who is willing to listen. BUT. For those who just want to know how to stick your probe to something and get it "fixed" "quickly", please CLOSE the video and DO NOT TOUCH ELECTRICITY! Watch the whole video first if you want to "play" with live electricity! You might not only playing with YOUR life, but others as well, if you perform dodgy repairs! Be warned. Thanks for the video!

[@christophermcdonald5578]

I like how you said "qualified and competent"😄

[@grumpyhale821]

I'm trained and competent (not qualified) and have had so-called professionals reported to the ombudsman successfully a few times.

[@amafangames]

Absolutely great video, it is insane how much I learned for your channel. Thank you Paul for all your work!

[@EngineeringMindset]

Great to hear!

[@drdickqueso]

Thanks for all you do informing techs. I swear your breakdowns and narrations are more thorough and easy to understand than most trade schools. ❤

[@Scott-weeks]

I thought I was a pro now I feel like a newb ❤ thank you for sharing your info very much!

[@kurt9232]

Of course he did. I found it on my startpage. I sort of live in simbiosis with the algorithm. It shows me videos that really fit in with what I'm interested in at the moment. I rely on it to get new content. By the way! Finally!!! I have been waiting for this video for a long time. It's filling a big gap in my journey of learning to understand what's going on in electronics land. I started my journey in electronics land on this channel. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 Just yesterday it happens to be that I realised, that I feel comfortable now; being able to follow what is shown in all these videos. Finally. By today I declare myself a well enough educated citizen of electronics land. Following the paths ahead of me. With a much better insight and a relaxed mind. It feels like it took me three years. I'm not sure about that. Will look that up some time. So thank you for being part of it and giving me the opportunity to make my first steps. You guys are really good educaters and the channel also evolved really good. Thank you for being there. Kurt

[@juiceboxzach]

I enjoy this channel, really need refreshers, and more learning and these videos really do help with expanding my knowledge, some things I get lost at, like with 3 phase power, but at least I can go back and watch it again. Thank you

[@zummerzetwoodsman1067]

Very comprehensive. You have taken a long time to make this video thank you

[@condor5635]

I submerged my k thermocouple all the time in water. Why is it said don’t do that? Works great for me. Most excellent video!

[@BioTechproject27]

that depends on the thermocouple ig? His looks like it has the wires exposed, which would corrode (galvanic corrosion), especially over time But they usually have some cap afaik, either some glass, metal or plastic, which can make them safe to dip (it should say that somewhere on the packaging)

[@annquach6613]

I know this is an ad, but as an ordinary electrician fluke is all you really see. Even among instrument techs (thet calibrate sensors, sensors which control valves), the 789 is the preferred choice.

[@TheStevester2]

My fluke is my companion, savior, and a money maker. Its accurate, safe, reliable... And most importantly protects me from myself when human errors occur, only to blame on none other than myself. 😅

[@mdinjamulhaquesardar]

What is the model?

[@LewisAvinash]

@@mdinjamulhaquesardar mine is 378

[@TheStevester2]

@@mdinjamulhaquesardar 1587 FC. I'm an HVAC technician, this meter is perfectly suited for my line of work.

[@DanielCordey]

Excellent video. Very clear and complete explanations !

[@grabasandwich]

When I was in college back in 99, the Fluke rep came to visit us. A few of my classmates bought a meter (model 88? 98?) but I couldn't afford their outrageously priced stuff. I think our instructor even told us to think really hard before buying one 😜I got out of that industry not long after anyway.

[@thelightbrigadef4172]

Can't wait to give a shot of clamp meter fluke. Thank you for my request for a video of clamp meter. ❤

[@TheGunnarRoxen]

Your videos are always top notch

[@viveksarpe]

I too have metravi clamp meter ,but after your video I know all the functions and tricks Thank you. 😊

[@starhopper457]

I don't know if its a Fluke thing, but we were taught in RV A/C class that multimeter have filters in place to protect them from surges such as what would come from a charged capacitor. As such it was suggested to have a modest pair of insulated pliers to do just that. Our instructor had the misfortune of being "nipped" by a capacitor after he thought his multimeter had discharged it, when in fact, it didn't.

