Is a Fluke multimeter overkill?

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by vash

I’m a regular guy...

A $150+ multimeter is tough to justify. Is this a multimeter better suited fir someone in the trades?

Any other options?

There are many options but the Fluke is made in the USA. That's a good enough reason to buy one IMO.

[Brian 162]

I've had a Fluke 16 for over 20 years. I used it in HVAC for troubleshooting. It never let me down.
I retired 5 years ago so I may use it a few times a year.
I also have the clamp on meter which I hardly ever used.

[MBAtarga]

Originally Posted by vash

Your backup has the max/min thing! Sweet. I’m gonna order one.

Okay - you've got some 'splainin to do! I go and select that same link for the cheaper Fluke alternative - and look at what shows up as ordered together frequently! Weren't you asking about those cell signal boosters a little ways back? So did you order the pigmented eyeshadow too?

[rusnak]

I have a Fluke 323 True RMS Clamp meter. It's what I use 90% of the time. I don't see how anyone could call it "overkill". Fluke makes multimeters that definitely would be overkill, like the one that Tony Stark is using on the helicarrier in "the Avengers" movie.

If you don't want to pay Fluke prices, check out the FLIR brand multimeters. I have one of those and a larger Fluke with clamps.

[DanielDudley]

I went digital a few years back when I was chasing down an intermittent no run issue on the 911. That was worth the 30 bucks I paid, and it did the job. It is a lot easier for me just read ohms as a number than off a needle on a dial.

[red-beard]

I don't think I've had an analog multimeter since, the 1980's...

[sc_rufctr]

I'm not posting these photos to brag but to help make a point.
And this could be interpreted as "political" so I apologise in advance just in case.

I've done pretty well in life so I can make choices like this. In fact that's one of the main reasons I've worked so hard and I've always done jobs not many people would do on the side for extra money.

My Fluke multi-meter and Starrett calipers. Both made in the USA. Do either of them have Chinese components on the inside? Probably yes but that's unavoidable today.



And the best wire strippers ever made!
Again US made and they were about $75 AUD with additional dies. The Chinese knock offs are about $15.

Does anyone here think I regret buying these tools? -

[David]

I’ve used my Fluke for over 20 years since I bought it at Grainger. I was about to pay $100 for it when they asked for my company. I whipped out my ID card for the local utility and my cost dropped to $80 ��

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

Does anyone here think I regret buying these tools? -

I'm thinking no.

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

I'm thinking no.

Not for a moment.

At some point in the future I will simply my life so I'll sell most of my tools and guess what, they'll still have value so in a way I think of them as an investment.

[Radioactive]

Originally Posted by flatbutt

I've been using an old skool Simpson for 30 years...really.

+1, Doesn't everyone have a Simpson 260?


Digital?, Fluke 77




.

[Bill Douglas]

Yeah, I buy nice stuff and I think "Why not."

Actually... GF criticized me for buying some expensive items she knows I probably never use. I just said "It's going to e one hell of an estate sale." and laughed.

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

Yeah, I buy nice stuff and I think "Why not."

Actually... GF criticized me for buying some expensive items she knows I probably never use. I just said "It's going to e one hell of an estate sale." and laughed.

Geebus... My ex wife recently said that to my eldest daughter. Not funny. (lol )

[red-beard]

Vash, post pictures of the damaged probes. They sell replacement probes which have accessories like alligator clip tips, etc.

https://amazon.com/gp/product/B0012VWUI6/

[1990C4S]

I used to do a lot of factory electrical engineering work, with a fair bit of meter based troubleshooting. I always used a Fluke, primarily because I wanted a 100% reliable meter, but also because I trust my Fluke meters with 600 VAC.

At home? I have five or six Flukes, but I also have a Harbor Freight meter I bought on sale for $4.99. The HF meter works as well as my Flukes, and if i have to measure amps I would always use the HF meter. No big deal if I burn up a $5 meter. I grab the HF meter as often as I grab a Fluke.

I would NOT use my HF meter over 250 VAC, but for home it's absolutely fine. Yes, Fluke is good, there are lots of other cheaper choices for home.

[jcommin]

I have a 30 year old Fluke that works perfectly. Probably way overkill for my needs.

[billybek]

My old Fluke 73 just keeps plugging along.

I have mentioned this before about cheap meters is that they are poorly fused.
If you screw up with them on A/C volts you could have a smoking melted pile of plastic in your hand.

The fusing in a Fluke meter is great and while it is not impossible to damage one by misuse or misadventure, the fuses protect the user too.

I think the last calibration date on my meters was back in 1997. I have gone a wee bit over the interval.

[1990C4S]

If you don't know what meter to buy, you probably shouldn't be measuring amps...

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by 1990C4S

I trust my Fluke meters with 600 VAC.

I prefer to have professionals deal with 600VAC.

One of the "Stupid" things in solar, they are upping the DC voltage. 600VDC used to be the standard. They moved to 1000VDC and are now going for 1500VDC. This is to lengthen the solar panel strings and reduce the number of Grid-tied inverters.

MOST electricians are only good for household wiring. (240VAC)

MOST industrial electricians are only good for "low voltage" (600VAC)

Very very few are trained for Medium Voltage and above. And they are usually in the power generation/power transmission industry.

I think the solar industry is putting a LOT of electricians at risk with Medium Voltage strings.

The threshold of Medium Voltage is where human skin resistance is no longer a factor. Above 600 volts skin no longer plays a significant role in resisting current flow through the body.

[red-beard]

One other thing. Electrical meters are supposed to be calibrated every 2 years. My Fluke 87 was, while I was a field engineer. I was going to get my replacement calibrated, but it was going to be over $100. It was cheaper to buy a NIST traceable calibrated meter.