What type of meter operates based on the functioning of a current transformer?

A clamp-on meter operates on the principle of a current transformer, which allows it to measure alternating current (AC) without the need to make direct electrical contact with the circuit. This type of meter typically features a hinged jaw that can open and "clamp" around a conductor, detecting the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through it. The current transformer inside the meter converts this magnetic field into a measurable electrical signal, allowing the meter to display the current reading accurately.

The versatility of clamp-on meters makes them particularly useful in environments where interrupting a circuit is impractical, allowing technicians to take measurements quickly and safely. This attribute is essential in commercial settings where equipment downtime can be costly.

Other types of meters, such as analog meters, digital multimeters, and resistive meters, may function differently. Analog meters measure current, voltage, or resistance using pointers and scales; digital multimeters often provide a wider range of measurements but do not operate based on current transformers; and resistive meters are specifically designed to measure resistance rather than current. Thus, the clamp-on meter is uniquely suited to measuring current in a non-intrusive manner, making it the correct choice in this scenario.