Amp meter

[steve wright]

What are some good meters that will lock in peak amps?

[Murre]

Fluke

[Strkout499]

I use the Fluke 902. A little pricey, but it's fallen out of my tool bag when climbing up onto the roof a commercial building onto a concrete parking lot and still works like a champ. Very easy to use as well. Most of my co-workers make fun of me for using it though because they all use the Fieldpiece meter that has the different heads you can attach.

[dandyme]

any meter with a min/max button should suffice, all of my fieldpiece clamps have the ability

[steve wright]

Strkout

I saw where it has the hold but does it hold max hold like when checking peak LRA?

[Nytefog]

Has anyone had any experience with

Amprobe ACDC-54NAV ?

I'm trying to find a clamp metere that does microamps. Does Fluke make one that i just haven't seen?? Is Amprobe better than fieldpiece?

[dandyme]

amprobe was bought by fluke several years ago ( about the time of the acd-14 turd)

[cbowling79]

Fluke 376 a few more dollars than the 902 but also does miliamps hz and a few more things I don't recall right now only downfall it does no do temps but I've got 10 other ways to take temps I hardy ever used this feature on my 902

[fordrules]

I got a fluke 902, 87, and a t5-1000. I recently got a fieldpiece sc56, and absolutely love it. The only complaints I have is the leads are shorter than My flukes leads, and I don't like their alligator clips as Well.

[ParamountAir]

I have always been happy with my fieldpiece LT17A - microamps, temp, min/max hold, magnet holder, amp clamp - just not RMS. Good price too, amazon has them for $125.

[Strkout499]

Strkout

I saw where it has the hold but does it hold max hold like when checking peak LRA?

Yeah it does

[steve wright]

Thanks to all you for your input it is very helpful.

I'm going to try the Fluke 376 or 902, I currently have a Fluke 30 so I'm comfortable with it.

Thank so much

[Nytefog]

i have the 376 but it doesn't have Microamps which disappoints me...

[hvac5646]

The brand of Ammeter is not the benchmark that determines the purchase decision. Resolution, accuracy based on full scale range, and durability should all considered when deciding on an amp meter. Brand aone does no dictate a reliable meter.

[Nytefog]

The brand of Ammeter is not the benchmark that determines the purchase decision. Resolution, accuracy based on full scale range, and durability should all considered when deciding on an amp meter. Brand aone does no dictate a reliable meter.

Brand is just a jump of point to start in determining a amp proble. From their i consider accuracy and avaialble functions and warranty (how the company stands behind their units.

I can say extech left a very very poor taste in my mouth with a voltage detector i got of theirs. It was so imbarassing to the point it went directly in the recycling bin. I wouldn't even give it to the salvation army.

What may i ask do you look for and what models and brands do you recommend and trust fully.

I don't understand why they don't make a Basically a dedicated amp probes like they once did such as the Fluke 30.

[Mille Racer 69]

the fieldpiece sc57 has a function where it will sense amp draw in milliseconds so it doesn't
start faster than the meter can read. good for true start up amp draw.

[pageyjim]

Has anyone had any experience with

Amprobe ACDC-54NAV ?

I'm trying to find a clamp metere that does microamps. Does Fluke make one that i just haven't seen?? Is Amprobe better than fieldpiece?

I have the 51 NAV and am happy with it. It might suit your needs better since it does microamps while the 54 doesn't.

http://www.amprobe.com/Amprobe/usen/Clamp-Meters/Industrial-Navigator%E2%84%A2-Clamp-Meters-/ACD-51NAV.htm?PID=73092

[Nytefog]

I have the 51 NAV and am happy with it. It might suit your needs better since it does microamps while the 54 doesn't.

http://www.amprobe.com/Amprobe/usen/Clamp-Meters/Industrial-Navigator%E2%84%A2-Clamp-Meters-/ACD-51NAV.htm?PID=73092

I just ordered this meter. We'll see how it is. I've never owned a amprobe product yet.

[RussellHarju]

Just to clarify the SC56 has the Inrush capability you are speaking of. The SC56 is currently the only meter with this function. Here's video that shows the Inrush feature in action.

http://youtu.be/q71dNMIa-gY

[pageyjim]

Just to clarify the SC56 has the Inrush capability you are speaking of. The SC56 is currently the only meter with this function. Here's video that shows the Inrush feature in action.

http://youtu.be/q71dNMIa-gY

What do you mean? "The SC56 is currently the only meter with this function." My Fluke also captures inrush current at 100 ms as does the NAV 51 I believe. I think my Fluke 33 does it at 4000 ms.

