By Sean Anderson, Fluke Application Specialist
Fuse testing is essential for electrical troubleshooting, and having a dependable, professional-grade tool can make a significant difference. With so many options available, it’s important to select a tester that matches your work environment — whether you’re a seasoned technician, an early-career electrician, or a DIY enthusiast handling essential tasks at home.
In this guide, we’ll compare three popular Fluke tools — the Fluke 15B+ Digital Multimeter, the T+Pro Electrical Tester, and the T5-1000 Voltage, Continuity, and Current Tester — to help you find the right solution. We’ll also address common questions about fuse testing, ensuring you have the information you need to work accurately and safely.
Comparing Options: Which Fluke Tester Is Right for You?
Fluke 15B+ Digital Multimeter
Best for: Early-career electricians, maintenance technicians, and DIY users needing a solid, all-around meter.
Core Features
Measures AC/DC voltage up to 1000V and current up to 10A
Tests resistance, capacitance, and frequency
CAT III 600V safety rating
Rugged, portable design
Backlit display for low-light conditions
Cost-effective yet reliable for essential troubleshooting
Ideal Applications
Diagnosing home circuits, appliances, small motors, and other basic electrical equipment
Verifying continuity on fuses and other components
Professional Tip
Verify operation before use: Before testing fuses (or any circuit), quickly check the meter on a known live circuit to ensure it is functioning properly.
Fluke T+Pro Electrical Tester
Best for: Electricians and technicians who require both versatility and robust safety features.
Core Features
AC/DC voltage indication through light, sound, and vibration
Resistance measurement up to 9.99 kΩ
CAT IV 600V and CAT III 1000V safety ratings
Fully NFPA 70E compliant
GFCI trip functionality
Built-in flashlight for dark spaces
Compact design with probe storage
Ideal Applications
Commercial and industrial electrical troubleshooting, especially in noisy or low-visibility environments
GFCI testing in residential or commercial settings
Professional Tip
Use multiple feedback modes (visual, audible, and tactile) to confidently make measurements in areas where you may not be able to hear or see indicators clearly.
Fluke T5-1000 Voltage, Continuity, and Current Tester
Best for: Professionals who handle more complex electrical work and need a multipurpose tool.
Core Features
Measures voltage, continuity, and current (up to 100A)
OpenJaw™ design for fast, non-contact AC current measurement
Rated CAT III 1000V and CAT IV 600V for on-the-job safety
Detachable Slim Reach probe tips for tight spaces
Automatically selects AC or DC voltage during testing
Durable design that withstands drops up to 10 feet
Ideal Applications
Industrial circuit troubleshooting and maintenance
Quick go/no-go tests, checking fuse continuity, and verifying current loads without breaking the circuit
Professional Tip
The OpenJaw™ design allows you to measure AC current quickly in crowded or complex panels, eliminating the need to open the circuit and reducing the potential for errors.
Why Choose a Fluke Fuse Tester Over Basic Models?
While many basic testers can check continuity, Fluke tools provide durability, precision, and added safety for professional environments:
Multi-functionality: Beyond simple fuse checks, Fluke meters measure voltage, current, resistance, and more.
Safety ratings: Designed to meet CAT III, CAT IV, and NFPA 70E compliance for reliable use in industrial and commercial environments.
Durability: Built tough, with drop-tested, rugged designs.
Professional-grade accuracy: Get precise measurements for critical electrical work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Test a Fuse with a Multimeter?
- Turn off the circuit and remove the fuse.
- Set your multimeter to continuity or the lowest resistance setting.
- Place one probe on each end of the fuse.
- If the multimeter beeps or reads near zero ohms, the fuse is good.
- If there is no beep or the reading shows “OL,” the fuse is blown.
All three Fluke models discussed above can effectively perform this continuity check.
Are Fuses Tested in Amps?
Typically, you do not test fuses in amps (i.e., by running current through them) as this can be dangerous. Instead, you check for continuity or low resistance to confirm if the fuse is intact.
For tasks that require current measurement needs, the Fluke T5-1000 allows you to measure up to 100A with its non-contact OpenJaw™ design, which is useful when checking live circuits where you also want to confirm current load.
Are Fuses Tested in Volts?
Fuses aren’t usually tested by measuring voltage across them, but knowing a fuse’s voltage rating is important. If a fuse is rated for a certain maximum voltage, exceeding that rating may result in arcing or damage.
The Fluke T+Pro is an excellent choice when you need to verify voltage quickly and safely, offering a combination of visual, audible, and tactile feedback. It can even detect voltage when the batteries are dead, providing an extra level of safety when working with live electricity.
How Are Fuses Tested?
Fuses are primarily tested for continuity to ensure they can complete a circuit. You can use a multimeter like the Fluke 15B+ Digital Multimeter or the T+Pro Electrical Tester for a simple continuity check. For a more comprehensive tool that also measures current, the T5-1000 provides voltage, continuity, and current testing in one device — an excellent option for professionals handling maintenance or industrial tasks.
Common Fuse-Related Concerns
Selecting the Right Fuse Rating: Fuses carry both a current and a voltage rating. Exceeding either can be dangerous, leading to arcing or inadequate circuit protection. Always replace a fuse with another of the same or compatible rating and confirm both voltage and current specifications align with your application.
Conclusion
Choosing the right fuse tester depends on your scope of work and safety requirements. The Fluke 15B+ offers reliable functionality for day-to-day needs, while the Fluke T+Pro adds robust safety features and versatility for more demanding environments. For an all-in-one solution, the Fluke T5-1000 covers voltage, continuity, and current measurement with the added advantage of a non-contact current test. By investing in a Fluke tool, you’re gaining professional accuracy, durability, and peace of mind for every task — from quick fuse checks to more complex diagnostic procedures.
Explore the range of Fluke tools and replacement fuses to find the perfect solution for your electrical testing needs, and remember to verify your instrument’s operation before each job for the safest, most accurate results.
About the Author
Sean Anderson has been a Product Application Specialist at Fluke since 2024, drawing on his AD01 Electrical Administrator background and power systems knowledge to deliver comprehensive support and expert guidance for users of the multimeter, clamp meter, and oscilloscope product lines. Since joining Fluke, Sean has focused on customer-facing research to assist in developing innovative new products and educational resources for core electrical test and measurement tools. With a commitment to customer satisfaction, great user experience, and clear communication, he continues to empower professionals in the field through hands-on service and support. Connect with Sean on LinkedIn.