Aneng PN129

The ANENG PN129 is a handheld, U-shaped clamp meter that combines the functionality of a multimeter with the convenience of a non-contact clamp measurement tool. ANENG PN129 is a compact, U-shaped clamp meter/multimeter designed for quick electrical measurements. It designed to allow you measure AC and DC current safely without disconnecting wires.

ANENG PN129 is an open jaw clamp meter (sometimes called an open fork meter or clamp-on tester) is a handheld electrical testing tool used to measure current in a conductor without breaking the circuit. Unlike traditional clamp meters that have a hinged jaw you open and close around a wire, an open jaw clamp meter has a fixed U-shaped or fork-shaped opening. You simply slide the conductor into the open fork, and the meter uses a magnetic field sensor to measure the current flowing through it. This is useful for quick current checks without disturbing wiring. U-shaped clamp design (≈12 mm opening) that allows easy, non-contact measurement of current on single conductors.

Measurement Capabilities of ANENG PN129

AC/DC Current: Up to 100 A
AC/DC Voltage: Up to 600 V
Resistance: Up to 20 MΩ

This meter can make true RMS (TRMS) measurements with 4000 counts for added precision. ´

In addition to numeric measurements, this meter has continuity Test (with buzzer), NCV (non-contact voltage detection), data hold, auto power-off (approx. 15 mins), backlit LCD, and even a built-in flashlight for dim environments.

ANENG PN129 is compact size (160 × 37 × 26 mm) and lightweight (~68 g). The meter is safety rated CAT III 600 V for safe electrical use in wide variety of electrical circuits. Rated CAT III 600 means that it is suitable for many household and light industrial applications.

Supplied accessories (normal version): includes test leads, multiple adapters (alligator clips, probes), batteries, and a storage bag.

Videos:

ANENG PN130 Clamp Meter,4000 Counts,Auto Range,NCV Non-Contact Voltage Detection

ANENG PN129 Digital Clamp Meter 600V 100A Multimeter with LCD Backlit Display Review

ANENG PN129 U-Type Current Clamp Meter,Automatic Range 4000 Counts,Measure Automotive DC Current

ANENG PN129 Digital Clamp Meter 600V 100A Multimeter with LCD Backlit Display Review

ANENG PN129 Digital Clamp Meter 600V 100A Multimeter with LCD Backlit Display Review

ANENG PN129 U-Type Current Clamp Meter,Automatic Range 4000 Counts,Measure Automotive DC Current

Measurement features:

For AC current measurement, no need to break the line, non-contact measurement AC current. Just power on the meter from power button it enters to AUTO mode, where it can measure AC current, DC voltage, AC voltage, DC voltage and resistance (with beeper for low resistance).

For DC current measurement press “A–NCV” once to enter DC current. In this mode you need to often use ZERO button to calibrate out the outside magnetic fields effect from the measurement.

When you press “A–NCV” second time, the meter goes to AC current measurement mode.

NCV induction detection, press “A–NCV” once more to enter NCV and it is detected. The display will show you EF and NCV. When there is considerable AC voltage near the tip of the u-shaped jaw tips an alarm will sound and display will show ——-.

On the side of the meter there is a Hold/lamp button. A short press will enable and disable data hold. When you press a little longer, the built in LED flashlight and the display back light.

When measuring the current (AC or DC), you need to have the wire close to the innermost end of the u-shaped jaw to get the best accuracy. The U-shaped open-jaw measurement works well for AC with quite good accuracy as long as you can get the wire to the right position (deep enough).

For DC measurement you need to note that there could be error in the result because of external magnetic fields can affect the current measurement. Turning the meter to different directions can easily cause readings up to few hundred mA without any wire nearby. To do reliable DC measurement, you should move the the meter to near the measuring location, then press ZERO and then move the meter (without turning it) to the measurement position. This external magnetic field affecting to measurement is typical (more or less) to all DC capable non contact meter, those U-shaped open jaw meter being considerably more sensitive to external magnetic fields that clamp meters (that are less sensitive). Please also note that magnetic tools placed near the U-shaped measurement location can cause measurement error. That’s typical to this type of instruments, and not a flaw in the PN129.

What is inside meter:

ANENG PN129 PN130 DC CURRENT U CLAMP METER
This video has teardown of model PN130 meter (version with rechargeable battery) starting at around 12:00

The ANENG PN129 is a budget-friendly multimeter that is relatively well-built for its price range. The PN129 has a straightforward design, with no components on the back of the PCB and no through-hole components. The component count is minimal, reflecting its low cost and intended basic functionality. Given its lack of moving parts and relatively robust build, it should be reasonably durable for general use in a toolbox.

The measurement principle for current measurement is that when electricity flows through a conductor, it creates a magnetic field around it. Inside the jaws, there’s a sensor (possibly Hall effect sensor) that detects this magnetic field. The sensor converts the magnetic field strength into a voltage signal, which is then processed by the meter’s circuitry to display the current value.

Pros:

Handy U-clamp design for fast, non-invasive current checks.
Wide measurement ranges (up to 100 A and 600 V).
Convenient extras: NCV, flashlight, auto features, data hold.
The ANENG PN129 is a budget-friendly multimeter, and while it may not be a precision instrument, it’s generally considered a decent value for its price.
Continuity and voltage measurement works well.

Considerations:

As a budget-friendly multifunction device, it may not match standalone tools in professional-grade accuracy or ruggedness or measurement features.
The fork-style current “clamp” is not as accurate as a closing-style clamp: Current measurement is sensitive to wire position inside U clamp, so does not always feel reliable (especially in DC measurement). If you need very good accuracy, consider buying a closing clamp meter instead.

Result:

Not bad for the price point. This meter costs around 30 Euros in Amazon and price 10-20 Euros in AliExpress, Temu, Banggood.