Hioki 3288 AC/DC Clamp Meter 1000A AC/DC, 600V AC/DC, Resistance and Continuity

The Hioki 3288 AC/DC Clamp Meter is a Multi-function clamp that simplifies equipment fault finding.
Besides AC/DC current measurement, it also has digital multimeter functions for voltage, resistance, and continuity checking.

It is ideal for electrical contractors, solar technicians, and maintenance teams who need quick diagnostics on everything from switchboards to battery banks

It is available in two versions to match your testing requirements.

Average rectified (Model 3288)
True RMS (Model 3288-20)

Hioki Clamp Meter Brochure

Categories: Clamp Meters, HIOKI Tags: AC/DC Clamp Meter, AC/DC Clamps, Clampmeters, Hioki Brand: Hioki

Hioki 3288 AC/DC Clamp Meter 1000A AC/DC, 600V AC/DC, Resistance and Continuity

The Hioki 3288 is an AC/DC current and voltage clamp meter that also measures continuity and resistance, featuring a double jaw lever and slim profile for easy access to crowded wires.

For high current measurements such as UPS emergency batteries and train motors
Voltage, resistance, and continuity check functions

The Right Tool for Modern Electrical Diagnostics

Walk onto any New Zealand job site and you’ll see the same challenge: crowded electrical enclosures, tight cable runs, and equipment that needs testing now – not after you’ve spent ten minutes trying to get your clamp meter into position. Whether you’re troubleshooting a solar inverter at a rooftop installation or checking motor currents in a packed industrial panel, access matters as much as accuracy.

The HIOKI 3288 solves this problem with genuine engineering intelligence. At just 16mm thick with a 35mm jaw opening, this clamp meter slips into cable bundles and around busbars where bulkier instruments simply won’t fit. But compact doesn’t mean compromised – you’re getting CAT III 600V safety rating on current measurements and the measurement versatility of a full multimeter, all in a tool that weighs just 150 grams.

AC/DC Current Measurement That Actually Works

Here’s where the HIOKI 3288 earns its place in your tool kit. Both models measure up to 1000A in AC or DC, covering everything from lighting circuits to heavy industrial motors. The key difference comes down to your typical workload:

The 3288 uses average rectified measurement – ideal for maintenance work on standard 50Hz equipment where you’re checking steady-state currents on motors, heaters, and conventional electrical loads. It’s the workhorse choice for industrial maintenance teams and commercial electricians focused on pure sinusoidal waveforms.

The 3288-20 employs True RMS measurement technology, essential when you’re working with modern electronics. Variable frequency drives, solar inverters, UPS systems, and electronic ballasts all produce non-sinusoidal waveforms that only True RMS can accurately measure. If you’re servicing renewable energy systems, data centres, or any facility with significant electronic loads, the 3288-20 gives you measurements you can actually trust.

Beyond Current: Full Diagnostic Capability

Current measurement is just the beginning. The HIOKI 3288 packs in all the functions you need for complete circuit diagnostics:

Voltage testing covers DC from 419.9mV to 600V and AC from 4.199V to 600V across multiple ranges. Check control circuits, verify supply voltages, or test battery banks without switching instruments. CAT III 300V rating on voltage measurements provides appropriate protection for most mains work.

Resistance measurement spans six ranges from 419.9Ω to 41.99MΩ, letting you verify earth continuity, check heating element integrity, or troubleshoot high-resistance faults. The continuity function provides audible confirmation at 50Ω or less – perfect for quick cable checks when you’re working in noisy environments or tight spaces where you can’t easily see the display.

