Vartech's clamp meter range covers six models from a best-selling everyday 1000 A unit to a dedicated mA leakage tester, all built around the same core advantage a clamp meter has over a standard multimeter - measuring current without breaking the circuit. Choosing between them comes down to three questions: how much current, what extra functions you need, and whether you specifically need leakage testing.
Everyday Clamp Meter or Ultra-Compact Smart Meter?
The V 266, V 266+ and V 266 C form Vartech's mainstream clamp meter line - the V 266 is described as India's best-selling digital clamp multimeter, a proven, no-frills 1000 A AC / 1000 V DC instrument. The V 266+ steps up to 4000 counts with NCV (non-contact voltage detection) and torch, while the V 266 C adds capacitance, frequency and temperature measurement with a backlit display - the most capable of the three. The V 2001+ and V 2002+ take a different form factor entirely: an ultra-compact 150 g "Smart Clamp Meter" body with Type-C rechargeable battery, aimed at technicians who want a lighter, more pocketable instrument for routine current checks rather than a full-size meter.
AC-Only or True RMS AC/DC?
The V 266 series and V 2001+ measure AC current only, which covers the majority of routine mains-frequency electrical work. The M 2101 is a professional True RMS clamp meter that measures both AC and DC current from 600 µA up to 1000 A, with frequency measurement to 20 MHz - the right choice when your work involves DC circuits (battery systems, DC motor drives, solar/inverter installations) alongside AC, or when non-sinusoidal loads (VFDs, switch-mode supplies) make True RMS measurement necessary for an accurate reading.
Why True RMS matters on modern loads
Dedicated mA Leakage Testing - The V 2002+
Standard clamp meters measure load current, not the small leakage current that indicates a developing insulation fault or nuisance-tripping RCD/ELCB issue. The V 2002+ is purpose-built as a mA leakage tester, measuring earth leakage current from as low as 600 µA alongside standard DC current and frequency to 10 MHz - the right tool when you're specifically chasing an RCD nuisance trip or verifying leakage current on sensitive equipment, rather than just checking load current.
Jaw Size and Current Range
The V 266 series clamps a 50 mm jaw opening, sized for standard cable and small bus bar diameters found in typical DB and panel work. When specifying a clamp meter, match the jaw opening to the largest conductor or bus bar you'll realistically need to clamp around - a jaw too small for the job means the meter simply can't be used, regardless of its other specifications.
Quick Reference by Use Case
- General everyday clamp meter, proven and economical: V 266.
- Everyday use with NCV and safer operation: V 266+.
- Most capable of the mainstream line - capacitance, frequency, temperature: V 266 C.
- Lightweight, pocketable, rechargeable: V 2001+.
- AC/DC work, non-sinusoidal loads, professional field use: M 2101 (True RMS).
- RCD nuisance trips, earth leakage investigation: V 2002+.
CIE Instruments is an authorised distributor for the full Vartech clamp meter range. Contact us to match a model to your current range, AC/DC requirements, and application.