Is a Fluke multimeter overkill?

[rusnak]

[RWebb]

rusnak - where are those modular alligator clips from?

[gordner]

Any electrical component shop should have those, pretty standard fair.

[rusnak]

Originally Posted by RWebb

rusnak - where are those modular alligator clips from?

They are made by Fluke.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by gordner

Any electrical component shop should have those, pretty standard fair.

If you can find one. Dying breed.

[vash]

Originally Posted by rusnak

nice. i even like the cat-proof pouch!!

[gordner]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

If you can find one. Dying breed.

Look near airports. 2 within 2 miles of me. Every airport I have worked at, there was always one close, no idea why.

[rusnak]

Originally Posted by vash

nice. i even like the cat-proof pouch!!

Well I bought the fancy "Fluke" pouch, but it's too small to fit two multimeters.

I put the FLIR multimeter in there too. That way I can get a second opinion, LOL

[rusnak]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

If you can find one. Dying breed.

Ain't that the truth !!!

I'll look near airports, but we have so much industry in my area, you'd think there was a ton of shops. The only one that I know of is shut down due to COVID. I had to pay the guy $50 just to come back to the store to sell me $2K worth of 220V 50-amp SO cord.

[Rapewta]

Not taking away from the OP but a crazy story about a Fluke 87.
I had the high voltage probe used as an accessory for communication techs checking out
high voltage stuff in there world.
I was a transmission and distribution guy. The 12,000 volt distribution circuits to the 500,000
volt transmission lines.
Anyway, I had set up a clearance to parallel two 12,000 volt circuits and needed to phase them in.
I had already Hi-potted many Fluke test leads and knew they didn't start blowing holes in the insulation before 22,000 volts.
So, not wanting to wait for the heavy weight engineers to phase the two 12KV circuits, I strapped on the Fluke High Voltage Probe to the end of a glass switching stick. I taped the leads
down to the Fluke 87 and phased in the circuits... released them for service and I think about how stupid I was but it worked.

Back at the office, my sup told me that the phasing group will be here tomorrow and I said forget it.... it is done and the town of Mariposa is running on both 12KV circuits.

What? When I told him what I did, he took my communication tech high voltage probe (good for 25KV) away from me and I never saw it again. There are old techs and bold techs but no "Old Bold Techs. I got lucky.

[911 Rod]

Like this?

[sugarwood]

Originally Posted by sugarwood

Maybe the proper question is
What does the Fluke do that the $16 kind does not?

I've only used my basic Craftsman to measure voltage, continuity, and amps.

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-8-function-18-range-digital-multimeter/p-A028300107

I just noticed this is $190 on Amazon.
What gives?

https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-34-82141-Digital-Multimeter-Functions/dp/B000X5TSUA?

[red-beard]

I buy these. I prefer true RMS meters. ~$100. I have 2. I also have a cheapo ~$20 meter I had planned to give to a buddy's kid as part of a science experiment.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ULFROW/

Cheapo

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06ZZG2F2N/

Both work fine

[dad911]

Originally Posted by sugarwood

I just noticed this is $190 on Amazon.
What gives?

https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-34-82141-Digital-Multimeter-Functions/dp/B000X5TSUA?

$240 on sears site. Pricing algorithm screwed up and the seller on Amazon is hoping to hook a sucker.

Sears overpriced multimeter

[pwd72s]

In a home depot electrical dept. a few weeks ago, noticed they had a range of Klein multimeters. So, I did a bit of looking, being a bit of a tool junkie. Anyway, if one of what I have went bad, I'd probably replace with this one. Hell of a bang for $100...

https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/multimeters/digital-multimeter-trmslow-impedance-1000v

[Bugsinrugs]

I purchased the Klein multi meter last year. Sure came in handy tracking down a open neutral at one of my rentals.

[Bill Douglas]

I use mine often. To check if there is a current, be it 240 volts or 12, on a motor vehicle. Often it's to check resistance.

So my cheap one works well for that. I don't know how to do anything fancy, or need to do anything fancy.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

I use mine often. To check if there is a current, be it 240 volts or 12, on a motor vehicle. Often it's to check resistance.

So my cheap one works well for that. I don't know how to do anything fancy, or need to do anything fancy.

Bingo..for most automotive or household (110V here), a cheapy works. What caused me to eyeball the Klein lineup? We had a guy here for our air conditioning unit. Noticed he used a Klein unit. I asked, and he said they were a good unit, that his gave all the readings that he needs. Evidently, many electrical techs use Klein tools.

(edit) The Triplett meter Red Beard posted looks similar to the Klein I linked to.
And for a complete test leads set:
https://www.amazon.com/Bionso-Multimeter-Professional-Replaceable-Gold-Plated/dp/B07GNVFL5D/ref=asc_df_B07GNVFL5D?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80539278560180&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584138857888482&psc=1

[rusnak]

I got this Power Probe test kit. It's really great for testing switches, ground, etc. It came with a multimeter that tests capacitance, which is really important if you need it.

[pwd72s]

The power probe is quite a tool...especially for an auto electrics specialist. Beyond my limited skills, but sure can see it's advantages.