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On March 4th each year, people all over the globe celebrate World Engineering Day. It’s a day that reminds us of all the great things engineers have done to get us to where we are today. That’s a lot of things when you think about it. Roads and highways. Life-saving devices and medicines. Transportation—from the rockets that take you to space to the wheelchairs that give people freedom to roam. Energy alternatives and new ways to collect and store renewable energies. Engineers are amazing,...

Compressed air is the food and beverage industry’s “fourth utility” after the big three of water, electricity, and natural gas. The reliability of this fourth utility depends on predictable air pressure, which means even small leaks can come at a high price. Here’s a look at air leaks commonly found in the food and beverage industry, along with best practices and technologies to address them. The Fluke ii900 Industrial Acoustic Imager includes technology that adds a visual component to traditional...

Vibration, Condition Monitoring, and Connected Reliability.

Dear Fluke Customer, Fluke Corporation has identified a safety issue affecting certain 374 FC, 375 FC, 376 FC, and 902 FC Clamp Meters (‘Affected Products’). As a precautionary measure, Fluke has decided to voluntarily recall all of the ‘Affected Products’ and provide affected customers with free repair. We are sorry for any inconvenience this might cause you, and hope you'll understand that customer safety is our utmost priority. The following ‘Affected Products’ are being voluntarily...

AC frequency is the number of cycles per second in an alternating current (AC) sine wave.

Current is the rate at which electrons flow past a point in a complete electrical circuit.

Learn how to diagnose power quality issues in older electrical systems using a Fluke multimeters and oscilloscope.

.super-custom .fluke-icon { margin-right: 20px; font-size: 2.2rem; } .super-custom a { color: #212121; text-decoration: none; } You’ll be the first to hear when Fluke’s new current clamps launch.   Join the Fluke Community You’ll get: Fluke discounts, promotions and the latest news Innovative tips on using Fluke products Exclusive product previews and more ‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍ ‍‍

Copper Verification tester and kit for Industrial Ethernet Networks with advanced PoE troubleshooting

Copper Verification tester for Industrial Ethernet Networks with advanced PoE troubleshooting

Symptoms of power quality issues include vibration, excessive buzzing or humming and overheating. Technicians should occasionally check the power of transformers that supply nonlinear loads, such as variable frequency drives (VFDs) or switching power supplies. Doing so ensures operation within acceptable limits. Transformers are deeply critical to the reliability of the grounding system. During your transformer inspection, use temperature as a guide to check for excessive radiant heat and stay alert...

Fluke experts show you how to calibrate a pressure transducer including a step-by-step pressure transducer calibration procedure, certificate, and tips.

See the key differences between the Fluke 787 vs 789 as determined by Fluke engineers. What are the key feature and spec differences? See the comparison here.

Get 3 phase power measurements 50% faster with Fieldsense clamp meters. How to measure 3 phase voltage and current simultaneously.

Best ways to use the 377 FC and 378 FC clamp meter, how FieldSense technology works and ideal applications for front-line technicians and electricians.

Detect basic 3 phase power quality issues with the versatile Fluke 378 FC clamp meter for industrial electricians. Increase productivity and safety without test leads.

Baseline and trend your machine health monitoring in one place to analyze and troubleshoot issues quickly and efficiently.

Troubleshoot the Problem Problem: A large turbine pump keeps going down before it achieves full power. Action: Locate the problem area. While the pump is still running use the 279 FC Thermal Multimeter to do a quick thermal survey using the IR camera to look for hotspots at the panel, disconnect and the pump motor itself. If something looks unusual, press save using the Fluke Connect® button and note the location. If nothing looks unusual increase the speed of the pump until it fails while surveying...

Non-contact thermal camera engineered to detect elevated body temperature.

The need to measure three-phase electrical systems has become increasingly important, especially for simple energy surveys, more complex power quality troubleshooting, or overall electrical performance studies on individual electrical equipment such as transformers and motors. However, taking three-phase measurements can be dangerous as you need to open electrical panels and put on proper personal protective equipment (PPE). The top risks can carry severe penalties, whether it's personal injury or...

