Two new DC clamp meters by Voltcraft, the VC-515 and the VC-513, are now supplied by the Conrad Sourcing Platform.
Voltcraft’s latest clamp meters are now supplied by the Conrad Sourcing Platform. In terms of testing equipment, both products constitute a huge step forward: the VC-513 and VC-515 don’t just stand out visibly from their competitors, they are also miles ahead when it comes to reading accuracy, namely by a factor of 10 compared to similar products on the market.
“Oftentimes, DC readings pose somewhat of a challenge,” explains Harald Lehner who manages the Voltcraft product category at Conrad Electronic. “Clamp meters that take highly accurate readings are more than just a tool – they ensure reliability and safety.”
Highly accurate DC readings
In terms of reading accuracy, Voltcraft’s VC-513 and VC-515 clamp meters take a step into unknown territory. Whilst they sport different functions to reflect their individual purpose, they are both identical when it comes to outstanding precision. Looking at the numbers, the VC-513 has a 4A range and a resolution of 0.001 A / ± (30 % +13). The VC-515 flagship product has an 6A range, and a resolution of 0.001 A / ± (3.0 % +20). “Goes without saying that both meters also take AC readings. However, testing solar batteries, chargers, charging infrastructure and back-up power supplies is where they really shine,” adds Lehner.
Fast trouble shooting
Designed for the industries, UPS, automotive technology and basically anyone who uses solar batteries, chargers and backup power and wants to check charging currents, charger function or battery output: Voltcraft’s new high-accuracy clamp meters provide clear and reliable readings, and that in very complex scenarios.
For example, the VC-500 series enables series circuit testing and is able to detect performance issues of single batteries in setups comprising as many as 20 connectedpower banks – a standout feature that helps you save a lot of time during troubleshooting. Moreover, these days, everyone is talking about DC microgrids. DC microgrids are localised energy systems (in factories etc) that use direct current to generate, store and use energy more efficiently in-house – no AC conversion involved. This is where specific types of DC clamp meters, as the ones designed by Voltcraft, play a significant role.
User-specific test probes
Simply using the right clamp meter for a given cable cross-section already improves the DC reading accuracy. Whilst Voltcraft’s two new clamp meters both feature jaws with improved coils and Hall elements, they come with different jaw widths: the VC-513 has an opening of about 17 mm and reads AC and AC up to 80 A. On the other hand, the VC-515 enables readings of up to 160 A and sports a jaw width of 22 mm.
Large number of functions
The 500 series being mainly centred around taking direct current readings does not mean that the VC- 513 and the VC-515 are unsuitable for AC measurements. On the contrary, they come with all the multimeter functions you can expect from a product in this category, including True RMS, duty cycle, frequency/temperature measurement, max/min display, relative mode and NCV.
The VC-515 flagship product was designed to take both AC and DC readings of up to 160 A, also allowing inrush current testing. Moreover, the Voltcraft product developers did not neglect practical aspects, adding a high- contrast 4000- and 6000-count display, respectively, to ensure excellent readability in sparsely-lit switchboard cabinets, and a bright LED work light illuminating the area around the jaws. There is also an ergonomically placed thumb-operated Data Hold button to store readings that cannot be viewed during the testing procedures.
Learn more about these products here.
