📖 GLOSSARY · TOOL
What is a clamp meter?
Measures current by clamping around a wire without disconnecting anything — essential for testing gas oven igniters.
A clamp meter reads current through a conductor without breaking the circuit. Its signature use in appliance repair is testing a gas oven igniter: a glow bar can look bright and still draw too little current to open the safety valve, and only an amp reading reveals that. It is also the fastest way to confirm whether a compressor or motor is drawing normal, high or no current.
Repairs that involve clamp meter
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