Set the digital multimeter (DMM) to measure frequency. The steps can vary by meter. Usually a multimeter’s dial will be turned to dc V and the Hz button is pressed. The DMM is ready to measure duty cycle when a percent sign (%) appears in the right side of the multimeter’s display. First insert the black test lead into the COM jack. Then insert the red lead into the V Ω jack. When finished, remove the leads in reverse order: red first, then black. Connect the test leads to the circuit...

table.custom-table { border-collapse: collapse; } table.custom-table td { border: 1px solid #ccc; font-size: 14px; text-align: center; } table.custom-table td.text-left { text-align: left; } @media only screen and (max-width: 768px) { table.custom-table td { font-size: 12px; word-wrap: break-word } } This guide will take you through the basic anatomy of a digital multimeter. The more familiar you become with your own digital multimeter, the more valuable it will become as you are able to maximize...

Whether you troubleshoot and maintain electrical distribution, HVAC, or rotating equipment you probably use a digital multimeter regularly. You may also use an infrared camera, or thermal camera to help you troubleshoot. The problem: Carrying two separate tools or having to go back to the shop to grab the thermal camera. Adding even more tools to a heavy tool bag or taking time away from the work to be done. The solution: A thermal multimeter, or thermal dmm, is both a digital multimeter and a thermal...

By Brian Harrison According to a Fluke 2019 survey, roughly 50 percent of maintenance and reliability professionals were actively planning Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) initiatives. This survey preceded the challenges brought about by COVID-19. At the time, more than half of the teams interviewed found the IIoT process to be more complicated than anticipated because of an essential prerequisite—collaboration with other teams and departments. Despite the business disruption caused by the...

Although most batteries used in uninterruptable power supply (UPS) and battery back-up systems are touted as “maintenance free,” they are still susceptible to deterioration from corrosion, internal shorts, sulphation, dry-out and seal failure. But how do

Continuity is the presence of a complete path for current flow. A closed switch that is operational, for example, has continuity.  A continuity test is a quick check to see if a circuit is open or closed. Only a closed, complete circuit (one that is switched ON) has continuity.  During a continuity test, a digital multimeter sends a small current through the circuit to measure resistance in the circuit.  A meter with a continuity beeper briefly sounds off when it detects a closed circuit. The...

Steps for using a multimeter in the Diode Test mode.

Steps for measuring ac voltage with a digital multimeter.

Resistance is measured using analog or digital multimeters. These tools also measure current, voltage, and more for various applications. Why measure resistance? To determine the condition of a circuit or component. The higher the resistance, the lower the current flow, and vice versa. In general, the resistance of components used to control circuits (such as switches and relay contacts) starts out very low and increases over time due to factors such as wear and dirt. Loads such as motors and solenoids...

Circuits and equipment may be designed to operate at a fixed or variable frequency. They may perform abnormally if operated at a different frequency than specified. For example, an ac motor designed to operate at 60 Hz operates slower if the frequency is less than 60 Hz, or faster if frequency exceeds 60 Hz. For ac motors, any change in frequency causes a proportional change in motor speed. A five percent reduction in frequency yields a five percent reduction in motor speed. Some digital multimeters...

Turn dial to dc voltage. Some digital multimeters (DMMs) also include dc millivolts. If uncertain of which to choose, start with dc voltage, which handles higher voltage. First insert the black probe into the COM jack. Steps for measuring dc voltage with a digital multimeter Then insert the red probes into the V Ω jack. When finished, remove the probes in reverse order: red first, then black. Connect the test probes to the circuit: black to the negative polarity test point (circuit ground),...

Combining all of the finest qualities of your favorite PLS gear, now with best-in-class accuracy and new features.

Combining all of the finest qualities of your favorite PLS gear, now with best-in-class accuracy and new features.

How the ii900 Acoustic Imager air leak detector can help you find the root cause of equipment issues and prevent costly downtime.

Learn both the traditional manual method and the new automated method of properly displaying a waveform on an oscilloscope. 4 example waveforms illustrated.

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

The 4 mA to 20 mA current loop is a common method of transmitting sensor information in many industrial process monitoring applications—typically in systems monitoring pressure, temperature, pH, flow, or other physical factors. These systems employ a two-wire, 4 mA to 20 mA current loop, in which a single twisted-pair cable supplies power to a transmitter and also carries the output signal. The loop’s operation is straightforward: a sensor’s output voltage is first converted to a proportional...

