Final answer:
Modern clamp-on ammeters use a Hall effect sensor to measure both AC and DC current, offering non-intrusive and accurate current measurement capabilities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Modern clamp-on ammeters use a Hall effect sensor in order to measure both AC and DC current. A Hall effect sensor operates by exploiting the Hall effect which occurs when a conductor with current flowing through it is placed in a magnetic field, leading to the development of a voltage (the Hall voltage) that can be measured to determine the current flowing through the conductor. This allows for accurate, non-intrusive measurements of current without direct electrical contact.
The current transformer, on the other hand, is traditionally used for measuring alternating current (AC) by generating a secondary current proportional to the current flowing through its primary winding. The Hall effect sensor, with its capability to detect both AC and DC, is an advantageous choice for modern digital ammeters because of its versatility and precision.