Multimeter choices

[Timeismoney08]

Ok, So I'm looking to purchase a new meter to replace my current one.

What I'm looking for may not exist, but please let me know if it does or not.


I want:

A Fluke under 400$
Clamp on meter, either with a magnet strap or built in magnet, with a clip to hold the lead on to the meter while checking circuits (not priority). It must check AC/DC ohms and obviously current seeing its a ammeter.

I can't seem to find what I'm wanting through fluke, but I would settle for close to that combination.


What Do you guys use/ suggest?

I like the ease of carrying around a ammeter which is why I really am looking for this combo, if I wasn't I know I could just go for the traditional DMM.


And I'm a Technician, I don't work on anything over 600V





Thanks for the input in advance

 

[JesperMP]

It must check AC/DC ohms

What is the difference between AC ohms and DC ohms ?

and obviously current seeing its a ammeter

What about mA ? Indispensable for checking analog sensors.
But that normally means a wired input for Amps/mAmps.

 

[geniusintraining]

I have some...

http://stores.ebay.com/plc-trainer-and-cables/Fluke-meters-/_i.html?_fsub=1124998015

The 376 does AC/DC but if you are looking for mA then you need do you a 77x I have 772's and just got a 773, but by your statement I think you are a Electrical Troubleshooter NOT a Controls troubleshooter

This what they offer for clamps http://www.fluke.com/fluke/usen/products/Clamp-Meters.htm

 

[allscott]

They used to make an open jaw current clamp that also functioned as a voltmeter and ohmeter but I can't find it anymore. It was a handy unit for a guy that had to carry one around all day. It's biggest drawback was that it wasn't a great ohmeter and wouldn't measure over 1000 ohms.

I personally generally use a Fluke 179 for a general purpose meter and a 375 for a current clamp (I need to measure DC amps occasionally). My tried and true for years was a Fluke 82 but I like the 179, it does almost as much and is smaller.

Also have a Fluke process meter and a scope meter if needed.

Edit: The 289 combo kit on GIT's ebay site looks like a nice kit for an industrial technician, it is a bit out of the target price range though.

 

[geniusintraining]

They used to make an open jaw current clamp that also functioned as a voltmeter and ohmeter but I can't find it anymore.

How about the 376 ? I have sold a lot of them... http://www.ebay.com/itm/370822753379

 

[allscott]

How about the 376 ? I have sold a lot of them... http://www.ebay.com/itm/370822753379

That's not quite the one I was referring to but that looks like it would fit the bill as well. Doesn't have a magnetic clamp but you can use the jaws to clamp on lots of things.

The one I was talking about was dirt cheap and basic. The jaws didn't open and were just a U shape open on the end. I used to buy lots of them for my maintenance staff. If the tech was sharp enough to explain why he needed a more sophisticated meter then I would buy them a better one. But for basic voltage, current, and continuity checks they worked fine. As I said the biggest draw back was a pretty crappy ohmeter that wasn't good for much more than continuity.

 

[dmroeder]

I just bought one of these recently. I think you can get an add-on current clamp for it.

Mark, you should start selling this one. It's pretty sweet, wireless remote display that has a magnet in it so you can leave the meter in a panel and stick the display to the outside of it.

 

[Timeismoney08]

What is the difference between AC ohms and DC ohms ?

What about mA ? Indispensable for checking analog sensors.
But that normally means a wired input for Amps/mAmps.

I guess I didn't separate well. I meant ac voltage, dc village, and ohms. but I assume you knew what I meant. and yes mA will be ideal

 

[Timeismoney08]

How about the 376 ? I have sold a lot of them... http://www.ebay.com/itm/370822753379

I think I'm really leaning towards this one. seems like the closest thing to what I want.

 

[lee1968nh]

The best one I've had over the years was a Tansy...Radio Shack. I had it forever and liked the layout and readout. After having it for 10 years, I drove over it and it was wrecked...oh well. I'm not a Fluke fan.

 

[jude]

I like the fluke T5-1000