Powerful magnetic hanger kit for Fluke 700G Pressure Gauges, allowing hands free pressure reading

Basic information about what an oscilloscope is and how the test instruments are used in industrial settings for preventive maintenance and troubleshooting.

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

Clamp meters with flexible coil probes can fit into tight spaces

Measuring ac current with a clamp meter’s jaws. Note: Current flowing in opposite directions cancels each other. If current is moving in opposite directions, place just one conductor within the clamp during measurement.

Fluke multimeters tested by Adam Savage. Trusted tool recommendation for budget multimeter review.

Consider investing in these five electrical troubleshooting tools to quickly identify basic electrical issues in HVAC, networks, motors, and electrical panels.

Temperature switches and controllers are commonly used in small processes and in control loops where a programmable logic controller (PLC) or larger distributed control system (DCS) are not warranted. Temperature controllers provide both switching capability based on rising and dropping temperatures, as well as a local indication of the measured temperature. Most temperature controllers have some form of tuning, using damping and PID (Proportional, Integral and Derivative values) for smoothing out...

Non-contact clinical IR thermometer for scanning elevated body temperature.

Grounding errors can cause electrical shock, fires, equipment damage, and power quality problems that can cause systems, circuits, and equipment to operate improperly.

Learn how using Fluke airborne particle counters in healthcare facilities helps meet IAQ standards and contamination testing.

In any electrical installation, some current will flow through the protective ground conductor to ground. This is usually called leakage current. Leakage current most commonly flows in the insulation surrounding conductors and in the filters protecting electronic equipment around the home or office. So what’s the problem? On circuits protected by GFCIs (Ground Fault Current Interrupters), leakage current can cause unnecessary and intermittent tripping. In extreme cases, it can cause a rise in voltage...

Ergonomically designed handle providing 1-1/2 times the cutting force.

Filtered probe obstructs signal of 60 Hz interference.

Testing medical gases and piping systems in healthcare facilities and hospitals presents multiple challenges for maintenance teams. Learn why efficient leak detection is critical.

Learn how to avoid calibration drift on control valve positioners as part of your preventive maintenance program.

Pairing a Fluke dry well with a handheld documenting calibrator allows for a complete field temperature sensor calibration solution.

How to find hot spots in electrical systems using a thermal camera. Learn what to look for and understand what causes emissivity anomalies during inspections.

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

How to cultivate a company culture where employees take the necessary steps to build a culture of safety

Best tools for monitoring heat loss, detecting moisture, indoor air quality and HVAC systems to improve energy efficiency in commercial buildings.

Keeping all the components of a facility running safely and efficiently is no easy task. And nobody knows that better than maintenance managers. Tracking the operational health of all those components is key to preventing unexpected failures and costly downtime. The trouble is, routine maintenance checks often miss recurring problems. If maintenance technicians aren’t taking readings at the right moment, an intermittent fault can go undetected until it escalates into a full-fledged failure. The...

Discover how to use a thermal camera for tank level measurement and inspection. See practical tips for getting the best thermal readings.

Learn why improper focus can misreport temperature by 20 degrees or more and how to improve your thermal camera accuracy by following a few tips.

Locate cables safely & effectively. Kit includes toner, probe, adapters, patch cables & test leads.

How to measure current with a digital multimeter plus clamp accessory.

Understand the effects of wind on thermography. Forced convection can come in the form of wind, a fan or even a pump, and the result of this forced convection will affect the target temperature.

Transformer infrared inspections can show you abnormal thermal overload patterns in cooling tubes which can be escalated for troubleshooting.

The electrical power issues that most frequently affect industrial plants include voltage sags and swells, harmonics, transients, and voltage and current unbalance.

Read the wastewater plant case study on how the Fluke 3540 Power Monitor paid for itself in five months by eliminating the need to use contractors.

Watch an overview of Fluke’s PTi120 handheld compact thermal camera key features and ideal use

How to use data to prove the value of PV and microgrids in order to provide a safer, cheaper, more secure and more reliable distributed energy electric power system.

Learn how for some use cases, a telephoto, macro or wide angle lens can prove invaluable. Plus, find out why ‘smart lenses' are better than the alternative.

How to LOTO a PV system. Guidance for electrical safety in solar power plants, PV installation and solar panel safety considerations.

