Fluke 177 Multi-Meter

[KCTractors]

Would a Fluke 177 multi-meter be a good unit for testing electrical components on a old and new farm tractors? Generators, alternators and starters and etc.

 

[wp6529]

Fluke is really overkill for such use. I have a Fluke 87 IV and it stays in the toolbox most of the time in favor of the Harbor Freight mini clamp meters which compare favorably with the Fluke for accuracy and I'm much less concerned about potentially damaging while working out in the field than the expensive Fluke.

 

[Janicholson]

Would a Fluke 177 multi-meter be a good unit for testing electrical components on a old and new farm tractors? Generators, alternators and starters and etc.

Yes. Jim

 

[Geo-TH,In]

The red meter on the left can do many things. It is about $40 off amazon. It can measure AC and DC amp. condensers, coils, and very accurate ohmmeter among many other things.
What it can't do is measure a battery's cranking amps. The center meter uses an algorithm
to calculate cranking amps. This meter isn't cheap. around $300. It is rated over 1000 amps. Not everyone likes this meter.
I have 2 of them. One for each place. I would never be without it. Works for measuring 12v when tractor is running and great for cranking and charging voltage too.
The meter on the right is the only clamp on AC meter that can measure a motor's AC starting amps, Lock rotor amps,
A fluke 177 costs about $340 and cannot measure AC or large DC amps.
I wouldn't be without my 3 meters .
Each to their own.
My nephew installs Generac and Generac require

they use Fluke meters.

 

[Russ from MN]

The red meter on the left can do many things. It is about $40 off amazon. It can measure AC and DC amp. condensers, coils, and very accurate ohmmeter among many other things.
What it can't do is measure a battery's cranking amps. The center meter uses an algorithm
to calculate cranking amps. This meter isn't cheap. around $300. It is rated over 1000 amps. Not everyone likes this meter.
I have 2 of them. One for each place. I would never be without it. Works for measuring 12v when tractor is running and great for cranking and charging voltage too.
The meter on the right is the only clamp on AC meter that can measure a motor's AC starting amps, Lock rotor amps,
A fluke 177 costs about $340 and cannot measure AC or large DC amps.
I wouldn't be without my 3 meters .
Each to their own.
My nephew installs Generac and Generac requireView attachment 84792 they use Fluke meters.

Geo, do any of those meters give the HZ of AC power? I bought a Kill-O-Watt that does a few years ago and it's a handy little gadget for troubleshooting. I work on generators sometimes, so it's nice to be able to set the HZ correct.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

Geo, do any of those meters give the HZ of AC power? I bought a Kill-O-Watt that does a few years ago and it's a handy little gadget for troubleshooting. I work on generators sometimes, so it's nice to be able to set the HZ correct.

Russ
The red meter on the left from amazon. I bought other cheap Fluke like meters and wasn't happy with them.
Free returns from Amazon prime. These meters are about 10 to 15% the cost of a Fuke. Amazon also sells Flukes.
Yes it can measure frequency.
Like I said, If one meter I have can't do a job the other one can.

Digital Clamp Meter, Multimeter Voltage Tester Auto-ranging, Measures Current Voltage Temperature Capacitance Resistance Diodes Continuity (AC/DC Current Clamp Meter) from Plusivo​

Visit the Plusivo Store

About this item​

• Multi -Function T-RMS clampmeter that accurately measures linear or non-linear loads: can measure AC and DC current, AC and DC voltage, Low impedance, Continuity/Resistance/Capacitance, Temperature, Frequency, and Duty Cycle; Easy to use and operate.
• Non-Contact Voltage (NCV) Detection: check if a conductor being measured carries a voltage higher than 90V AC without touching any wires; NCV sensor is at the tip of the clamp, press NCV to display EF, bring the sensor close to the conductor under test
• Features: LCD display, low battery detection, overload protection, auto power off after 15 minutes, flashlight. Meets IEC safety standard 61010-1 with the CAT III 600V overvoltage protection standard
• Includes normal and needle types of probes, test clips, dupont wire probes, crocodile clips, mini crocodile cable, thermocouples, mini wire stripper tool, mini screwdrivers, electrical tape, and ecopy of user guide (needs to be downloaded)

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Brand	Plusivo
Power Source	Battery Powered
Style	AC/DC Current Clamp Meter (6000 counts)
Color	Red, Black
Item Weight	16 ounces

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About this item​

• Multi -Function T-RMS clampmeter that accurately measures linear or non-linear loads: can measure AC and DC current, AC and DC voltage, Low impedance, Continuity/Resistance/Capacitance, Temperature, Frequency, and Duty Cycle; Easy to use and operate.
• Non-Contact Voltage (NCV) Detection: check if a conductor being measured carries a voltage higher than 90V AC without touching any wires; NCV sensor is at the tip of the clamp, press NCV to display EF, bring the sensor close to the conductor under test
• Features: LCD display, low battery detection, overload protection, auto power off after 15 minutes, flashlight. Meets IEC safety standard 61010-1 with the CAT III 600V overvoltage protection standard
• Includes normal and needle types of probes, test clips, dupont wire probes, crocodile clips, mini crocodile cable, thermocouples, mini wire stripper tool, mini screwdrivers, electrical tape, and ecopy of user guide (needs to be downloaded)
• Includes durable carrying case for storage; 30-day manufacturer guarantee and lifetime customer support.

R

 

[Tony in SD]

Yes. Excellent choice. it will do everything you need it to in regards to a muliti-meter . You will never have to second guess the accuracy regardless of the environment you are in. I have 2 Fluke True RMS meters.

 

[buickanddeere]

Would a Fluke 177 multi-meter be a good unit for testing electrical components on a old and new farm tractors? Generators, alternators and starters and etc.

Nope , needs to have a clamp on DC Ammeter .

 

[wp6529]

Nope , needs to have a clamp on DC Ammeter .

You can get a decent clamp on Hall effect amp probe that you can use with most any DMM for a pretty reasonable cost. I have a TTI I think it is one that does something like 600AAC/1000ADC and works well. It's not often that I need it so it stays in a case along with other infrequently used ad-ons like a thermocouple module.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

You can get a decent clamp on Hall effect amp probe that you can use with most any DMM for a pretty reasonable cost. I have a TTI I think it is one that does something like 600AAC/1000ADC and works well. It's not often that I need it so it stays in a case along with other infrequently used ad-ons like a thermocouple module.

This is my red clamp on AC/DC ammprobe I'm measuring the charging current from the Delco alternator on my Farmall. Metrr cist under $40 from amazon