Fluke 279FC Wireless TRMS Thermal Multimeter

Model: 279FC | UPC: 095969814690

Fluke 279FC Wireless TRMS Thermal Multimeter

Model: 279FC | UPC: 095969814690

This digital multimeter features an integrated thermal imager which reveals electrical issues rapidly and from a safe distance. The thermal multimeter helps you locate, repair, validate, and report many electrical issues quickly so that you can be confident problems are solved. The large full-color LCD display makes viewing images and readings easy and clear while the rechargeable battery lasts up to 10 hour+ under normal conditions. iFlex® Compatible (a flexible current clamp), great for getting into tight, hard to reach spaces for current measurement (up to 2500 A AC). With built-in Fluke Connect®, results are transmitted wirelessly to a smartphone. Create and email reports right from the field.

This digital multimeter features an integrated thermal imager which reveals electrical issues rapidly and from a safe distance. The thermal multimeter helps you locate, repair, validate, and report many electrical issues quickly so that you can be confident problems are solved. The large full-color LCD display makes viewing images and readings easy and clear while the rechargeable battery lasts up to 10 hour+ under normal conditions. iFlex® Compatible (a flexible current clamp), great for getting into tight, hard to reach spaces for current measurement (up to 2500 A AC). With built-in Fluke Connect®, results are transmitted wirelessly to a smartphone. Create and email reports right from the field.

Discontinued!

This product has been discontinued and is no longer available.
This is the direct replacement:

Fluke 279FC/iFlex Wireless True RMS Thermal Multimeter with iFlex-

Fluke 279FC/iFlex Wireless True RMS Thermal Multimeter with iFlex

Model: 279FC/IFLEX

With the ability to scan, this thermal multimeter allows users to find electrical problems from a distance. This tool also verifies hot spots on high-voltage equipment and transformers and identifies heating of fuses, wires, insulators, connectors, splices, and switches. Additionally, it comes equipped with the iFlex probe.


Fluke 279FC Offers

Thermal imaging multimeters are a first-line tool for troubleshooting electrical equipment. They can check hot spots on high-voltage equipment and transformers, detect heating of fuses, wires, insulators, connectors, splices and switches. By combining two tools into one, the thermal multimeter reduces carry weight and increases productivity. Improve troubleshooting by trending and monitoring measurements instantly, live on your smartphone screen.

Features

  • Full-featured multimeter with built-in thermal imager
  • 15 measurement functions including: AC voltage with low-pass filter, DC voltage, Resistance, Continuity, Capacitance, Diode test, Min/Max/Avg, AC current (with iFlex), Frequency
  • Thermal imaging reveals many electrical issues quickly and safely, eliminating the need for time-consuming testing and validation
  • Two-in-one tool is designed to increase productivity– no need to go back to the truck or office to retrieve a shared camera or wait for the thermographer do more in less time!
  • Designed for durability, built to withstand a 3 m (9.8Ft) drop, double insulated with raised rubber holster for increased protection
  • Save measurements and images while communicating wirelessly with a smart phone up to 20 feet/6.1 m away (no obstructions)
  • Image resolution–80 x 60
  • 3.5"/8.89 cm color LCD screen
  • Rechargeable lithium ion battery allows for a for a full work day (10+ hours) under normal conditions
  • Assembled in the USA
  • Three year standard warranty
  • Auto power off to save battery power
  • CAT III 1000 V, CAT IV 600 V measurement category

Applications

  • Troubleshooting electrical equipment
  • Check hot spots of high-voltage equipment and transformers from a safe distance
  • Detect heating of fuses, wires, insulators, connectors, splices, switches
  • Troubleshoot HVAC/R systems
  • Check temp of furnace exteriors, stream traps, heat exchangers
  • Checking load banks, overloaded motors, boiler operations and steam systems

Discover your Thermal Imager

  • Understand the importance of image quality
  • How to better manage your data
  • How our tools are designed for your work environments
  • The ROI you can expect from thermal imaging
  • Learn the importance of innovative solutions that make it simple and easy to capture
  • Analyze and manage thermal imaging
  • Find out why hundreds of professionals choose Fluke thermal imaging
Download the Advanced Thermal Imaging Buyers Guide

Fluke 279FC Specifications

Infrared Camera
Temperature Range 14 to 392°F (-10˚C to 200°C)
Temperature Measurement resolution 0.1°C
Accuracy ±5˚C or ± 5% (as tested at 25˚C, whichever is greater)
Emissivity 0.95 fixed
Resolution 80 x 60
Image capture frequency 8 Hz
Detector type Uncooled vanadium oxide
General specifications
Maximum voltage between any terminal and earth ground 1000 V
Display size 8.9cm (3.5in) diagonal
Display (LCD) Update rate 4/sec
Display Volts, amps, ohms 6000 counts
Display Frequency 10000 counts
Battery type Fluke BP500 lithium ion battery
Battery life 10 hours minimum
RF communications 2.4 GHZ ISM Band
Operating/Storage Temperature 14 to 122°F (0 to 50°C)/ -4 to 140°F (20 to 60°C)
Operating/Storage Altitude 2000m/ 12000m
Certifications CSA, FCC, CE
Size (H x W x L) 5.7cm x 9.4cm x 21.6cm (2.3in x 3.7in x 8.5in)
Weight 0.80 kg (1.75 lb)
Warranty Three years
Click here for complete specifications on the Fluke 279FC

What's included with the Fluke 279FC

  • 279 FC TRMS Thermal Multimeter
  • TL75 Test Leads
  • Rechargeable lithium ion battery and charger
  • Alligator Clips
  • Quick Reference Guide
This product features Fluke Connect Technology

See it. Save it. Share it. All the facts, right in the field.

