41 replies to this topic

[crosstalk]

Can someone recommend a good multipurpose DMM that can do capacitance measurements.  I have been looking at the Fluke 902, but I am wondering if others have better/cheaper recommendations.

[nickfixit]

Fluke 116 is great for Appliance and HVAC work. You can look for the older model Fluke 16 on ebay to save some green.

[crosstalk]

Thanks.  The 116 looks more versatile than the 902--just lacks the amp clamp.  But I suppose there are cheap clamp meters to cover that need.

[denrayr]

fieldpiece sc67. i beat the crap out of mine and it keeps going. i have one that i retired and made a spare because i dropped it in a washer full of water. it still works perfectly after drying it out, but i was nervous it wouldnt last so i bought a new one. you cant beat the price either http://cgi.ebay.com/Fieldpiece-SC67-Clamp-On-Meter_W0QQitemZ390068184329QQcmdZViewItem

[nickfixit]

The Fluke meters are tough as hell, they hold up under hard use. The 116 will read capacitors to 9999 uf, so you can check those run and start capacitors for their true capacitance. The big display and back-light feature are nice to work with.

It's just nice to work with a quality tool you can trust.

For a clamp-on meter, I have a real Amprobe meter. The cost was reasonable, and it's lasted many years.

[J5]

me personally havent bothered with cap readings, easy enough to know its faulty and change the cap

[nickfixit]

It's good to be able to actually test the capacitor. Every once in a while I find a cap that is working well below it's rated value. A couple times a year I find direct drive washers that the cap measures about 40 uf instead of the 189-220 uf that it should be. 

[kdog]

One word: FLUKE

[volleyball]

i don't know how deep you get into the electronics, but an ESR meter might be a good addition to a cap. meter

[MARSfixinit]

Fluke is better than a Fieldpiece? I love my Fieldpiece. Haven't tried out a Fluke.

[jwlowe]

I'm also a BIG FAN of the FieldPiece with Amp Clamp. I've been using it for 3 years and it has never given me any trouble. It's been dropped, kicked, and also in a mud puddle and still going.

[nickfixit]

It happened again. I go out on a call where the previous tech ordered a motor and a timer. I put them on, and all I get is a hum. I use my meter and check the motor cap, only reads 40 uf instead of the needed 189-220 uf. New cap installed, runs like a dream.

[telefunkenu47]

Back when Sears went ISO the took away our flukes and gave us fielpeices. crappy meter, no autoranging. I started using my own personal Fluke. Just recently bought the HVAC meteer from fluke. Wouldnt trade it for the world..Dont screw around. just get the fluke.

[appl.tech.29501]

I too recommend Fluke although I was looking at a Fieldp piece DL3 data logger for charting Frige temps. Until Reg. Found that little updated stand alone thingamajiggy which I plan on ordering this weekend.

[appl.tech.29501]

If anyone is looking for a clamp meter, you will want to take a good look at this one. It is a really good deal. I just got one and let me tell yeah it has everything you want in a clamp meter.

AC/DC volts and amps
continuity w/ buzzer
fuse protected
Back light
Temperature w/ thermocouple

has way more features than my fluke and is built well

Was gonna post a link but it wont lemme

Ebay auction # 110648028471

$50 shipped

[RegUS_PatOff]

the only "con" I can see is:
AC current ranges: 400 A, 600 A
AC current accuracy: 1.9 % ± 5 digits

[appl.tech.29501]

Vs. My fluke 87 and 114 on 120V and 240V circuits its dead on

One of my fluke clamp meters grew legs and the other shat the bed
So I can't compare amps....

[RegUS_PatOff]

AC current ranges: 400 A, 600 A
AC current accuracy: 1.9 % ± 5 digits

trying to read 3.2 A on a good Oven Ignitor, would read anywhere from 2.65 A to 3.76 A

[certified tech group 51]

If you are in the business, you do not have time to run to the store to replace a cheap meter, what ever style...In the tool bag, I have a Fluke 23 " It's a fluke if it works ".. With a # 77 at the shop......Clamp on amp meter is a Snap-on model EEDM509B, Sells for $450.00, pretty accurate...For temp. checks, I use the Fluke 21 with the adapter and a Blue Point I.R. temp....... ( one tool for each test plus they can be a back-up if one quits )........ I have worked with other "tech's" and you look at their tool bag and it looks like they bought every thing from the 'dollar' store......

[jb8103]

I would like a clamp meter that features peak-and-hold so I can measure inrush current. I have a Fluke 902, which I like very much, but doesn't have that feature.

If I know the motor is drawing too much at start-up, would be very helpful.

Preferably Fluke, but Fieldpiece would be OK too.