The Amprobe AMP-210 is a basic, decent quality troubleshooting clamp multimeter. A modern, slick tester with fast processor, it has the tools required to perform most of the standard checks electricians and amateurs would require. An uncluttered interface makes it easy to understand and it boasts true RMS response. Main negatives are lack of DC amps (available on other models) and short test ranges.
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Key Features
- Voltage to 600V, AC current to 600A
- Amp-Tip for closer current measurements
- Large backlit display
- Measures capacitance
- Continuity beeper & diode test
- Voltage detect
- Display hold & REC mode
- True RMS capable
- Low pass filter
- CAT-III @ 600V
- Auto off
- Battery indicator
- Conductor size: to 1.18″ (30 mm)
- Meter size: 8.6″ x 3″ x 1.46″
- Weight: 7.36oz (with batteries)
Ships With
- Two AAA batteries
- Test leads
- Carry case
- Manual – here’s the online Amprobe AMP-210 manual
In-depth Review of the AMP-210
The AMP-210 is part of a well rated series of clamp multimeters from popular brand Amprobe. Used for basic troubleshooting, it is typical of many amp clamp meters today in that it can also test traditional multimeter criteria, such as resistance, capacitance and continuity, together with volts and amps.
It is easy to use right out of the box, with a straightforward dial selector switch and large display. Obtaining test results is quick and there are just the two jack sockets to contend with. This set up makes it easier to switch between voltage and current as nothing needs to be unplugged.
The AMP-210 is True RMS capable, meaning better results for non-sine waveforms, such as square waves. There is also a non-contact voltage detector built in. These are okay for ascertaining the presence of voltage but don’t display actual values and are a bit hit and miss.
In addition, the clamp side of it can only test for AC current. While it won’t do DC amps, it measures AC and DC voltages (on the same switch position).
Category safety level: CAT-III 600V; protects against 6000V (6kV) spikes at a ground rated voltage of 600V.
Amprobe AMP-210 Functions
Amp-Tip function: allows for more precise measurement of current. A more sensitive coil at the end of the clamp allows for smaller cores to be checked, down to 0.1A – standard clamp meters won’t give you this. Switch to using the standard clamp for bigger cores.
The maximum conductor size that can be accommodated by the Amprobe AMP-210 is about 1.2″; around 30mm. Note: Amp-Tip will only accommodate small cores.
Low pass filter: allows for the testing of variable frequency drives.
Hold / REC: Other features include a screen hold and Min/Max record. You can discover the high and low points of a recoded signal with this feature, noted as ‘REC’ on the interface.
Voltage Detection
For AC voltage at 50/60Hz. Display dashes and beep tone indicates voltage strength.
Display Indication
– 20V (tolerance: 10 V to 36 V)
– – 55V (tolerance: 23 V to 83 V)
– – – 110V (tolerance: 59 V to 165 V)
– – – – 220V (tolerance: 124 V to 330 V)
– – – – – 440V (tolerance: 250 V to 600 V)
The detection antenna is located at the tip of the clamp, on the stationary jaw side.
SPECS
| Range | Accuracy | |
|---|---|---|
| AC current | 60A / 600A | ±(1.8%+5) @ 50 Hz/100 Hz |
| DC voltage | 600V | ±(1.0%+5) |
| AC voltage | 600V | ±(1.0%+5) @ 50/60Hz |
| Resistance | 600Ω / 60kΩ | ±(1.0%+5) |
| Capacitance | 200µF / 2500µF | ±(2.0%+4) |
| Frequency | 5 / 1000Hz | |
| Continuity response | ~32ms | |
| Diode test | 2.0V | |
As you can see, the measurement scales are quite small. You can’t test for high resistance in a circuit or large capacitors, for example.
Other amp clamp multimeters in Amprobe’s AMP-200/300 range:
- AMP-220: Measures both AC and DC amps
- AMP-310: Fit for HVAC AC motor testing
- AMP-320: AC and DC HVAC motor testing
- AMP-330: AC and DC clamp meter accommodates larger motors
Some of the features of these meters:
- Ability to test DC current
- Micro-amps
- Temperature
- Motor and three phase rotation check
- Inrush current
- Peak hold mode
- Work lamp
Build Quality
Amprobe make strong tools that are well tested, including drop tests. You pay a bit of a premium for this and for the brand in general, but it tends to be worth it. The AMP 200-300 Series is reliable and accurate as well as being ruggedly built. The leads are good quality.
Display: The interface on the AMP-210 is nice to look at, with a large, uncluttered screen and vivid numbers. It also comes with a backlight that runs for up to 30 seconds. Resolution is 3 5/6 digits, or 6000 counts.
Power and Batteries
The 210 is powered by a couple of AAA batteries. There is an auto-off (battery life-saver) function on the Amprobe AMP-210. This kicks in after around 30 minutes of inactivity. Power consumption is minimal at around 5µA/hr – extended usage of the display backlight will shorten battery life the most. A low battery indicator lets you know when to change the AA batteries.
The Good and Bad
PROS
- Quick checking between amperage and voltage
- Accurate low-amp checks with ‘Amp-Tip’
- Hold & Min/Max
- Low pass filter
- TRMS
- Uncluttered interface
- Backlit display
- Built well
CONS
- Clamp only measures AC amps
- Narrow test ranges
Conclusion
The Amprobe AMP-210 is a run-of-the-mill multi-amp clamp meter. Being fairly compact, durable and lightweight – and with a nice screen – it is a popular buy and can measure all the main criteria. While nothing outstanding, the AMP-210 is a useful tool for basic checks, and the Amp-Tip allows for accurate amperage measurements. No DC amps, however, and the ranges are tight, but it’s a good price.
Alternatives: You could spend a bit more and go for one of the others in the AMP-200/300 Series. Equivalent clamp meters by Fluke are way more expensive, like the excellent Fluke 325 but are great tools. The MA145 by Extech is less and can also measure DC amps, while Crenova’s 6016A Clamp Meter is cheaper but lacks functionality.