FJ Cruisers of Northern California
Multimeter question
I hope that this is in the right section. I think that this could become rather informative to the novice.
I work on ships in the engineroom and part of my job is troubleshooting electrical problems. EVERY ship I work on has Fluke Multimeters. As such I really trust them... they have never let me down. My question is, are there cheaper options that are just as reliable? If you are a fluke man... which is my best option for home and auto use... I never really looked at the models when I was out there. Or are they just overpriced digital versions of what I can get at RadioShack?
Views: 68
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by BritMok on
-
Fluke stuff is industrial grade and very accurate. However, I picked up a Fluke look-alike knock-off at Harbor freight a couple of years ago. It has worked well ever since. However, bear in mind that I might need accuracy of +/- 0.1volt at the tightest.
The good news is that I can use Fluke leads with this model, so I don't need to worry about electrocuting myself!
Your mileage may vary....
Mark.
-
Permalink Reply by Bz on
-
X 2 it all depends on what you are trying to do.... I've used Radio Shack POS Multimeters for years in the field but my only concern was if I had voltage and if it was 12 or 24 volt and also for Continuity so a $5 meter is fine for nearly any job on the FJ
-
-
Exactly. The most precision I've ever needed was to tell whether a battery was charging or not. That's about a 0.5volt difference at the least.
I also need the usual continuity etc, and I've used it for resistance when wiring 5v LED's to a 12v source (gotta drop that potential somewhere).
If you intend to use it for 110 volts or more, I suggest you get some good leads. Hence my using Fluke leads on a cheap meter :)
Mark
-
Permalink Reply by Estysalinas on
-
Ditto to all of the above... i carry 2 and sometime 3 of the cheapie multimeters...
-
Permalink Reply by opg4759 on
-
it also comes down to how often a multimeter is certified calibrated. You can have a fluke meter (which I personally have) but if you need to make sure it's dead on accurate you need to send it in every couple years to have it adjusted.
For most home/personal use it's not going to make a huge difference.
-
Permalink Reply by 5AND5TORM on
-
You see the Fluke 87V on every ship because it was the Navy's standard DMM. Meaning that they had pre-negotiated discounted price set w/ Fluke. The Agilent U1241AN is the new standard DMM so you will start to see those on every ship. The 87V can do a lot more than a RadioShack w/ greater accuracy. It is also US made and meets the required mil specs.
-
Permalink Reply by Navedtra on
-
I work on civilian ships out of Oakland but thanks for the info! I guess one of the cheepies will be ok for me at home. I wont be using it on 440 or 220 like out at sea.
-
Permalink Reply by Byron on
-
As an electrical distributor I have some options for you,
Klein Tools version of the multimeter found here
http://www.service.kleintools.com/Tool/PRD/Category/Multimeters%20T...
Ideal's version found here
http://www.idealindustries.com/products/test_measurement/multimeters/
Greenlee's version found here
http://www.mygreenlee.com/GreenleeDotCom/Products/main.shtml?greenl...
I rep them and have the Greenlee DM20 and use itaround the house all the time. As for the 87V or 875 however you call the part number, look me up and I will see what kind of deal I can work for you.
BTW what ship were you on? I was on the Dixson, Rushmore, Germantown, and ACU-5.
-
-
I am a merchant marine working out of a MEBA Union hall in Oakland. I have worked on the USNS Bowditch, APL Singapore, Liberty Grace and the like... Mostly containerships and Bulk Carriers. Thanks for the info!
-
Permalink Reply by PRS TiFJ on
-
have had my fluke for 10 years. has never let me down. Spend the money once for a good meter and have it forever.
-
Permalink Reply by pukahead on
-
One of the reasons you probably dealt with Flukes in your workplace is because of issues with electrical safety. A lot of meters out there simply will not handle overload conditions like a Fluke. Many say they are rated, but not all are TESTED to the ratings that they claim. Not the cheapest, but you get what you pay for. Fluke 179 meters as a good all around meter for almost anything you would be measuring.
Then again, I have super cheapo Harbor Freight meters in the FJ tool bag, just in case I need to see if I have 12v, or check for continuity on the road For higher voltages and current I'm not real comfortable using it and would rather break out an old Triplett or Simpson, since I personally have not bought a wish list Fluke...
Badge
NorCal FJ Twitter Feed
The NorCal FJ Shop
NorCal FJ Network Status
© 2024 Created by NorCal FJs.
Powered by