[@kenfarnsworth5239]

I didn’t know that you could do dc with a clamp. So was good to learn

[@Craig-fl8jj]

It's literally on the meter.

[@dang48]

You definitely can. I use my DMM (MTP make), when working on fire alarm systems and would use the clamp for the DC currents that are in the system. Just make sure your meter is set to the proper mode.

[@budstep7361]

This was great, thank you! Another video on these same topics for 3 phase electric systems would be awesome 🤩

[@EngineeringMindset]

3 Phase is covered in this video, but our next video is on 3 phase systems, I'll tag you

[@captainboing]

my favourite meter is an ancient Fluke10. a bit low on features by modern standards, but it just works and it's yearly calibration never results in any adjustment

[@jerryjeremy4038]

Very helpful and detailed. Amazing vid!

[@kenfarnsworth5239]

I believe an alternator makes AC current hence its name. It is converted to dc by a rectifier. Unlike a generator that makes Dc

[@Mocha69A]

very good information, im learning and want to be more electricity smart, no electrician schooling and My understanding has grown no expert but definintly learned something

[@Joe-mk2pj]

I get along just fine with my analog meters

[@dang48]

I still have mine and will use them periodically. I find my digital meter (with the clamp), makes it much easier when measuring current as I don't have to disconnect any wires for this. Yup, I confess I'm a tad lazy.😏

[@jameslucarelli7172]

You lucky dog free fluke meters! Your living my dream

[@jamesward5721]

I have about a dozen multi meters - one is a real spendy Fluke - the others stay chucked in a drawer of the toolbox. It is an un-aggravating tool to use, it just works.

[@undefined7463]

I use Klein and fluke meters. However, when I had to troubleshoot a non-working air conditioning compressor, I used a Klein CL800 (I rotate meters yearly for calibration purposes only). I could not find why the compressor was not working, but the fuses were popping. Another guy comes in with his fluke, sets it to continuity (same as me), and saw that the compressor was grounded. The Klein could not find it. My diagnosis was incorrect, and kept the unit down an extra month because we had to replace both compressors, not just the one. In short, buy fluke. If it’s just a hobby, buy a cheaper fluke. I’m currently in the process of replacing my Klein meters, and will pass them down to my son when he starts learning about the trades.

[@simpleman283]

I will take your advice.

[@modorangeorge4991]

Certainly not the meter was the problem there.

[@TheSimoc]

​@@modorangeorge4991Yep, sponsored marketing taken a little too seriously when someone really believes you need a certain brand to find a ground continuity 😂

[@drstefankrank]

I don't need a 378FC, but I want a 378FC, but I can't afford a 378FC.

[@supremeleader5516]

Damn those fluke meters are amazing

[@AdrianF-qw1uf]

TY for the video but I Wasn't ready for this much information, now I'm floating..

[@raindropsrising7662]

Awesome introduction 👍 Love Flukes.

[@JTCF]

I remember trying to measure dc current in an appliance wire using a clamp meter clamped over both of the conductors. It was my first time using it despite seeing it in action many times, so it took me some time to figure out why it didn't work...

[@salusalutilor9121]

You're absolutly great

[@tipforyoudiy]

Thanks. The video helped me understand multimeters better. I usually use analog meters so can you elaborate on it?

[@curtw8827]

Very good video that covers the basics. Very annoying to me that some selector dials don't have a white or black dot indicating pointer position. Easy to have the wrong function selected by accident, such as on Ohms when measuring voltage. I end up marking the selector arrow with paint, white out, or marker pen.

[@strawberyyicecreamdream216]

I want that fluke meter even though I know I really don't need it. That is really cool.

[@lualgomo3920]

And somehow I watched this for fun... Very informative though.

[@nicod974]

Excellent presentation

[@hdlivemodels]

In some rare instances a analog meter is needed so always have a cheap one handy.

[@colefoster9280]

It's strange hearing a British guy call live 'hot' and demonstrate on an american outlet but im guessing its what Fluke wanted. That Fluke meter is really smart but for £600 I don't think I could convice my boss to get me one.

[@jonathanshaw8868]

As a guy with klein meters, that i do love...i wish i had the flukes

[@mxcollin95]

Excellent video! 👏👍

[@zsnowball]

Nice and valuable video. Btw it scared me at 11:48 ;-) Greetings!