The swivel head and dual readouts are nice features though.

[bacciagalupe]

I use a fluke 27 love the meter . and i still have the smaller amp probe that is no longer sold .the newer ones are all big

[eddiegoodfellar]

What do you mean? "The SC56 is currently the only meter with this function." My Fluke also captures inrush current at 100 ms as does the NAV 51 I believe. I think my Fluke 33 does it at 4000 ms.

The swivel head and dual readouts are nice features though.

What he meant to say was that the SC56 is the only meter that Fieldpiece offers with the inrush function.

[hvac5646]

I own a great assortment of FP instruments, great stuff... but I gotta go with Amprobe Nav 51 also. It's almost a sacred family tradition to choose the Amprobe brand...family business has used them as far back as the the mid 1970s. Uncle still has his first analog Amprobe.

[Paul Bee]

Amprobe is owned by the same company that owns Fluke.

[uniservice]

I've still got my Amprobe that i bought back in 1965. Analog, and volts amps and ohms if you use the funky little battery holder and jumper setup. Also have one of the little yellow amp-volt meters. They sold for $40 back in the 70s. I carry 2 Uei analogs in my truck, a fieldpiece SC56, and a UEI digital thats in my Veto MB. Partial to UEI, as I used to do their in house HVAC when I was in Oregon. Probably had the best warranty available when I was doing their work. Don't know about now,,,,,,,Bought FP because of responses to member issues on this forum

[hvac wiz 79]

I'm in the market for a new meter and the SC56 just might be the winner. Anyone know of a good online store with good pricing? I was debating on the fluke 902. Which is better?

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[ComfortService]

My old sc66 has a Max button for measuring the max current draw from the time the load first starts. Is this not the same principle?

[RussellHarju]

My old sc66 has a Max button for measuring the max current draw from the time the load first starts. Is this not the same principle?

The SC66 takes a measurement twice a second (like most digital multi-meters). This is not fast enough to capture peak amps on motor start ups. The SC56 inrush feature captures amp draw in the first 100 milliseconds of the compressor turning on giving you much more accurate peak amp draw.

[Nytefog]

Amprobe is owned by the same company that owns Fluke.

This must be why i like Amprobe products! I got the new ACD-53NAV, Link Below. I'm pleased with it. I wish i had gotten the ACD-54NAV, but i'm definitely happy with my purchase.

http://www.amprobe.com/Amprobe/usen/Clamp-Meters/Industrial-Navigator™-Clamp-Meters-/ACD-53NAV.htm?PID=73094

[pageyjim]

This must be why i like Amprobe products! I got the new ACD-53NAV, Link Below. I'm pleased with it. I wish i had gotten the ACD-54NAV, but i'm definitely happy with my purchase.

http://www.amprobe.com/Amprobe/usen/Clamp-Meters/Industrial-Navigator™-Clamp-Meters-/ACD-53NAV.htm?PID=73094

Jusr curious the only differences between the 53 and 54 is DC amps and temperature capabilities. The 51 gives temp and also DCuA but "only" goes up to 600 ac amps. Do you do work where you need 1000 ac amp readings?

[mark beiser]

+1 for the Fieldpiece SC56.
It is one of the few, if not the only, "all in one" type clamp meter that has true multimeter capabilities, so can take the place of both a clamp meter and a multimeter in your tool bag for every day troubleshooting.
The only feature that it lacks is min/max, but I haven't missed it.

As has been mentioned, Fieldpiece test leads suck, but so do the leads that come with just about any meter. They use standard connections, so you can use your test leads of choice with them.

Another one to consider, the SC57, with a ARH5 in duct psychrometer head, so you can get a real time wet bulb temperature while at the outdoor unit.

[Nytefog]

Amprobe. See my post below

[clifpaul]

I'm in the market for a new meter and the SC56 just might be the winner. Anyone know of a good online store with good pricing? I was debating on the fluke 902. Which is better?

