I just received a magazine from Fluke and was wondering what kind of testers you use. I'll be honest here and say I'm a little cheap. I went to my truck and I have a GB digital multi-meter, a GB circuit tracker, and a GB pen type non-contact voltage probe. I probably got them all at the local hardware store. I've never bought or used a megger. Aside from the expense, I think I'd be afraid to lay a Fluke down on the jobsite.

What do you use?

Dave

Big Fluke fan here.

I keep a model 87 DMM in the truck, along with an 80i-400 clamp-on AC current probe. For more sophisticated testing, I drag out a 123 ScopeMeter. And a Fluke non-contact voltage detector lives right in my toolbelt.

Other gear includes a Supco megger, Harris toner/tracer set, and a homebrew telephone "buttset" (El Cheapo corded phone w/zip cord and red/green alligator clips attached).

My electronics testbench has a Fluke 8060A DMM, along with a Tektronix scope, a couple HP signal generators, and a handful of Heathkits (remember those?).



[This message has been edited by NJwirenut (edited 05-26-2004).]

In order from the most used to the least:

Greenlee BEHA Unitest

Etcon polarity / GFI test

Ideal Pathfinder for USOC, CATx & coax (with toner)

Generic VOM ~$12, less if I find one

Non-contact volt sniffer

Amprobe clampon

Generic buttset

Ideal ABS (Almost a Buttset)

Amprobe open finder

I too am a big Fluke fan (investor). I have the Model 87V and the i1010 AC/DC Current Clamp.

For those who fool with network wiring on a regular basis they make a wonderful series of handheld network testers. I bought the MicroScanner Pro and wonder how I ever did without it.


[This message has been edited by Mean Gene (edited 05-26-2004).]

I use a combination of Fluke,Robin,Megger,Martiundale and Metrohm test equipment

My meters.



Roger

1 - cheap clamp meter for most use.

1 - Fluke 87 III with clamp for more accurate readings,

1 - cheap digital megger, because I don't want to be responsible for changing a 100 HP motor unless I'm really sure.

assorted - unreliable volt ticks.

1 - apprentice to check wires after the volt tick

An amprobe ac/dc clamp on multi meter is the best value for the money, I've been using them for ten years with no problems.

First of all, this is NOT an ad, and I'm not getting paid in any way...
Secondly, I own an (according to Fluke) an exceptionally accurate Fluke.
That said, I reccomend someone else.

FIeldpiece. They make meters for Ideal. The model that they market to the HVAC market is a 'stick' that easily fits in a pocket. Slip-on heads allow assorted additional uses, such as an amp-clamp, true-rms, temp, etc. Heads can be bought as you need them. Leads have interchangeable tips- need an alligator clip, change the tip. Check out their website.

Available at HVAC suppliers.

... I've got...an Amprobe AC/DC3000,an Etcon solenoid Voltage/Continuity Tester,an Ideal "pen-type" inductive tester,a Fluke "pen-type"inductive tester,a Fluke TS1000,ammeter/digital voltmeter,ohm-meter,2 Ideal circuit breaker identifiers,an old analog Heathkit VOM,...and my trusty thumb and fore-finger..
Russ

Big fluke fan, a T5 is in my pouch and on the bench with a 87 and a 183 with a t3 and a voltalert in my pocket

Russ & I have the same clamp on meter.. (Amprobe ACDC3000) Never had a problem with it & seems to be very reliable 10 years later =) I also have a cheap Ideal clamp on for basic stuff, Ideal plug-in tester (Although this is my 2nd one & the ground pin is wiggling loose on this one as well! =( I might try the Hubbell version..) http://www.hubbellcatalog.com/wiring/section-u-datasheet.asp?PN=HBL5200&FAM=OWP
I have a "CED" (supply house brand) hotstick or EMF stick... But it's a Fluke by manufacture... Other than that, I have one of the 2/3rds size wiggy's from Ideal... 10 years old & still fine.. A progressive electronics circuit/tone generator.. Works awesome! & some junk meters I've come across here & there... (Radio Shack caliber.. ) That just tend to be a back up stash for when Im in the middle of nowhere!)

-Randy

I just have an Ideal Vol-Con and my two Fluke non-contact sensors for most trouble-shooting (though hot-sticks are pretty questionable for that). If I need precise readings (very rare), I break out one of the multimeters I normally keep for bench-top use: One no-name digital and one Wave-Tek 27-XT with capacitance, inductance, and frequency capability.

I've been looking into getting a clamp-meter, preferably one that can read true-RMS. Probably a Fluke or a Amprobe.

Roger,

In your picture, between the tracer and that analog clamp-meter in the bottom row: What is that? Phase rotation meter?

-John

John, yes, that is an ideal rotation meter.

Roger

Although I'm currently without some of these due to a ripoff, These are the ones that I use or used & will be replacing.

Greenlee volt-tick (non-contact voltage detector)

Ideal circuit-tracer (circuit identifier for "hot" circuits)

Ideal Vol-Con (Voltage, Continuity, and non-contact voltage detector)

Ideal ABS w/(Harris? It's gray and red) tone generator.

I've got a "disposable" (<$15) DMM for field use.

Just got some Sperry Clamp Ammeters / V-A's, but I need to get 'em calibrated before I seriously use 'em.

Ideal GFCI / Circuit tester (the single piece plug-in with the three neon lights and the black button, not the "corded" adjustable trip version)

I looked at the Fluke (T5-600?) combo volt / amp / continuity tester, but I really got used to the Ideal's NCV test capability - one less (tiny) tool to cart around, or dig for in the dark recesses of the tool pouch.

[This message has been edited by DougW (edited 05-27-2004).]