TPI Europe 296 Clamp-On Meter Amp Plus

Digital Clamp-On Meter Amp Plus. The 296 is a clamp-on plus DMM with True RMS and Harmonics capabilities capabilities.

The 296 offers measurements in all basic electrical functions plus:

• True RMS: Provides accurate and dependable readings of non-linear loads.
• HDR Mode: Determines if a signal is clean or distorted.
• Bar Graph: When measuring frequency, bar graph indicates current level.
• TRIM Mode: Smooths out unstable readings.
• Peak Mode: For start-up and inrush currents.
• Sleep Mode: Preserves battery life
• Data Hold: Holds the reading on the display for easy viewing.
• CAT III 600 V rated
• cULus 61010
• 3-year limited warranty

Description

The 296 is a clamp-on plus DMM with True RMS and Harmonics capabilities. The 296 offers measurements in all basic electrical functions, plus:

• True RMS: Provides accurate and dependable readings of non-linear loads.
• HDR Mode: Determines if a signal is clean or distorted.
• Bar Graph: When measuring frequency, bar graph indicates current level.
• TRIM Mode: Smooths out unstable readings.
• Peak Mode: For start-up and inrush currents.
• Sleep Mode: Preserves battery life.
• Data Hold: Holds the reading on the display for easy viewing.

The 296 comes complete with the following accessories:

• Carrying Pouch
• Test Lead Set
• Instruction Manual
• Battery

Accessories

Standard Accessories

• A009A 9 Volt Alkaline Battery
• A040 Test Lead Set
• A200 Soft Carrying Pouch

Optional Accessories

• SDK1C Deluxe Test Lead Set
• TLS2000BC IEC 1010 Deluxe Test Lead Kit
• A201 Hard Carrying Case

Specifications

Applications

• Heat anticipator current in thermostats
• Line voltage
• Control circuit voltage
• Heating element resistance
• Compressor winding resistance
• Contactor and relay coil resistance
• Motor and compressor start up current
• Continuity of wiring
• Frequency on control and line voltage
• Record/Min/Max voltage of controls and line voltages
• Bar graph to indicate rapid fluctuations

Perform the following tests and/or measurements with the 293 and the appropriate function:

HVAC/R
DCmV • Thermocouples in furnaces.
ACA • Heat anticipator current in thermostats.
ACV • Line voltage.
ACV or DCV • Control circuit voltage.
OHMS • Compressor winding resistance.
OHMS • Continuity of wiring.
CAP • Motor start and run capacitors.
ACA • Motor and compressor start up current.
Hz • Frequency on controls and line voltage.

ELECTRICAL
ACV • Measure line voltage.
ACA • Measure line current.
OHMS • Continuity of circuit breakers.
DCV • Voltage of direct drive DC motors.
ACA • Start up current of motors, relays,  contactors and transformers

ELECTRONIC
ACV • Measure power supply voltage.
ACA • Measure power supply current.
OHMS • Continuity of circuit breakers and fuses.

FAQs

1. How does the non-contact voltage feature of the TPI 270 and 275 benefit me?

The non-contact feature of the TPI 270 and 275 allows you to detect live circuits without using the test leads, which enables faster checks for the presence of voltage.

2. Which of the TPI clamp-on meters will measure temperature?

The 270 and 275 have this feature built in and the 255, 265, and 291 can measure temperature by using the optional A301 or a A312 K-type thermocouple adapters.

3. Which TPI clamp-ons can measure DC microamps?

The TPI 270 and 275 has the capability to measure DC microamps by using the test leads. This is very useful for making flame safety control current measurements. The 265 can measure DC microamps with the optional A213 adapter.

4. Does a clamp-on meter measure anything besides amps?

All TPI clamp-on meters measure AC/DC volts and resistance. Models are available with temperature, frequency, capacitance, and non-contact voltage detection capability as well as many other features. Various adapters including temperature (A301 or A312), carbon monoxide (A771), and pressure (A620/630) are available. Contact TPI for additional information.

5. Is it possible to measure AC amps on a device that uses a power cord?

Yes, to accomplish this you can use the TPI line splitter (A202). AC amps must be measured by isolating a single wire and the A202 line splitter does this without damaging the power cord.