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used an sc56 in school and thought it felt a little cheap. thats really the only bad thing i have to say about it. i wound up buying the 902, but i wouldnt mind having an sc56 if they made em feel a little more solid. next meter i may get an sc66

[Nytefog]

used an sc56 in school and thought it felt a little cheap. thats really the only bad thing i have to say about it. i wound up buying the 902, but i wouldnt mind having an sc56 if they made em feel a little more solid. next meter i may get an sc66

Only problem i find with the Fluke 902, which i own, is that is resistance reading is not that great. It doesn't have a separate continuity and resistance mode which is quite annoying. 902 can be a good beginners meter. I strongly suggest looking a Amprobes Nav series. I was a fluke only guy but Amprobe had been growing on me and had impressed me so they are my new go to for amperage readings! I plan to get another in the near future and getting rid of my Fluke 376 although i do like the flexible amp probe for those tight spots. Decisions decisions.... I'll end of keeping it and having to buy another tool box!

DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE I CAN FIND A GOOD USED HIGH END ROLLING TOOL CHECK? Proto, Snap-on, Mac, ect... i've been looking for a while and toolup.com had the BEST prices on proto tool cases which are excellent quality but i rather buy preowned to save a few bucks to buy some more tools. I also really want a 36" Montezuma Tool Boxes Crossover. SORRY FOR GOING OFF TOPIC!!

[clifpaul]

yeah. i'm actually gonna be meeting a guy tomorrow to buy a sc66 off of him. at least thats the plan for now. we'll see what happens. i have a fluke 322 but i can't check temps or capacitance with it. if it works i'm gonna buy the sc66, keep the 902 for a backup and pawn the 322.

[mark beiser]

used an sc56 in school and thought it felt a little cheap. thats really the only bad thing i have to say about it. i wound up buying the 902, but i wouldnt mind having an sc56 if they made em feel a little more solid. next meter i may get an sc66

The fit and finish of the SC56 isn't quite up to par with Fluke, but I'd put my SC56 up against my Fluke 337 for durability and usability any day.
So far the SC56 and 57 are the only "all in one" type meters that can replace a stand alone true RMS clamp meter and stand alone true RMS multimeter for HVAC troubleshooting.

I've never understood the point of the Fluke 902. It is supposedly made to be an "all in one" for HVAC service work, but Its missing critical functions, so you still have to carry a multimeter. :confused:

[jrmTexas]

I carry the 902 in my bag, it is my daily beater that covers 99.9% of daily service. I keep a 336A clamp in my van for inrush and DC amp clamp applications, but it rarely sees daylight. I also have a 321 and 322 I use for generator start ups (I do HVAC and Generators). I also carry a 87V meter for generator troubleshooting and a 179 as a backup or when I need 2 meters. I have used Fieldpiece, Amprobe, Sperry, UEI, Ideal and Craftsman meters and clamps over the last 20 years....then I stepped up and bought an 87V for generators after using one at Generac's WI training center; once I experienced the quality difference with Fluke I replaced everything with Fluke....I still keep my SC77 in the van but have not used in a year. I will say the lead storage on the 902 is non existent, I'm forever untangling the leads from the bottom of my tool bag..a problem I never had with my Fieldpeice which has built in lead storage.

[Nytefog]

Good Man!! Another Fluke convert! I would still check out Amprobe for current testing ( i was skeptical at first). They are associated with fluke and i am throughtly impressed with my ACD-53NAV. I switched it with my Fluke 367. I now keep my 367 in my oil serivce tool bag. I had my 902 in my oil bag but now its in my backup too storage case.

[hvacrmedic]

So far the SC56 and 57 are the only "all in one" type meters that can replace a stand alone true RMS clamp meter and stand alone true RMS multimeter for HVAC troubleshooting.


These don't qualify?

http://www.amprobe.com/Amprobe/usen/Clamp-Meters/Multimeter-Clamps/ACD-14-TRMS-PLUS.htm?PID=73070

http://www.extech.com/instruments/product.asp?catid=27&prodid=96

http://www.ueitest.com/products/clamp-meter/dl389

[mark beiser]

These don't qualify?

http://www.amprobe.com/Amprobe/usen/Clamp-Meters/Multimeter-Clamps/ACD-14-TRMS-PLUS.htm?PID=73070

http://www.extech.com/instruments/product.asp?catid=27&prodid=96

http://www.ueitest.com/products/clamp-meter/dl389

Those manufacturers don't exist in my personal universe. :whistle:



:D

[hvacrmedic]

Those manufacturers don't exist in my personal universe. :whistle:



:D


LOL!!! I could have predicted you'd say that! :D

What about the SC77? I also believe the SC57 doesn't do millivolts.

