fp hs36 or fluke 902. UEI makes a pretty good meter for at a cheaper price point. I carry my hs36 and have the 902 for back up. Make sure what you pick will read mfd's, volts, amps, temp, ohms and you should be good.
Hi folks,
I'm a refrigeration student graduating in the spring and I've been scouring these forums over the past few months picking up tons of tips. Thank you! I'm trying to figure out which meter to pull the trigger on but I'd appreciate some input.
I'm prepared to spend $200-$300, or perhaps more if it's worth it, on a quality meter that will put out for many years.
I see many guys here swear by the Fieldpiece HS36 and the SC56 looks great, but I'm wondering if they're overkill for me at this point.
Should I just go for a cheaper Fluke/Klein? I guess I pretty much just need something that does volts/amps/ohms/temperature until I see more and get a better grasp on what I could be encountering on a day to day basis.
What did you guys start out with? How did it hold up? Any info would be appreciated.
fp hs36 or fluke 902. UEI makes a pretty good meter for at a cheaper price point. I carry my hs36 and have the 902 for back up. Make sure what you pick will read mfd's, volts, amps, temp, ohms and you should be good.
I use the HS36 and it's pretty much all I need for most diagnostic issues in HVAC-R. Really can't go wrong with it IMO. Though mine is somewhat old, they come with a lot more gadgets now last I checked.
I understand your thought process about not putting alot of money into tools that are more then you need. However, in HVAC no matter what specialty you have (Refrigeration, residential, commercial, controls, chiller,....) a strong dependable multimeter is a must.
The reason Fieldpeice is so popular here is because they gear their products to HVAC needs, they are dependable, and the company is loyal to it customers.
In this case I would tell you a meter is one of your top 5 tools and Fieldpeice is the right way to go no matter how new you are. If your gonna save money tools at this point the meter is not the place to do it.
If you're too "open" minded, your brains will fall out.
Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.
I learned this the hard way. Spend good money on a meter the first time and save yourself a lot of trouble and money in the long run. Fieldpeice HS36 is what I ended up getting after several lesser quality meters. I like the HS36 because is has all the features I have ever needed and is expandable to do a lot more. It also comes with a lot in the box, including an amp clamp, alligator leads, and a thermocouple. It will cost you but its worth every penny.
The only true knowledge is the pursuit of knowledge
To answer your other question, I started out with an ancient Fluke 23 that was given to me by my grandfather. I still have it today and use it occasionally but in terms or usefulness, it was missing a lot of features i need, including the big one, amps. Then I used a Fluke 902 that was lent to me by my mentor. It was great but had some reliability issues so I canned that in favor for (I hate to admit it) a Craftsman meter. It had every features I wanted but was a Chinese knock off piece of crap. Thats when I bought the Fieldpiece and never looked back.
The only true knowledge is the pursuit of knowledge
I agree with all the Fieldpiece recommendations. It also has a capacitance scale which is indispensable. All 3 of our techs use them and are happy with them.
Fluke 116/322 combo. I can't imagine ever needing anything else. The amp clamp is a nice back up for volts and ohms as well.
Uei 379 phoenix2, does it all.
About four years ago I put a FP HS36 in my bag, and I haven't looked at another meter since.
Twilly is my hero!
Get a Fluke 87V. It's a top of the line meter, and it may be a lot more than you need at this point, but you won't have to buy another meter for a very long time. You will have to get a current clamp accessory for it to measure amps. Having one of these and understanding it's features will help you move into troubleshooting complex commercial systems and control systems, also. Fluke has been the standard for decades. Your life depends on the quality of your meter.
Don't pick the fly crap out of the pepper.
If Guns Kill People, Do Pencils Misspell Words?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An2a1...eature=related
Before we work on artificial intelligence why don't we do something about natural stupidity?
I have a Fluke 87, Fluke 289, and a Fluke 902. The 902 rides in the tool box so it sees a lot of abuse and use. I have had no trouble with it and only get out one of the other 2 if if need a more exact reading, which does happen.
Normally I would agree with everyone about buying the best meter you can afford but would like to throw out some things for you to think about. CAn you afford to buy 2- $300 meters. Reason I ask is starting out if you have the meter on the wrong setting and blow it up can you afford to replace it for learning purposes. 2nd, I understand you are still in school. What if you get into the field and hate it? Personally I can't imagine why but something else for you to think about. Tools are always a tough decision, lots of options, brands, features, etc. do your homework and don't just rely or he said. Good luck with the career.
I buy 2 or 3 cheap meters at a time, they are always getting used, dropped,wet, etc..., having a spare is a must. I am currently using a $50 craftsman and have no problems with it. Astime goes on you will find what you like.
I would not go with a cheap meter from a do it yourself store. Your back up needs to be just as reliable as the one you use. And I also would not buy a meter off of flea bay because there is a safety concern. Would you buy a used rock climbing rope? Would you buy a used hazmat suit? You don't know how it was used. I would not buy into the big name brands. I would go with a Uei 389 phoenix2. It does everything that the other ones can do and more. And I am still a fluke fan.
I have had my Fieldpeice HS36 for 6 years now, which is the same length of time I have been in HVAC. You know why I haven't had to replace it because I am careful with my tools. If you have had to replace a 200 dollar meter more then twice in a 4 year period that is just straight poor care and use of your equipment. I use my meter daily. I even use it on weekends.
If you're too "open" minded, your brains will fall out.
Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.
I don't really buy a backup meter. When I see a new meter I'm happier with, the old one becomes the backup. The cycle repeats. Though my HS36 has been in the bag for 6 years or so now.
I guess that's not possible when you're new. But just throwing that in there. My old Fluke meter has been in the "extras" bag on my truck for a long time, unused. I should probably check to see if it even works anymore LOL.
I started with and still regularly use an SC56. It's treated me very well. I also have two Flukes and until recently a second Fieldpiece (SC76) that I just sold to a co-worker.
That said, I wish I hadn't started with a brand new meter. I wish I had started by buying something used and more disposable on ebay and saving some $$$.