The Megger DCM340-EN digital clamp meter is an average-sensing multimeter for measuring current, voltage, resistance, and frequency in electrical testing applications. It has a clamp with two jaws that can close around an electrical conductor up to 1.3" (35 mm) in diameter to measure current without touching or interrupting the circuit. The meter comes with detachable test leads that measure voltage, resistance, and frequency. The peak + or - function records instantaneous peak positive or negative values for current and voltage.
The maximum or minimum reading mode displays the highest or lowest reading in a session to track a sudden increase or decrease in readings. The relative zero mode stores a reading in memory to use as a zero point for subsequent readings, allowing quick comparison of multiple readings. An audible continuity sensor confirms that the circuit conducts electricity. The hold function keeps a reading on the display, even after the meter is disconnected.
The meter's liquid crystal display (LCD) shows readings in digits and on a bar graph and is backlit to provide readability in low light. The unit automatically turns off after 30 minutes of non-use to conserve battery life, and a low-battery indicator signals when the meter's batteries need to be replaced. A finger guard on the body of the meter helps protect fingers from shock. The meter can survive falls of up to 1.2 meters to a hardwood or concrete floor.
This average-sensing, or average-responding, meter provides accurate readings when measuring linear loads, such as standard induction motors and incandescent lights, where the current or voltage has a sinusoidal waveform. It has a 4,000-count resolution, meaning that it can display up to 3,999 units (3-3/4 digits) before the operating range needs to be changed. The meter meets International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) safety standard 61010 and is certified for category III installations up to 600V, which covers items used with enclosed building circuit installations (such as service panel parts, branch circuits, and fixed installations that are connected directly to a building's AC power supply). The unit comes with a pouch for transporting and storing the meter.
The DCM340 is a highly versatile instrument and ideal for use in the installation, maintenance, monitoring or checking of a.c. or d.c. electrical systems and equipment.
There are four instruments in the DCM series of clamp meters, including the 400 A a.c. current-only DCM310; the DCM320 which includes voltage and resistance measurement; the DCM330 Fork-Multimeter, which is an open fixed jaw design; and this, the DCM340. Capable of measuring a.c. and d.c. current up to 600 A; a.c. and d.c. voltage up to 600 V; resistance up to 400 Ω and frequency up to 400 Hz, the DCM340 is the most versatile in the range.
Current measurement combined with the comprehensive and accurate multimeter functions of the DCM340 eliminate the need to carry around both a clamp meter and multimeter – this instrument does it all.
The large clear digits of the numeric display are complemented by the high-resolution digital bar graph, useful for indicating trending and fluctuation of measurement. The backlight assists use in poorly lit areas such as distribution cupboards and corners of switchrooms; and the data-hold feature enables use on difficult access cables where otherwise the display may be impossible to see.
Min/Max hold provides the ability to store the maximum and minimum d.c. or rms values over a period of time. While storage is taking place, either the present, maximum or minimum value can be displayed. Peak hold stores the maximum and minimum peak value of an a.c. signal at a 10 ms sample rate. The auto-off feature automatically places the meter in power-save mode after 30 minutes from power-on, but this can be disabled if required for min/max measurements.
Using the Relative mode (REL), a stable value can be stored, the instrument zeroed at that point, and then any variation from that value is displayed as a direct measurement relative to it.
The DCM340 is safety rated to IEC 61010-1 Cat III 600 V, and is drop-tested to 1.2 m onto a hard floor. It is supplied with test leads and a carry case, and a full 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.