120A/40mA ammeter clamp for Sofar Solar inverters

120A/40mA clamp ammeter: Professional measurement for solar installations

The 120A/40mA current clamp is an essential professional measuring instrument for photovoltaic installers, electricians and maintenance technicians. This current clamp accurately measures the current flowing through a conductor without having to interrupt the circuit, providing a safe, quick and non-invasive solution for diagnosing and checking installations.

Why use a current clamp?

Unlike traditional measuring methods, which involve opening the electrical circuit and inserting an ammeter in series, current clamps work by magnetic induction. Simply wrap the jaws of the clamp around the conductor to obtain an instant reading of the current flowing through it.
This non-invasive method guarantees user safety, avoids the risk of short-circuits during measurement and enables rapid diagnostics without interrupting the operation of the installation.

Main technical features

Compatibility with Sofar Solar inverters

This current clamp is specifically recommended for direct measurement on Sofar Solar single-phase inverters, enabling installers to quickly and accurately check :

• Photovoltaic production: Measurement of the current generated by the solar panels before conversion by the inverter
• AC output current: Checks the current fed into the grid or supplying domestic loads
• Battery charging current: Checks the current flowing to storage batteries (ESI hybrid inverters)
• Fault diagnosis: Rapid identification of production imbalances, overcurrents or malfunctions

Compatible Sofar Solar models :

• ESI range (single-phase hybrid inverters) : ESI-3K-S1, ESI-4.6K-S1, ESI-6K-S1
• ME range (single-phase grid inverters) : ME 3000 SP
• KTLM-G3 range (single-phase mains inverters): 3KTLM-G3, 4KTLM-G3, 5KTLM-G3

To discover the full range of Sofar Solar inverters, visit our dedicated Sofar Solar brand page.

Professional applications

The 120A/40mA clamp ammeter meets the needs of professionals in many situations:

• Commissioning solar installations: checking that production corresponds to the expected values according to the amount of sunshine and power installed
• Preventive maintenance: Regular monitoring of currents to detect performance drifts before they cause faults
• Fault diagnosis: Rapid pinpointing of a production problem (faulty panels, damaged cables, faulty inverter)
• Load balancing: Measurement of consumption on different circuits to optimise power distribution
• Conformity check: Checks that measured currents comply with standards and equipment limits
• Technical training: Educational tool for understanding energy flows in a photovoltaic installation

Advantages of measuring with current clamps

Magnetic induction measurement technology offers a number of advantages over conventional ammeters:

• Maximum safety: No direct electrical contact, no risk of electric shock or short-circuit.
• Non-invasive measurement: no need to cut the circuit or disconnect cables
• Fast: Instant reading, so you can quickly test several measurement points
• Versatility: Suitable for domestic installations (up to 120A, more than enough for residential use)
• Portability: lightweight and compact, easy to carry in a tool case
• Durability: Robust construction to withstand site conditions

Use and instructions

Using a clamp ammeter is simple and intuitive:

1. Prepare the installation: Make sure the installation is powered up and operating normally.
2. Open the jaws: Press the clamp opening lever
3. Wrap the conductor: Position a single conductor (phase or neutral, never both together) in the centre of the jaws.
4. Close the jaws: Release the lever so that the jaws close completely around the cable
5. Read the measurement: The current is displayed instantly on the multimeter or the connected display.
6. Remove the clamp: Open the jaws again and remove the clamp from the conductor

Important: To obtain a correct measurement, it is essential to measure onlyone conductor at a time. If the phase and neutral conductors pass through the clamp together, the magnetic fields cancel each other out and the reading will be zero or incorrect.

Clamp sizing and choice

The 120A/40mA clamp is perfectly sized for residential and small commercial installations:

For high-power three-phase installations or measurements requiring greater accuracy, other current clamp models may be more suitable.

Care and Precautions

To ensure the longevity and accuracy of your current clamp:

• Cleaning: Clean the jaws regularly with a dry cloth to prevent dust build-up.
• Storage: Store in a dry place, away from humidity and shocks.
• Checking: Periodically check accuracy against a reference instrument
• Jaws: Ensure that the jaws close correctly and completely to guarantee accuracy.
• Cables: Check the condition of the connecting cables and replace them if damaged.

Safety precautions:

• Never use on circuits exceeding 120A
• Ensure that safety distances from live parts are observed
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (insulated gloves, goggles)
• Do not use in damp or explosive environments

Accessories and Additional Tools

Wattuneed offers a complete range ofaccessories and professional electrical equipment to optimise your measurements and diagnostics of photovoltaic installations:

• Digital multimeters with ammeter function
• Continuity and voltage testers
• DC current clamps for panel-side measurement
• Data loggers for long-term monitoring
• Complete diagnostic kits for installers

Wattuneed resources for installers

To learn more and optimise your solar installations, check out our free resources:

• Voltage drop calculator to correctly size your cables
• Photovoltaic installation sizing guide
• Technical support platform for all your installation questions