BSIDE ACM03 Auto Range Digital Clamp Meter 400 AC DC Current Hz Tester by BSIDE

For the purposes of a homeowner or hobbyist, this meter (except for the test leads) would be a very satisfactory investment. On the device that I received, all the functions performed very well and the measurements seemed accurate enough for any field use; unfortunately, the test leads that were supplied failed.... I had to wiggle them in their sockets to maintain a good connection. I used my Fluke leads and all was well again.Pros:1. Has all the range and functions needed for most needs.2. Feels and looks substantially well built.3. Comes with a case4. Economical5. Comes accurate enough for most purposes.Cons:1. Test leads supplied should be replaced with quality leads.2. It is not a quick responding multimeter; for example a start capacitor (270uf) test took over 5 seconds to measure; resistance, voltage and current, about 2 seconds. My Fluke meter measurements seem almost instantaneous compared to this.3. The battery cover screw is tiny and non-captive and will be lost very easily when changing out batteries (3 AAA)4. I don't think this meter can be sent anywhere for calibration if it becomes necessary..... just but a new oneIn my opinion, if I were making an everyday living as an electrician or HVAC tech, I would spend the big money for a Fluke, hands down; otherwise this meter is a lot of bang for the buck and I would recommend it.

Very good tester at this price. Ran it through its paces and it works very well on all its functions, and the accuracy it is good enough for anyone's satisfaction. My only wish is that they made one with a 1000A AC/DC capability but maybe they will, who knows? All in all it has proved much better that I expected, it is certainly is far better than others I've had, it gives me consistent amp readings every time. If the clamp not positioned exactly over the wire being tested it is still accurate. The clamp is so sensitive I used my 30 volt power supply to test it and the numbers are right on, barely being off by 1/10 of 1 Amp a few times throughout my tests slowly descending from 10A down to .1 Amp, yes down to point one amp! Also, I tested this clamp meter with my 100 Amp car battery load tester and it read 105 amps at first and settled in at a reading of 102 amps after about 3 or 4 seconds, probably once the volts on my car battery dropped slightly, and the load tester heated up a bit! Nice Amp meter, good job on this one! Ohms readings are very close to the same as with my Fluke 179 reading various values on 1% resistors, real nice! I also failed to mention, the carrying case is pretty nice and not cramped like some others out there, you don't want to have to force your test leads into an undersized carrying case and with this one you won't be wrecking your test leads that way. Good carrying case. My sons Miller 211 welders maximum output is right on spec with this amp testers results. Non electrolytic caps test real fast and accurately too.

Edited November 22 2014:I've changed my rating based on the excellent customer service and the accuracy of the new DMM provided.I've haven't experienced such good customer service in a long while from a company. A Value Express representative emailed me within a day of my review and asked for more specifics of the issue. A few weeks later I had a new unit to test and it was by far better than the first unit.DC current accuracy is stated at 2% + 6 digits (resolution of 0.1 amps). At 390.0 amps DC using a calibrated shunt in the 400 amp range it read ~390.5 amps. At 35.0 amps in the 40 amp range it reads 35.6 amps. Both well within specification!DC voltage measurement accuracy was within 0.02 percent (better than spec). 175.0 VDC using a Agilent 34401A calibrated meter measured 175.2 VDC. 112.0 VAC 60Hz reads 112.4 VAC.Ohm readings were within .05% at 1 Mohm.I think they fixed the calibration issue of their meters. If you receive a meter out of spec, don't hesitate to email them. They will make it right.Not a piece of junk. This is a gem for the price, for sure! Thanks to Value Express for making it right.Original review:"Horribly inaccurate. Doesn't meet specification they give by a long shot. Horrible design.I tested two functions out of the box.a) DC current accuracy.b) Ohm meter accuracy.DC current accuracy is stated at 2% + 6 digits (resolution of 0.1 amps). At a reading in the 400 amp range and testing at 100 amps, that equates to 2 amps plus 0.6 amps (2.6 amps maximum inaccuracy) maximum. Using a NIST traceable calibrated shunt at 100.0 amps DC, this meter reads 90.5 amps. About 10% under actual current. At a 40 amp range and testing at 40.0 amps this meter read 35.2 amps. Tested both positive current and negative. Both read lower than spec.Ohm reading was more than 5% outside of spec low compared to a calibrated Fluke 117.Leads included didn't make contact with the banana plug receptacle until adjusting the prongs on the leads.When back is removed, there are no soldered leads to the batteries. It's a pressure contact to the circuit card susceptible to oxidization. Again, there are no wires from the battery compartment to the circuit card. Just pressure contacts susceptible to oxidization.This is a piece of junk. I guess that I got what I paid for but since it doesn't meet the listed specification, I'll be sending it back for a full refund."

Ampmeter did not work. Display is on but did not register any readings. Also, the meter when you turn it on was not at zero. Was at 0.06 and 0.07. Had to hit a button to zero but it only temporary. Once you change any modes it is back to a 0.06 or 0.07 reading even though nothing is clamped in.

The meter offers good capabilities for the price, but measuring clamp-on DC current is a pain: First you have to select the current range, and then you have to press SEL to switch from AC to DC. And you have to repeat this process every time you turn it on. I really need a direct way to select the DC clamp-on ammeter. Also, after a couple of years, the 40A DC range is starting to show "overload" as soon as I select DC. Guess I'll have to buy a new meter, hopefully with the direct DC current setting.

While a DC inductive ammeter with this capacity is a real good deal at this price, the lack of accuracy; the meter reads about a tenth of a volt high in most cases; is troubling The controls on the meter are needlessly complicated as well.