How does a current clamp work?

A current clamp typically consists of two parts which are secured around the cable to be monitored. The clamp uses the ‘Hall effect’ and the magnetic field caused by current flowing through the monitored cable which induces a small voltage across the sensor. The voltage is proportional to the current and is amplified and measured to generate a reading. The use of a clamp meter prevents the need to cut into or damage a cable and allows the clamp to be placed onto ‘live’ in-situ installations without disruption.