[@jabjab12]

can you recommend on a comprehensive online course / book of electricity and electronics mainly about fixing circuit boards?

[@PROVERBS31WAM]

I love these videos!!

[@mohamdzombie5497]

You could also connect clamp meters in series with other clamp meters or multimeters just like how you would connect batteries in series to combine their voltages. This combines the voltages of the diode test functions so that you could test LEDs that you otherwise wouldn't be able to test with a single clamp meter or multimeter. Or you could connect a multimeter or a clamp meter in series with any battery to achieve the same results. If the battery's voltage exceeds the LED's required voltage, it will not fry the LED if it (the battery) is connected in series with a clamp or multimeter.

[@nizbrel]

Loving this video! Good job

[@diverbob8]

You would probably blow a few more minds if you had covered the Fluke 365 with both AC & DC Current with a 1m interconnecting cable. This avoids having to fit the meter into small spaces. ATTENTION: DC Current means automotive troubleshooting and Solar Collector & Battery Stack checking....

[@earld1403]

Great video but 2 quick questions: 1) If a Meter has a Min/Max function, is a different option still needed to measure InRush current? 2) If an Amp / Current function is selectable on a Clamp meter does that means readings could be captured via Clamps OR Probes? In other words, if a Clamp meter has a selection for AC Current and Voltage and a different selection for DC Current and Voltage, then it automatic that the Clamp can perform all 4 functions?

[@EngineeringMindset]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed. The min/max will not capture the inrush, it will capture some of it but it won't be the full wave. The probes shouldn't be used and should be disconnected for current readings. I haven't seen one that can do both, they might exist, probably it needs a separate function to work.

[@ConfuX]

Gracias x los detalles, saludos desde Chile

[@Scoopta]

10:00 is somewhat ironic, it's a DC motor that gets called an alternator(which by definition outputs AC) but since car alternators have built in diode packs their output is DC similar to the motor used in the example, honestly that's a very confusing situation all around.

[@Vinay_B369]

Sir please make a complete video on EMI & RFI Filters

[@mobilered2776]

Hi just need some video for , which DMM is best to use for Audio Video products servicing..

[@bizonanimaton2778]

Can you please make a video on “Whats is Impedance,Resistance and Reactance” and whats the difference between them it will help me alot

[@ShitWrangler]

In essence, resistance and reactance are specific types of opposition to current, while impedance is the overall opposition combining both.

[@hag3925]

Dammit HellokittyFanM...if you don;t like the video and information provided, start your own channel and make your own videos? Thanks again The Engineering Mindset!

[@limki]

How does measuring resistance work? Does it energize the probes with certain voltage? Is it enough to fry sensitive components?

[@nathanwaight]

Yes a DMM energies the circuit for continuity and resistance checks, but only the voltage of the onboard battery so it's only a few volts (3v to 9v depending on batteries used) and wouldn't damage components.

[@imranahmad2733]

One thing that needs to be mentioned is when using a clamp meter for DC current measurements, remember to ZERO or REL the meter.

[@trinston13]

Can DC voltage be tested with the clamp or just current?

[@EngineeringMindset]

Yes, please see the section on DC voltage

[@wahdateummat9277]

Thank you upload a new video I was waiting

[@GraditelMacedonia]

Some clamps meters has PICK and INRUSH current features, together or only one...what is difference, can you made one episode for that?

[@taihtongmao]

Thank you so much 🔌

[@zeshtu1375]

Thanks for this video ❤❤❤

[@GameWithSuv]

Do the meter measure AC/DC BOTH have ct or they have only hall sensor?

[@synthwave7]

Good video - thanks

[@simpleman283]

21:27 Capacitors

[@mzia854]

I love you all vedios

[@josephdestaubin7426]

Field piece has left the chat.

[@ayubshaikh9156]

Beautiful ˋ Clasś´ on multimeter Use……..!

[@georgivasilev9666]

In the ad about fluke you said a calmp meter can measure voltage through the clamp. Between which two points does it measure the voltage? I don't get this.

