Jaltest JT2004 | Clamp Meter

Application and functionality

The JT2004 does two things at once: it measures current with the clamp and it works as a multimeter with two test leads. That first feature is what sets it apart from the three Jaltest multimeters, which can only measure current in series. The breakdown below follows the clamp and then the rotary dial.

Measuring without breaking the circuit

• Difference from test leads: A multimeter measures current in series, so the wire must be disconnected; the clamp grips around it and keeps the connection intact.
• Direct current: Dedicated setting with the DC symbol next to the A.
• Alternating current: Dedicated setting with the AC symbol next to the A.
• Zero adjustment: The ZERO button removes the baseline reading before measuring direct current.
• Alignment: The two alignment marks and crosshair on the clamp indicate where the conductor should be positioned.
• Clamp range: The marking on the clamp indicates 200A.

What a technician uses the clamp for

A vehicle's electrical system operates on direct current, and that's precisely why the JT2004 has a dedicated setting. A clamp that only measures alternating current is useless on a 12- or 24-volt system. You perform the measurements below with the clamp around the cable, whilst the connection remains firmly in place.

• Leakage current when stationary: Clamp the jaws around the battery cable of a parked vehicle and read how much current continues to flow; a draining battery will reveal its cause here.
• Alternator charging current: With the engine running, clamp the jaws around the same cable to check whether current is actually flowing back to the battery.
• Testing component consumption: Place the jaws around the power lead of a glow plug, cooling fan or fuel pump and compare what the component draws against its specified consumption.
• Starting current and heavy cables: The jaws fit around thick cables that cannot be interrupted in series with test leads.

What you can measure with the rotary selector and buttons

• Voltage and frequency: Position marked Hz and V, with symbols for direct and alternating voltage.
• Resistance, continuity, diode and capacitance: Combined in one position.
• Temperature: Position marked °F °C.
• Voltage detection without contact: The NCV position detects alternating voltage near the jaws.
• HOLD with screen backlight: Locks the reading and illuminates the display.
• SELECT: Switches between combined functions within a position.
• Test leads: Two pieces, COM and the lead for voltage, resistance, capacitance, diode, continuity, frequency and temperature.

Difference from Jaltest multimeters

Alongside this current clamp there are three Jaltest multimeters in the webshop, all three listed as Multimeter. These measure current exclusively in series, via a fused test lead. Below is how they differ from the JT2004 and where the similarities lie.

What matters is how you want to measure current. Anyone who power cable or a power cable cannot be removed, has the beak of the JT2004 required; who finer currents down to the microampere wants to measure, comes to the diagnostic meters out.

Jaltest JT2001 | Digital Multimeter (Overview):

• Current measurement:In series, via the fused bus 10A MAX, direct current only.
• Range selection:Fully manual.
• Safety category:CAT II 250V.
• Compatibility:Also the JT2001 features an NCV mode.

Jaltest JT2002 | Digital Multimeter (Overview):

• Current measurement:In series, up to 10 A, direct and alternating current.
• Range selection:Automatic, referred to as Autorange.
• Safety category:CAT IV 600V and CAT III 1000V.
• Supplied with:A type K thermocouple with measurement adapter.

Jaltest JT2003 | Digital Multimeter (Overview):

• Current measurement:In series, up to 20 A, direct and alternating current.
• Measurement principle:True RMS, just like the JT2004.
• Housing:Printed with IP65 rating and equipped with a torch.
• Special features:LoZ, LPF, Motor and PEAK.

Package contents

• 1x Jaltest JT2004 | Current clamp

Technical specifications