Specification

Basic specifications

Accuracy guaranteed: 1 year

	3288	3288-20
DC Current range	100.0/ 1000 A, Basic accuracy: ±1.5 % rdg. ±5 dgt.
AC Current range	100.0/ 1000 A, (10 Hz to 500 Hz, Average rectified), Basic accuracy: ±1.5 % rdg. ±5 dgt.	100.0/ 1000 A, (10 Hz to 500 Hz, True RMS), Basic accuracy: ±1.5 % rdg. ±5 dgt.
DC Voltage range	419.9 mV to 600 V, 5 ranges, Basic accuracy: ±1.3 % rdg. ±4 dgt.
AC Voltage range	4.199 V to 600 V, 4 ranges, Basic accuracy: ±2.3 % rdg. ±8 dgt. (30 to 500 Hz, Average rectified)	4.199 V to 600 V, 4 ranges, Basic accuracy: ±2.3 % rdg. ±8 dgt. (30 to 500 Hz, True RMS)
Resistance range	419.9 Ω to 41.99 MΩ, 6 ranges, Basic accuracy: ±2 % rdg. ±4 dgt.
Crest factor	N/A	3 or less (2 at 1000 A range, 1.5 at Voltage)
Other functions	Continuity: (50 Ω ±40 Ω) or less buzzer sounds, Data hold, Auto power save, Auto zero (DC A)
Display	LCD, max. 4199 dgt., Display refresh rate: 2.5 times/s
Power supply	Coin type lithium battery (CR2032) ×1, Continuous use 60 hours	Coin type lithium battery (CR2032) ×1, Continuous use 35 hours
Core jaw dia.	φ 35 mm (1.38 in)
Dimensions and mass	57 mm (2.24 in) W × 180 mm (7.09 in) H × 16 mm (0.63 in) D, 150 g (5.3 oz)
Included accessories	Coin type lithium battery (CR2032) × 1, Carrying case 9398 ×1, Test lead L9208 ×1, Instruction manual ×1

FAQ's

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What’s the practical difference between the 3288 and 3288-20 models?

A: The measurement method determines which model suits your work. The 3288 uses average rectified measurement optimised for standard 50Hz sinusoidal waveforms – perfectly adequate for conventional motors, heaters, and resistive loads common in industrial maintenance and commercial electrical work. The 3288-20 employs True RMS measurement essential for accurately testing non-sinusoidal waveforms produced by variable frequency drives, electronic ballasts, solar inverters, UPS systems, and other modern electronic equipment. If you regularly work with electronic loads or renewable energy systems, True RMS measurement is critical for accurate results. For traditional electrical maintenance on motors and standard loads, average rectified saves battery life and costs less.

Q: Can this clamp meter measure DC current from solar arrays and battery systems?

A: Yes, both models measure DC current up to 1000A, making them well-suited for solar installation work. The auto-zero function eliminates DC offset drift, ensuring accurate readings when testing solar array strings, battery charge/discharge rates, and DC loads. You can verify individual string performance during commissioning, diagnose underperforming arrays, and check battery bank currents during charge cycles. The ability to measure both DC array currents and AC inverter output currents with one instrument simplifies solar testing significantly.

Q: What does CAT III 600V safety rating actually mean for my daily work?

A: CAT III 600V on current measurements means this clamp meter provides appropriate protection when testing distribution circuits, motor feeders, and equipment within fixed installations – essentially the work most electrical contractors and industrial maintenance teams perform daily. This rating indicates the meter can withstand transient overvoltages that occur in distribution systems. The voltage measurement carries CAT III 300V rating, suitable for circuit-to-earth measurements in mains installations. These ratings align with AS/NZS 61010 safety standards for measurement equipment used in Australian electrical work.

Q: How does the slim 16mm profile actually help during real electrical work?

A: The thin profile becomes critical when you’re working in packed motor control centres, crowded switchboards, or accessing cables in tight conduits and cable trays. Standard clamp meters often measure 30-40mm thick, making them difficult or impossible to position around cables in dense installations. The HIOKI 3288’s 16mm thickness – about half the width of typical clamp meters – lets you access individual conductors in bundles, measure currents in back-to-back-mounted panels, and work in restricted spaces without disconnecting cables or removing equipment. The 35mm jaw opening handles conductors up to approximately 30mm diameter, covering most cable sizes in commercial and light industrial applications.

Q: What battery life can I expect with typical field use versus continuous operation?

A: HIOKI rates the 3288 at 60 hours and 3288-20 at 35 hours of continuous operation – meaning the meter powered on constantly with display active. In actual field use where you’re taking intermittent measurements throughout the day, a single CR2032 battery typically lasts several weeks to months depending on usage patterns. The auto power-save function extends battery life by shutting down after periods of inactivity. The CR2032 coin cell is readily available from supermarkets and service stations, and replacement takes seconds without tools – just pop open the battery cover when needed.