A current meter may seem like a simple device, but its purchase must be carefully considered. In the article below, we will explain key issues and recommend proven models.
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Current meter - what is it? How it works?
A current meter , also known as an ammeter, is used to measure the intensity of electric current. To understand its principle of operation, you must first know its structure. It consists of a coil of wire turns (around which the tested current passes), a needle and a display showing the measurement result. The current flowing through the coil creates a magnetic field in it, which affects the magnet placed inside the meter. This causes the pointing needle to rotate. The higher the intensity, the more the needle rotates. Current meters are widely used in many areas, especially electronics, electrical engineering, industry and scientific research. Thanks to them, you can control the current in electrical circuits, which affects both the optimal use of its resources and the safety of using electronic equipment.
Analog current meter - what are its characteristics?
What kind of current meter? 
we choose depends on many factors, the most important of which are measurement accuracy and measurement range. No less important are helpful additional functions. The budget we can allocate for this purchase is also crucial. There are three types of meters available: analog, digital and jaw gauges. Let's start with the traditional, least complicated one - an analog current meter. Equipped with a pointer showing the current value. Quite cheap and easy to use. Particularly useful for measuring direct current (DC), but quite unreliable when measuring alternating current (AC). In this case, you need more advanced equipment - a digital meter.
Digital current meter - more modern and more precise
These devices are definitely more reliable compared to analog models. They provide accurate and readable measurement values thanks to an LCD or LED display. They also have more different functions, such as measuring resistance or voltage. They operate equally reliably in direct and alternating current. Even though they cost more than analog meters, they guarantee much better quality and comfort of work.
Or maybe a current clamp meter - what makes it different?
This type of meters is particularly useful 
for measuring alternating current. They are easy to recognize by their characteristic jaw. Its shape is not accidental, because because it opens and closes, we are able to measure current without having to interrupt the circuit. This device is extremely convenient to use because it allows measurements in various, even more difficult to access, places. Often used in electrical installations and repairs of electronic devices.
Which current meter should I choose? Here are our suggestions!
Taking into account the types of current meters presented above, it is easy to draw the conclusion that it is best to invest in clamp meters, especially since they are digital devices and therefore comfortable to use. Which models are particularly worth recommending?
- CMP-200 digital clamp current meter with calibration certificate
LCD display (31 digits, max 1999) and display backlight with white light. This is a specialized device designed for precise measurements, even of small values of alternating current. - CMP-400 digital AC clamp meter with extremely high quality and precision. The main advantage of the presented device is the ability to make measurements in the range from 0 to 400, so it can be used for various tasks in the fields of electricity and automation.
- The FLUKE 325 current clamp meter has been designed for professionals who install and maintain electrical systems. It ensures measurement accuracy, so that measurement results are always reliable.
- The Sonel CMP-401 digital current meter enables precise measurement of direct and alternating current. Like previous models, the device has a calibration certificate and a cat.III safety class with a maximum voltage of 600V. It is worth noting that the meter is equipped with a clamp opening of 30 mm, so that its use even with larger wires and cables does not pose any problems.
- The Sonel CMP-200F AC current clamp meter is an innovative solution from the family of clamp meters. It combines the best of everything - simplicity, speed of measurement and versatility.
By choosing one of these solutions, we can be sure of accurate, undisturbed measurements, which is extremely important in the case of electricity.