New to the Trade. . . Multimeter and Thermometer Advice

[nickphvac]

Hello all!

I just got hired and my employer gave me the tool list. I do not have any HVAC education/certs/licenses and my employer is fully aware of this. I do not have any knowledge with multimeters and thermometers. I have around two weeks to get these.

Multimeter - I am looking at the 116/62 combo (Fluke). Seems that the 116 is very popular.

Thermometer - The 62 I can not form an opinion (can't search due to the small amount of characters).

With that said, the 52 appears to be popular. I understand the motto, "you get what you pay for". However, if the 62 will do the job then do I need the 52 (or a thermometer that is non IR)?

Money is somewhat of an issue but God forbid I go cheap and kill myself/co-workers/customers.

Thanks for any and all help!

[Shamoke]

And were off.....

Everyone has a favorite meter/brand but I prefer the Fieldpiece line. I started with the original stick and it's still in my tool bag today, only changed the battery in it. They redesigned the original and you can look at it here: http://www.fieldpiece.com/stick-meters/hs26

[Danimal535]

you need a meter that you can do amps like the 902 a clamp on type

[Home&Marine]

you need a meter that you can do amps like the 902 a clamp on type


Ding, Ding, Ding... Winner Winner Winner!

Or I'd suggest a Fluke 116.

See, there's us Fluke guys and there's the "other" guys. Be aware that what ever you buy you're going to be trusting your life with it. So if you want to buy a dime-store looking piece of cheap junk... think about it. I started out with Fluke 35 years ago.

Yea, you know I had too...

:payattention:

[Shamoke]

you need a meter that you can do amps like the 902 a clamp on type

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=fieldpiece+stick&hl=en&prmd=ivns&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1317&bih=795&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=8994217558609259151&sa=X&ei=hsPuTeDPDKL50gHfqMjeAw&ved=0CGQQ8wIwAg

That should take care of that. :yes:

[Danimal535]

Still have my same fluke from 1994 use it every day

[sgraefe]

I have access to many Flukes at my work, but my Fieldpiece SC76 is the one that always gets grabbed when anyone needs a meter. Since it has the Amp probe, Capacitence, Temp Probe, Voltage, Continuity, and all in one. Just easier than grabbing multiple meters.

[Chris_Worthington]

Fluke, Fluke, Fluke.....

Resistance is futile :yes::yes: :payattention:

:putergreet:

[Saturated Suter]

Basic accuracy of the meter should be addressed in your search.
What is 3%+/- on 460v? What is 0.5%+/- on 460v? See any difference?
When a meter manufacturer states 3%"+/-" in legal terms than equals 6%.

That said. Fluke with an amp clamp.

[coolperfect]

The Fluke 62 is an IR thermometer,good for spot checking,when you have problems you need a probe type

[blitz]

you need two temp probe, and a multimeter. Either a clamp meter or a fork meter. pref w/ a magnet at the back, so yo u could free up some hands. I like my Klein Tools CL2000. FLuke yea.... it's a bandwagon. It's expensive and in the winter it behave like any other electronics in the cold, slow. sorry guys. you can swear by it but I also swear by my Klein Tools. UEI or Tpi has decent entry level eqp. don't need infra red/touchless temp meter. you don't need something that expensive when you just started. you need something affordable and work.

I look into fieldpiece and greenlee but I don't like the design. oh and always double check the voltage on the contactor w/ voltage probe after you shut the disconnect. it won't tell you the value but it will tell you if voltage present at that cable.

[copperteeth]

not to hijack this thread but im also looking at a multimeter right now. i was looking at this amprobe one,

http://www.amprobe.com/cgi-bin/pdc/viewprod.cgi?pid=2393&tid=1&type=elec

can anyone comment on it? it looks pretty solid for $150

[Music Seeker]

I have a UEI TRMS meter with the amp clamp and can read capacitance, it also does temp via K-type connection, but I also have a UEI stick alongside so I'm not changing out leads all the time.

I got UEI meters because if I'd have went with Fluke, I'd have two meters and a thermometer to buy. I was in school, and it's what they supported, plus I liked the hand feel of the UEI meter better, the built-in amp clamp was a plus, and the k plug sealed the deal.

Fieldpiece by far beats UEI from what I've been able to use. The stick thermometer is top drawer and the clamp on amp probe is fast and accurate, even after being in a hot truck for the afternoon.

Bottom line, use what feels best to you. If you can't trust your tools, you're not going to be a good tech. But I wouldn't be afraid to jump product lines in some cases. Again, personal preference is rule #1 in the field. Maybe #2 behind the golden rule or what should be the golden rule: Put the homeowner first.

[Music Seeker]

not to hijack this thread but im also looking at a multimeter right now. i was looking at this amprobe one,

http://www.amprobe.com/cgi-bin/pdc/viewprod.cgi?pid=2393&tid=1&type=elec

can anyone comment on it? it looks pretty solid for $150

I have big hands and even that felt wonky to me! The temp probe that you can get for it doesn't respond well, and the amp clamp is inaccurate on a really hot and humid day in the van. I spent $179 for my UEI: http://www.ueitest.com/product-dl389.html

It's a good meter, if the van is windows up and sealed during the service call time, it will be about 7 degrees off or more, but as long as there is ventilation during windshield time, it seems okay, maybe off one or two.

[Home&Marine]

I have a UEI TRMS meter with the amp clamp and can read capacitance, it also does temp via K-type connection, but I also have a UEI stick alongside so I'm not changing out leads all the time.

I got UEI meters because if I'd have went with Fluke, I'd have two meters and a thermometer to buy. I was in school, and it's what they supported, plus I liked the hand feel of the UEI meter better, the built-in amp clamp was a plus, and the k plug sealed the deal.

Fieldpiece by far beats UEI from what I've been able to use. The stick thermometer is top drawer and the clamp on amp probe is fast and accurate, even after being in a hot truck for the afternoon.

Bottom line, use what feels best to you. If you can't trust your tools, you're not going to be a good tech. But I wouldn't be afraid to jump product lines in some cases. Again, personal preference is rule #1 in the field. Maybe #2 behind the golden rule or what should be the golden rule: Put the homeowner first.


Harbor Freight has something cheaper than the Uei too. Under 10 bucks! ;)

http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/370x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_3529.jpg

[23caps]

I have the Fluke set your looking at it is a nice set but I used my tool allowance to change to a Field Piece to keep from having to carry 2 meters in my bag. When you drag your tool bag out of the van 5 to 10 times a day up and down ladders and stairs weight matters you will learn pretty fast to carry what you need and leave the extra in the van until you need it. The Field Piece does it all Amp probe, Capacitence, Temp Probe, Voltage, Continuity, all in one. Just easier than carrying multiple meters. Remember you get what you pay for and you want a meter rated at least CAT3 or higher SAFTEY MATTERS Life is short enough

[Music Seeker]

I have the Fluke set your looking at it is a nice set but I used my tool allowance to change to a Field Piece to keep from having to carry 2 meters in my bag. When you drag your tool bag out of the van 5 to 10 times a day up and down ladders and stairs weight matters you will learn pretty fast to carry what you need and leave the extra in the van until you need it. The Field Piece does it all Amp probe, Capacitence, Temp Probe, Voltage, Continuity, all in one. Just easier than carrying multiple meters. Remember you get what you pay for and you want a meter rated at least CAT3 or higher SAFTEY MATTERS Life is short enough

Yes, I don't even think that Harbor Freight meter is CAT3. The UEI is rated CAT IV for amp clamp and Cat III for probes...