Flir has come out with 2 new flexible current clamp meters, C55 and C57. The only difference between the two is how the CM55 meter has a 10″ loop that can fit a max conductor diameter of 2.4″, while the CM57 has an 18″ loop that can fit a max conductor or 4.7″.
As with the new moisture meter, and Flir’s initial foray into the electrical test and measurement segment nearly 2 years ago, the new current clamps have some very forward-thinking features.
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Thanks to the new meters’ flexible current clamps, they can take measurements in tight or awkward spots, or around tricky cables and conductors.
These are standalone meters, and not test lead current clamps, so you don’t have to worry about bringing another separate meter along – at least not if you’re just taking current measurements.
The meters can measure inrush current, which are spikes in current when motors or other equipment ramp up to operational speed and states.
And as with the MR77 moisture meter, the Flir CM55 and CM57 current clamp meters have built-in Bluetooth compatibility. This allows them to connect wirelessly to Android devices for remote diagnosis and monitoring, and to take measurements in hard-to-reach or dangerous areas.
You can use multiple units in concert, such as for remote measurements of multi-phase systems.
Once your meters are connected to your smart device via Bluetooth, you can upload data through the Flir Tools app wirelessly. There’s no need for a USB or other sync cable.
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The icing on the cake? Built-in LED worklights and 3-meter drop resistance.
Features & Specs
- 3000A AC max current
- True RMS AC response
- 30A, 300A, 3000A current ranges
- Basic AC current accuracy of 3.0% + 5 digits
- 0.01A max resolution
- 20,000 data points recording memory, 1-min sample rate
- 3000 count LCD display
- Powered by (2) AAA batteries
- Drop tested to 9.8 feet (3 m)
Price: $200 for CM55, $225 for CM57
Buy Now(via Amazon)
See Also(Flir universal current probe accessory via Amazon)
More Info(via Flir)
The CM55 and CM57 are standalone clamp meters. Flir also came out with the TA72 and TA74 current clamps, which are similar but lack their own meter functionality. The TA72 and TA74 probes must be used with another meter, but the upside is that you can use them with any compatible meter, even outside the Flir brand.
Derek
As an electrician, I’ll add my 2 cents.
I think this looks like a great product, and the flexible portion is very smart, but a hige downside is it only can check amps. I’m not going to carry around 2 meters, 1 for just amps, and the other for everything else(volts/ohms/ect). If this had come voltage probes hidden in the inside of it’s boddy that could be pulled out, then I’m all for it, but as it is….no thanks. but nice try.
Mike
$200 and works with any tablet/phone instead of a proprietary receiver? Nice! If these get decent reviews after a while I’ll be picking up a half dozen. A network of these could cut hours of troubleshooting down to a few minutes. We’ve got some Flukes which do this but they require the Fluke master unit, which of course is always somewhere else. The Flukes are not made to be attached and left hanging outside a cabinet either, and leaving them inside shortens their range.
Derek
“A network of these could cut hours of troubleshooting down to a few minutes.”
How so? Could you elaborate on what exactly you are doing that would go faster using this meter?