You can easily identify a person in a trade he is into based on the tools he has. For electricians, one of the most telling hallmarks has got to be the presence of a fork meter in their arsenal. As an indispensable tool that helps electricians give an accurate measure of the current and voltage—and to some extent, other important elements—in any established electrical circuit, no full-fledged practitioner of the trade is ever without a trusty fork meter on his side.
But, while all fork meters adhere to the same principles which give their user accurate numerical results, not all of this tool are the same—some are actually better or worse than others. With many enterprises giving a shot in coming up with their rendition of the “best” fork meter, finding the actual “best” from the vast options can be overwhelming.
Best Fork Meters for Electricians
Saving you from the daunting task of finding the greatest fork meter from the ocean of available products in the market to date. We narrow down your options to truly just the most amazing, in terms of both quality and performance as primary considerations:
1. Uni-Trend UT203
Made by Uni-Trend, this digital clamp meter is an easy-to-carry tool for its relatively lightweight design which measures around 8.16 ounces. For an instrument of its kind, the UT203 employs a brilliant blueprint that is more than just aesthetic; but rather is aimed at functionality.
Other quality of life improvement with the tool includes an LED screen which has backlit support that makes it usable even in the dark, as well as control settings that is user-friendly.
2. HDE Portable AC/DC Digital Voltage Multimeter
Featuring all the benefits that comes with only the best for a product of the same kind currently available in the market, the HDE Portable AC/DC Digital Voltage Multimeter makes one of the best-quality products out there. Although its performance is one major factor why this is the case, there is also a praise to be said when it comes to its physical layout.
3. Etekcity UT201
There are plenty ways a product, including a fork meter, can be criticized for quality. One of them being the materials used in its make-up. Showcasing sophistication in both material selection for hardware design and actual functionality, the Etekcity is on top of the game as far as being a handy tool for electricians.
For instance, there are not many instruments in the market that can apply measure in an AC conductor that goes as far as 26mm without disrupting the flow of electricity in a circuit, like the UT201 does.
4. Tenma 72-7218
It is enough to say that few of the characteristics that make an outstanding clamp meter includes a cleverly-designed structure and a top-notch hardware consistency. If these were indeed hallmarks to the best fork meters, then the Tenma 72-7218 deserves to be in the list for embodying these two categories.
But this tool is not merely for show—it also complements its appearance with a performance that is precise in actual results.
5. Mastech MS2109A
At first glance, it is easy to understand why the Mastech MS2109A makes for an appealing product in terms of looks alone. Harboring an eclectic mix of colors which makes using the tool easy on the eyes, the MS2109A is quite an eye-candy as far as color scheme goes.
Yet, like every other product that made their way into the list, this particular instrument is not just about looks either—its also about the make and how it actually performs on the job.
6. Fluke 323
You just got to love a tool whose simplicity makes the job done as efficiently and effectively as possible. This is perhaps the Fluke 323’s greatest asset and the reason why it made it in the list of only the bests.
However, do not let its plain-looking appearance fool you into thinking that this instrument is “child’s toy”. With the ability to make measurements of both AC and DC at 400A and 600V, respectively, as well as resistance of up to 4 Kilohms, this is not your average basic fork meter.
7. Amprobe AMP-310
We can give tribute to the old fork meter design for its relative effectivity and efficiency as a measuring tool to any electric circuit. But for real accurate quantitative measurements, there has to be more in the process—like a root mean square technology that ensures more advanced measurements.
The Amprobe AMP-310 is one such instrument. It harbors the RMS technology which gives an accurate measure of current and voltage running in an AC. Furthermore, it also features a capacitance measurement which enables the kickstarting of motor capacitors. Needless to say, this clamp meter is truly sophisticated when it does the job.
8. Sperry Instruments DSA500A
When style matters less to you and all you want is a tool that delivers accurate result, then the Sperry Instruments DSA500A makes for an easy choice, thanks to its high-precision measurement that will please its user. This is not to say that the DSA500A is shabby—which it is not. It is just well worth pointing out its greatest strength over anything else.
9. Klein Tools CL200
Looking for an instrument that does more than just measuring current, voltage, resistance, and continuity, the Klein Tools CL200’s ability to measure capacitance, temperature, and responsiveness makes this measuring object not your usual fork meter seen in the market. Although this is not to say that the aforementioned features are exclusive to it, it is still worthy of being mentioned.
Adding more to the convenience with the use of the CL200 are its backlight support as well as lighting which make it ideal as a companion when working outdoors during dark.
10. AIMO MS2108A
Definitely one of the finest among fork meters available in the market today. The AIMO MS2108A features both user-friendly hardware design and layout as well as great precision and accuracy measures when used—a perfect combination of looks and performance.