A clamp meter measures electrical current by clamping around a conductor without breaking the circuit — making it one of the most essential tools for any electrician or electrical maintenance professional. But with so many Kyoritsu clamp meter models available,

how do you choose the right one?

This guide will help.

The 4 main types of Kyoritsu clamp meters

AC clamp meters measure alternating current only and are the most common type. They are ideal for general electrical work: checking panel loads, testing single-phase and three-phase circuits, and routine maintenance. If most of your work is on standard power systems, an AC model like the KEW 200, KEW 2002PA, or KEW 2007R is the right choice.

AC/DC clamp meters measure both alternating and direct current. These are essential if you work on solar PV systems, battery banks, DC drives, or any mixed AC/DC installation. The KEW 2003A, KEW 2046R, KEW 2055, and KEW 2056R are popular AC/DC models covering a wide range of current ratings.

True RMS clamp meters give accurate readings even on non-sinusoidal (distorted) waveforms — common in circuits with variable speed drives, inverters, UPS systems, and LED lighting. If you work in industrial environments or modern buildings, always choose a True RMS model. Most Kyoritsu mid-range and above models include True RMS measurement.

Leakage clamp meters are specially designed to measure very small leakage currents — typically in the milliamp range — used for detecting insulation deterioration, earth leakage faults, and RCD pre-testing. The KEW 2433R and KEW 2434 are dedicated leakage clamp meters used widely in electrical maintenance and safety testing.

 

What current range do you need?

For general panel and circuit work: 400A–1000A range is sufficient (KEW 2002PA, KEW 2033). For large distribution panels and industrial loads: 2000A range (KEW 2200, KEW 2204R). For solar DC systems: ensure the model covers DC current — check the KEW 2003A or KEW 2046R. For leakage measurement: you need a dedicated leakage model with mA resolution.

 

Do you need True RMS?

If you are measuring current in circuits with any of the following, always choose True RMS: variable frequency drives (VFDs), servo motors, UPS systems, inverters, switch-mode power supplies, LED drivers. Average-responding meters will give incorrect readings on these loads.

 

Recommended models by application Electrician,

general site work: KEW 2002PA or KEW 2007R

Industrial maintenance engineer: KEW 2033 or KEW 2046R (True RMS, AC/DC)

Solar / renewable energy: KEW 2056R (DC current, high resolution)

Electrical safety testing: KEW 2433R (leakage clamp)

Substation / high current: KEW 2200 or KEW 2204R (2000A)

 

All Kyoritsu clamp meters sold through KEW India are genuine, covered by a 3-year warranty, and IEC 61010 CAT III/IV rated for safe use on live systems.