Microgrids combine solar, wind, battery, and diesel/natural gas generators to form a shared supply for local demand. Benefits include energy management independence and security for local communities.

What is the accuracy of a digital multimeter? How do digital multimeters provide consistent readings? What is meant by resolution in measurement? What is the range of a multimeter? What is the difference between counts and digits? Using a multimeter that provides the right measurements is important. Knowing what those measurements mean is even more important. Accuracy and precision ensures the measurements you take will be useful; higher precision enables easier repeatability and higher accuracy...

Learn how to choose the right IR lens for your thermal camera and why germanium is used in thermal camera lenses.

This comprehensive article gives information on the amount of training a thermographer should have in different industries, and what the better educational courses cover.

A thermal imaging program is a powerful tool in both preventive maintenance and when troubleshooting critical equipment; both of which can save time and money. Adding thermal imaging inspections is a huge upgrade in your ability to detect and fix issues before unexpected downtime occurs. Thermal imaging in your business Working in maintenance, you already have broad experience with many types of equipment and failure scenarios. Your experience, combined with a thermal camera and some basic training,...

Information on the role of thermal imagers in preventive maintenance programs, including cost savings, return on investment (ROI), and the inspection process. Included are common examples of infrared camera applications.

The quality of a thermal image is much more than just aesthetics. It is critical to pinpointing specific areas of concern. A simple way to look at it is: IMAGE QUALITY = focus + optics + spatial resolution (pixels + field of view)

Seeing a motor’s heat signature under normal operating conditions—with at least 40 % of design load—can tell you a lot about its condition.

Following electrical safety regulations in industrial plants is critical. But myths about electrical safety are rampant. Understand the facts vs myths about working in energized systems.

Solar installer jobs are in high demand. Learn how to become a solar panel PV installer or solar energy technician and join the growing renewable energy industry.

An overview of the four main Industrial Ethernet protocols including modbus TPC/IP, EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, PROFINET. How these communication networks differ from the commercial Ethernet LAN environment.

Robust desktop and mobile phone software is an important aspect of thermal inspection workflows. Thermography software can help enhance and clarify images, add analysis and share professional-looking reports in applications spanning mechanical, electrical, electronic equipment, building diagnostics and more. It’s important to note that analyzing thermographic imagery accurately requires special training to consider emissivity of objects and other factors like background temperature and relative...

Solar energy expert guidance on how to design and commission a photovoltaic system for maximum performance including longevity of equipment, safety and ROI.

HVAC technology true-RMS meters are essential test tools for accurately measuring and troubleshooting complex HVAC control systems.

Using Fluke tools for energy efficiency and cost savings. How the Figge Art Museum automated their HVAC control systems, reduced energy consumption and saved on annual energy costs

Using infrared cameras to troubleshoot motor problems as well as monitoring motor conditions for preventative maintenance in power generation, manufacturing and commercial plants.

The return on investment (ROI) you can expect from adding an infrared camera (also known as a thermal imager) to your inspection tool bag depends on many variables. First and foremost it depends on whether you are an industrial plant manager or a contract

Many facilities, such as power plants or production facilities, depend on a strong preventive maintenance program. These programs are essential to keep processes running safely and efficiently.

90 percent of machine faults fall into four main categories: misalignment, imbalance, looseness, or bearing wear. Using root cause analysis can help you identify where a problem began and what caused it.

Watch a video tutorial on adjusting level and span using your Fluke Ti400, Ti300 or Ti200 thermal imager to accurately locate specific trouble spots.

Insulated hand tools provide critical safety protection for electricians and technicians who work with live electrical equipment.

Insulated electrical tools are critical for electrical safety.

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.

Learn how to improve power factor, including specific solutions for different root causes of poor power factor.

According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Recommended Practices for Health and Safety Programs, a 50-person plant typically can increase productivity by 13% and save more than $265,000 in faulty products by implementing a rigorous safety and health program.

The Fluke 810 Vibration Tester locates and identifies the four most common types of mechanical faults and allows for quick and easy assessments of overall machine health.

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Find out how air leak detection equipment prevents downtime for a 150,000 square foot plant that runs approximately 400 tools on compressed air, produced by a 200-horsepower compressor.

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.