Fieldpiece

 

You'll also need a Fluke 116. Fluke sells a hvac combo kit with the 116 and 323

 

I have used the sc680 for a couple years. It is huge, but works for me.

 

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My Fieldpiece sc66 has served very well. It's an antique but I'd buy another one today.
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X2 on Fluke 116. Cheap and does everything you need.

 

I like the Fieldpiece because it has a capacitor testing function along with the resistance testing ability in the mega ohm range.
I constantly have to check capacitors on compressors, meg the windings and check the running load amps. :.02:

 

I've used fieldpiece throughout my 21 years of hvac. Never had had any issues with any of them. Started with a lt17a, then sc66, then sc77, now sc680. They all still work today. I love the sc680. a little tall but fits just right in my veto bag. has every function. you'd ever need.

 

I have used Fieldpiece multi meters and found them very accurate and reliable. Whichever way you go, make sure you can test capacitors with mfd setting, all other functions I believe are pretty standard

 

Also want something that can do micro amps for testing flame rectification.

 

I love my UEi 379 and 429. Micro amps and capacitance. The newer 429 have Bluetooth great for checking in rust current with the doors in place. Also a little smaller than the competitors.

 

I had the older non-BT Fluke 902 for a long time. It's durable, but doesn't have fine enough resolution for fractional hp motors on the amp clamp (maybe the new FC model does?), and it really isn't packed with a lot of features that other brands offer.
I tried the Testo 770-3 after that, but couldn't get the AAC to zero, it always read 0.2AAC no matter what. After that I switched to the FP SC680, but the clamp mechanism broke within a couple months. They sent me a new one, but I did have to pay for shipping charges to send the old one back. Since then it's been a great meter for several years now. Meter leads hold up very well, and it comes with accessories that other mfg's would charge for. The rotation head of the SC680 vs the SC480 is nice to have as well. The fact that it can be used in conjunction with the FP smart probe kit is very nice to have. So, if I had to buy another one today, it would likely be another SC680.
The only thing I wish the SC680 had was a LoZ function.

 

I have a FP as well, very nice tool and you dont have to carry another multimeter. All in one.
Last week i was working with another tech and he just purchased a Klein clamp meter, i think was 800 CL he said. Well was another nice meter, didn't ask if have Megaohms for motor and compressor, but it can be potentially my next one since i like it a lot too LOL

 

--- for personal use ----

The formerly FREE harbor freight meter are OK, I have about 20+ of them laying about the shop and in vehicles for convienience. All within 1/2% accurate on voltage.

I also have Fluke 77, 117, plus a few others (7 or 8) plus Fluke scopementer and 2 Textronix stroage scopes for troubleshooting (I can repair failed inverters even). Started back in early 1950, so still have some Simpson and EICO meters. <G>

So, for personal use, think ya gotta spend a couple bucks for the formerly frre HF meters now, but until you need pro equipment, they are perfectly serviceable. All my Fluke ank Tek equipment was bought used and a BIG savings. Eg. Tex scope that was five thousand in Y2K bought in 2020 for seventy. CLand ebay have large selections.

 

I have Fieldpiece SC440. Does everything I need it to on a daily basis. I have never used a fluke but I’ve heard people like them. Some of the guys I’ve trained in the past have started out with the UEI or Klein meters (not sure model numbers). I wasn’t a fan. They make the read outs a little funky IMO.

 

I use a Fluke 902 True RMS meter. Haven't needed anything else for electrical testing in a long time. I would also recommend Klein Tools CL700 or CL800 meter, I have one that I use occasionally when I leave my fluke somewhere at home. Both meters work pretty well for troubleshooting.

 

ditto on the fluke 116

 

agreed

 

Simple. Get the Fieldpiece that fits your budget.

 

I stick with FP and Klein. I currently use a Klein CL320 daily for the last year or so and it's fantastic. I also am trying a CL445 which is a little better as it has inrush. I also have one with the reverse display. Great for basements, but no goo's for outside in the sun. After using mostly Klein for the last few years, I'm sold on them.

 

Fieldpiece sc440, got everything to test anything you could ever need, with lots of creature comforts like a strong magnet, backlight, flashlight, lead-holder to save you a hand, can read amps and volts at the same time, etc. My only gripe is a wish the backlight stayed on for more than 10 seconds.

 

I upgraded my Fieldpiece after many years of perfect service. I picked up a brand new SC480. Had to return it under warranty within a few months due to not reading microfarads any longer. They sent a new one. Now this one has stopped making the audible beep on continuity testing. Sending it back this week. The SC480 has left me in a bad position multiple times now. Luckily I have back up meters on my van. Never had an issue out of any of my Flukes. So I just ordered a Fluke 902 FC.

 

Fieldpiece clam meter

 

It's got to be
Fluke 87 V

 

Fluke and FieldPiece both good; for around the house and to be prepped for starting out in hvac, I'd say get the FP SC480 -- its got all the essentials plus some very useful additions including wireless so you can use it with the FP app and MQ.

FP SC480, SC680. Fluke 902&116, T6-1000, 378FC.

 

I have a suitcase full of Flukes. But for everyday performance and convenience - I actually Use all Fieldpiece. Everything I can possibly need, outside of a lab environment, is right there in my Service Hand. <g> And their tech support and customer service are second to none.

I don't like the swivel heads so I would tend towards a SC440.

PHM
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All you need is a Clamp meter