Fluke fundamentals

What is true-RMS?

The need for true-RMS meters has grown as the possibility of non-sinusoidal waves in circuits has greatly increased in recent years. Some examples include variable speed motor drives, electronic ballasts, computers, HVAC, and solid-state environments.

What is a diode?

A diode is a semiconductor device that essentially acts as a one-way switch for current.

What is Ohm’s Law?

Ohm’s Law is a formula used to calculate the relationship between voltage, current and resistance in an electrical circuit.

What is duty cycle?

Duty cycle is the ratio of time a load or circuit is ON compared to the time the load or circuit is OFF.

How to Measure Resistance with a Digital Multimeter

How to Test Diodes with a Digital Multimeter

Steps for using a multimeter in the Diode Test mode.

How to Test for Continuity with a Digital Multimeter

Learn how to test continuity using a digital multimeter.

How to measure frequency

Inside current transformer (ac) clamp meters

An interior view of a Fluke 325 clamp meter

What is a clamp meter?

Clamps measure current. Probes measure voltage. Having a hinged jaw integrated into an electrical meter allows technicians to clamp the jaws around a wire, cable and other conductor at any point in an electrical system, then measure current in that circuit without disconnecting/deenergizing it.

Tips for choosing a clamp meter

Fluke’s assortment of clamp meters has been engineered to address a wide variety of needs, from routine tasks to specialty projects.

What are Hall Effect (ac, dc) clamp meters?

Hall Effect clamp meters can measure both ac and dc current up to the kilohertz (1000 Hz) range

Clamp Meters vs Multimeters

A digital multimeter is essentially a voltage-measuring tool with some current abilities. A clamp meter is basically a current-measuring tool with some voltage abilities. They are distinctly different instruments, each with its own advantages.

Fluke 87V Digital Multimeter vs Fluke 87V MAX Multimeter

Compare IP rating, battery life and other features. What is the difference between the Fluke 87V MAX and the 87V digital multimeter?

Why digital multimeter accuracy and precision matter

What is an insulation multimeter?

The Fluke 15x7 Series Insulation Multimeter is a new category of test tool that combines a full featured True RMS DMM and a megohmmeter. It's an integrated tool for maintaining and troubleshooting motor systems, electrical distribution, and production equipment.

Why controlling leakage current is important

Insulation resistance testing capacitors and high-voltage components

Using a megger for insulation resistance testing capacitors and high voltage components.

Insulation tester vs megohmmeter

What is the difference between an insulation tester and a megohmmeter? Compare insulation meters, testers, megohmmeters, and meggers to learn about what's best for your needs.

How to read a waveform on an oscilloscope

Oscilloscopes sample signals as they change over time and then plot those signals on a display. The amplitude of the signal is plotted on the vertical axis and time is displayed on the horizontal.

Capturing the elusive waveform anomalies with the ScopeMeter® 190C Series

Find out how the pass/fail testing function captures random glitches.

Oscilloscope vs multimeter: choosing the right tool for testing and troubleshooting

The difference between an oscilloscope and a digital multimeter (DMM) is simply stated as pictures vs. numbers. Learn more, including when to use each.

Basic oscilloscope functions

How power quality issues affect the plant and how to get rid of them for good

The electrical power issues that most frequently affect industrial plants include voltage sags and swells, harmonics, transients, and voltage and current unbalance. The proper tools to correct these issues include knowledge and electrical test instruments ideally suited for each task.

Common Power Quality Factors Affecting Transformers

Transformers supplying nonlinear loads should be checked periodically to verify operation within acceptable limits. Transformers are also critical to the integrity of the grounding system.

What is power factor and why is it important?

What is power factor and why is it important? Learn how to calculate the power factor formula, each component of the equation, and why it matters.

Why peak demand management matters

How to get great results with an infrared thermometer

Infrared (IR) thermometers enable you to measure temperature quickly, at a distance, and without touching the object you're measuring. They are so useful, easy, and even fun to use that they have become as common in kitchens as they have on factory floors. Infrared thermometers are often used to find overheated equipment and electrical circuits, but they have hundreds of other uses.

How to select a temperature range on a Fluke thermal imager

Why use a thermal imager?

Three ways to conduct thermal inspections

Thermal cameras provide a return on investment

How infrared cameras work

Learn how infrared cameras measure heat signatures and use color palettes, spatial resolution, and proper focus to create a thermal image.

Most common causes of machine vibration

Vibration can result from a number of conditions, acting alone or in combination. Keep in mind that vibration problems might be caused by auxiliary equipment, not just the primary equipment.

3 ways to improve motor health with vibration testing

One would be hard-pressed to find a facility manager who doesn’t want maintenance operations to run as smoothly as possible. Detecting signs of motor components failure becomes easier when combined with a preventive vibration program.

Vibration and the Fluke 810

Sometimes vibration in industrial equipment is a symptom or even a cause of trouble; other times, it is part of normal machine operation.

Understanding the benefits of vibration monitoring and analysis

Vibration testing for condition-based maintenance, to reduce costs and production losses. Mechanics of testing, analyzing roller bearing faults.