[clifpaul]

yeah. i'm actually gonna be meeting a guy tomorrow to buy a sc66 off of him. at least thats the plan for now. we'll see what happens. i have a fluke 322 but i can't check temps or capacitance with it. if it works i'm gonna buy the sc66, keep the 902 for a backup and pawn the 322.

update: got no showed by the guy. wound up going to baker and buying a new sc46. it was that or the new sc57, and i didn't have the money for the sc57. :(

[Legitshop]

UEI G2 Great meter it has everything

[phxhvac]

Fluke 336 Clamp
Fluke 179 Multi
Fluke 54 II Temp


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[Core_d]

How substantial is the difference between RMS meters and "non RMS" i have read it can be significant ? Anyone ever compare side by side?

[clifpaul]

I noticed a difference between the fluke 322 (non rms) and the fluke 902 (true rms). I don't remember how much it was but I did notice the 902 was more accurate than the 322.

[Brent Ridley]

I have the Fluke 902. I've had it going on 6 years and it has worked flawlessly since day one.

The only draw back to the 902 is the resistance. The ohm values only go to 9,999 ohms or 9.9 k-ohms.

I've ran across several boards, sensors, transducers, etc. that need to be checked using resistance and the values are over the 902's capability.

I went out and bought a Klein meter that I use in those instances.

[clifpaul]

Agreed. The low ohm rating is probably the 902s biggest drawback. And the fact that you need an adapter to hook up a pipe clamp.

[mark beiser]

LOL!!! I could have predicted you'd say that! :D

Fieldpiece was only accepted back into my personal universe in the last 3 years, after being banished from it about 17 years ago. ;)


What about the SC77?

No testing amps and volts at the same time, no frequency or duty cycle(PWM) measuring capability.


I also believe the SC57 doesn't do millivolts.

The SC57 does everything the SC56 does, with the addition of the wireless capability.
It will do millivolts, but you have to manually select it with the range button.

My biggest operational complaint about my SC56, and other Fieldpiece meters I've used, is that the auto ranging basically sucks compared to the auto ranging on my Fluke meters.
I got over it though.

[hvacrmedic]

Fieldpiece was only accepted back into my personal universe in the last 3 years, after being banished from it about 17 years ago. ;)



No testing amps and volts at the same time, no frequency or duty cycle(PWM) measuring capability.



The SC57 does everything the SC56 does, with the addition of the wireless capability.
It will do millivolts, but you have to manually select it with the range button.

My biggest operational complaint about my SC56, and other Fieldpiece meters I've used, is that the auto ranging basically sucks compared to the auto ranging on my Fluke meters.
I got over it though.

I think you're mistaken about the 57.

SC56 - Ranges: 500mV, 5V, 50V, 500V, 600V Resolution: 0.1mV
SC57 - Ranges: 0 to 600V Resolution: 0.1V

The SC57 also loses the Inrush function. But it gains a min/max/hold feature. They aren't the same meter.

[carmon]

I use nothing but fluke.......

[mark beiser]

I think you're mistaken about the 57.

SC56 - Ranges: 500mV, 5V, 50V, 500V, 600V Resolution: 0.1mV
SC57 - Ranges: 0 to 600V Resolution: 0.1V

The SC57 also loses the Inrush function. But it gains a min/max/hold feature. They aren't the same meter.

Good catch, the SC57 shares the feature set of the SC54, not the SC56.
I hadn't actually looked at the specs, just going off bad info from a distributor rep.
It looks like the SC57 also doesn't do frequency or duty cycle on the voltage side, just Hz on the clamp.
Also can't do voltage and current at the same time.

There goes one plan out the window...

[itsiceman]

SC57 only measures to 10000 ohms as well

[hvac wiz 79]

Now I'm debating the sc57. These decisions shouldn't be this hard lol. I need to purchase a meter by the end of tonight because my sc77 has failed me

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[hvacrmedic]

Now I'm debating the sc57. These decisions shouldn't be this hard lol. I need to purchase a meter by the end of tonight because my sc77 has failed me

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The SC56 is the one to get.

[RussellHarju]

And remember that if you want to get your SC77 refurbished and it's out of warranty the charge is only $75

[hvac wiz 79]

The SC56 is the one to get.

Why? Can you elaborate. I'm one hell of a tech but when it comes to the smaller things with a meter in comparison I'm lost lol

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[hvac5646]

ordering yhe sc57 for my SMAN so it can talk to other head I'm going to buy.

Going completely wire less in FP.