[@uiopuiop3472]

my clamp meter poem: clamp meter, you make me feel alive i couldnt do it without you, i would die

[@philhermetic]

If you get the correct reading, its a Fluke!

[@ksawis912]

Can u explain how SD cards storage information?

[@jeremyjackson7895]

Thanks!

[@EngineeringMindset]

Thank you!

[@destiny_02]

10:35 hmmm yes current is measured in Volts

[@johansoderstrom1432]

Yeah, I also reacted to that flaw. I was surprised that this happened.

[@someoneonly]

How does it caculate both voltage and current from the clamp?

[@benjaminrich9396]

Fewer functions. Not "less functions". ;)

[@evanc1721]

If I touch neutral and I am grounded I would have a shock, right? I mean in the case that current flows through the neutral anyway because I have another load at the same circuit..

[@EngineeringMindset]

In theory, no shock. Because you are at the same voltage level at the neutral, the neutral is physically grounded to the earth. The live/hot wire is a much higher voltage so it will give you a shock. Notice how birds can land on a 200kV power line and be completely fine, but it they put one leg on the wire and one on the grounded plyon.....boom. If two live/hot wires of the same voltage and same phase difference touch, no current flows. However, if you are not properly grounded or there's an electrical fault/short and you touch the neutral, then you will get a shock so you shouldn't try it.

[@mzia854]

Please make vedio on true rms multimeters

[@FStewartIII]

awesome video thank you

[@GigasAhriman]

when you use clamp meter, and the display accurately reads 30.17 Amps- :D it's clamped to a water pipe- D:

[@IceSmash2]

11:48 Is a jumpscare

[@jagadeeshvanga7062]

Can you make video' for three phase motor connections convert to single phase connections how

[@vincesandoval1816]

I’d like to ask everyone’s opinion on what OL means on these meters. My research has shown it to indicate Over Load or Over limit. I’ve had this debate with other electronics techs. Most seem to agree with it meaning Open Loop. I respectfully disagree. I have a Fluke 117 and it can measure up to 60 Mohms, if I were to test a higher value resistance would I see OL? Clearly that would not be an open loop. I haven’t tested out my theory. What are your thoughts?

[@EngineeringMindset]

One article on the Fluke website states "If the measurement is higher than the set range, the multimeter will display OL (overload). The most accurate measurement is obtained at the lowest possible range setting without overloading the multimeter." I tend to use, and probably did in this video, OL to mean open loop for continuity and Outside limits for resistance. It's not official terminology (according to their article) but I find it easier to visualise. www.fluke.com/en-gb/learn/blog/digital-multimeters/accuracy-precision

[@danielteyehuago1633]

Thanks again

[@mamidinaresh4053]

Good information

[@TechOne7671]

Need to see how I can wangle one of these at work.

[@trollmarketshop]

can you teach me how to measure wire using ohms

[@lapalabrasinadulterar]

nice one

[@JoeB3]

“Do not use in wet conditions”… every HVAC tech: 😂

[@cisarvialpando7412]

Finally face revealed at the end

[@Scoopta]

14:00 Ik why 240VAC was used here but technically the UK did change it's mains voltage to 230VAC to match the rest of europe...and I just looked it up and apparently that change was in 2002???? I thought it was far more recent

[@Craig1967]

Great video and graphics but one thing bugs me. Electricity (electrons) flow from negative to positive. Think vacuum tubes and CRT displays.

[@EngineeringMindset]

Yes, they sure do, I've covered the subject a few times, but in many of my illustrations, I use conventional current as it's the standard. Also, each time I use electron flow I get a tidal wave of dislikes, negative and abusive comments from people who were never taught electron flow v conventional current.

[@Craig1967]

@@EngineeringMindset I understand your reasoning, and it makes sense from a content creator's point of view. I think the reason that it bugs me is that I grew up in the 70's and even though solid state electronics was present and taking over tubes, I learned vacuum tube theory before transistors because I was introduced to a book (when I was 9 years old) called "Elements Of Radio." It was an old early version prior to the invention of the transistor. It would be interesting to see someone do a video on vacuum tube technology and which way they would go with conventional current vs reality. Thanks for your reply.

[@planktonfun1]

How small amp can it detect?

[@sinamathew]

What product is your Tablet/Ebook reader?