The fastest way to measure electrical current is to not break the circuit. That is the whole idea behind a clamp meter — and when you are working on a motor starter, a distribution feeder or a large appliance drawing hundreds of amps, clamping around the conductor is often the only practical method.
The 266 series digital clamp meter is CHINYOO’s industrial workhorse: AC current up to 1000 A, DC voltage to 1000 V, AC voltage to 750 V and resistance to 2000 MΩ — all read without disconnecting a single wire.
Measure 1000 A Without Breaking the Circuit
A clamp meter measures the magnetic field around a conductor, so the jaws close around a single wire and the meter shows the current flowing through it. You never shut the load down, open the panel or disturb live wiring — a real safety and productivity win on motors, heaters, compressors and feeders.
With 200 A and 1000 A AC ranges, the 266 series covers motor starters, distribution feeders, welding circuits and heavy appliance loads. The 1000 A range is the spec most budget clamp meters quietly omit — it is the difference between a hobby meter and a tool you can trust on a real industrial bus.
266 Series at a Glance
Seven models share the same family and cover every step from everyday maintenance to 1000 A industrial loads:
- 266 — the workhorse: 1000 V DC / 750 V AC / 200 A–1000 A AC clamp ranges, 1999-count display.
- XT266C — adds non-contact temperature measurement (−20 °C to 1000 °C) for HVAC and thermal checks.
- XT266 / XT266FT — field-test variants of the same platform.
- XT2017 — 600 V rated clamp meter with data hold and continuity.
- VC3269 / VC3270 — compact auto-range clamp meters for everyday panel work.
See the full lineup on the 266 series product page.
More Than Current: Voltage and Resistance
Every 266 series model is also a full digital multimeter:
- DC voltage to 1000 V (±1.5%) — batteries, panels, automotive systems.
- AC voltage to 750 V (±1.7%) — mains and distribution checks.
- Resistance to 2000 MΩ (±4.2%) — insulation and continuity checks.
- Diode test and continuity buzzer — fast open/short checks.
- 1999-count backlit LCD with low-battery indication and overload protection on all ranges.
Built for Industrial Maintenance
The 266 series is designed for the trades that pull feeders and chase faults every day:
- Motor, drive and compressor maintenance — read inrush and running current on the spot.
- Distribution panel and load monitoring — verify each phase without interrupting supply.
- HVAC and refrigeration checks — verify compressor current, then grab a surface temperature with the XT266C.
- Facility electrical safety — confirm circuit loading before adding equipment.
See how these tools fit your workflow on our industrial facility and HVAC & temperature pages.
Choosing the Right Model
Start with the 266 for general industrial work. If you service HVAC or appliances and want surface temperature readings, step up to the XT266C. For lighter daily panel checks, the compact auto-range VC3269 / VC3270 are easier in the hand.
Browse the full clamp meter range, work through our how to choose a clamp meter guide, or read clamp meter vs digital multimeter to decide which tool fits your job.
Safety: CAT Ratings and Good Habits
A 1000 A clamp meter is built for distribution-level work, so check the CAT rating before choosing — our guide explains what CAT II, III and IV mean in practice. Test the meter on a known-live source first, keep hands behind the guards and use the correct probes for the job.
Running Your First Motor-Current Check
The 266 earns its keep on live circuits: clamp it around one conductor of the motor feeder, select the AC range, and compare the reading with the nameplate FLA. A steady value below full load means a healthy motor; a high or drifting one points to a mechanical or winding fault. On the same job, the XT266C adds non-contact temperature checks without a second tool.
Want a 266 on your own bench before you stock it? Ask for a sample, or send us your target models and quantities for wholesale pricing and lead time.