Fluke engineers have delivered an innovative mobile platform and tool that helps solve everyday problems, allowing you to instantly document measurements, retrieve historical data, and share live measurements with your team. All handled by the Android™ or iOS smart phone you already carry.

Fluke Connect with ShareLive™ video call is the only wireless measurement system that lets you stay in contact with your entire team without leaving the field. The Fluke Connect mobile app is works with over 20 different Fluke products - the largest suite of connected test tools in the world.

Make the best decisions faster than ever before by viewing temperature, mechanical, electrical and vibration measurements for each equipment asset in one place. Get started saving time and increasing your productivity.


Fluke Connect Features:

  • TrendIt™ Graphs: Use graphing to show changes in measurements, allowing you to graph and show problems instantly.
  • EquipmentLog™ History: Access equipment history building a database of equipment health and baselines with cloud backup.
  • ShareLive™ Video Calls: Save, collaborate and share measurements instantly with your team anytime, from anywhere.
  • AutoRecord™ Measurements: Instantly save measurements to your phone with Cloud backup.
  • Fluke Cloud™ Storage: Securely access equipment records anywhere, anytime.

Fluke Connect Benefits:

  • Maximize uptime
  • Minimize maintenance costs
  • Better assessments with accurate records
  • Higher efficiency with less walking around; no notebook and excel needed
  • Share troubleshooting knowledge live
  • Create and share helpful content in the field
  • Access to Fluke digital product manuals means no need to carry manuals in the field
  • Keep organized manually entered measurements

Getting to know the Fluke 279FC/iFlex True-rms Thermal Multimeter with iFlex


This video will serve as an overview of the Fluke 279FC/iFlex True-rms Thermal Multimeter.

The Fluke 279 FC True-RMS Thermal Multimeter Overview


In this introductory video, the viewer will receive an overview of the main features of this True RMS thermal multimeter. Additionally, this instrument is Fluke Connect compatible.

Multimeter measurements on adjustable speed drives

In the past, motor repair meant dealing with traditional three-phase motor failures that were largely the result of water, dust, grease, failed bearings, misaligned motor shafts, or just plain old age. But motor repair has changed in a big way with the introduction of electronically controlled motors, more commonly referred to as adjustable speed drives (ASDs). These drives present a unique set of measurement problems that can vex the most seasoned pro. Thanks to new technology, now for the first time you can take accurate electrical measurements with a DMM during the installation and maintenance of a drive and diagnose bad components and other conditions that may lead to premature failure.

Troubleshooting philosophy

Technicians use many different methods to troubleshoot an electrical circuit, and a good troubleshooter will always find the problem - eventually. The trick is tracking it down quickly and keeping downtime to a minimum. The most efficient troubleshooting procedure begins at the motor and then works systematically back to the electrical source, looking for the most obvious problems first. A lot of time and money can be wasted replacing perfectly good parts when the problem is simply a loose connection. As you go, take care to take accurate measurements. Nobody takes inaccurate measurements on purpose, but it's easy to do, especially when working in a high-energy, noisy environment like an ASD. Likewise, choosing the right test tools for troubleshooting the drive, the motor, and the connections are of utmost importance. This is especially true when taking voltage, frequency, and current measurements on the output side of the motor drive. But until now, there hasn't been a digital multimeter on the market able to accurately measure ASDs. Incorporates a selectable low pass filter* that allows for accurate drive output measurements that agree with the motor drive controller display indicator. Now, technicians won't have to guess whether the drive is operating correctly and delivering the correct voltage, current, or frequency for a given control setting.

Drive measurements

Input side measurements

Any good quality True RMS multimeter can verify proper input power to an ASD. The input voltage readings should be within 1% of one another when measured from phase to phase with no load. A significant unbalance may lead to erratic drive operation and should be corrected when discovered.

Output side measurements

On the flip side, a regular True RMS multimeter can't reliably read the output side of a pulse width modulated (PWM) motor drive, because the ASD applies pulse width modulated nonsinusoidal voltage to the motor terminals. A True RMS DMM reads the heating effect of the non-sinusoidal voltage applied to the motor, while the motor controller's output voltage reading only displays the RMS value of the fundamental component (typically from 30 Hz to 60 Hz). The causes of this discrepancy are bandwidth and shielding. Many of today's True RMS digital multimeters have bandwidths out to 20 kHz or more, causing them to respond not only to the fundamental component, which is what the motor responds to but to all of the high-frequency components generated by the PWM drive. And if the DMM isn't shielded for high-frequency noise, the drive controller's high noise levels make the measurement discrepancies even more extreme. With the bandwidth and shielding issues combined, many True RMS meters display readings as much as 20 to 30% higher than what the drive controller is indicating. The incorporated selectable low pass filter allows troubleshooters to take accurate voltage, current, and frequency measurements on the output side of the drive at either the drive itself or the motor terminals. With the filter selected, the readings for both voltage and frequency (motor speed) should agree with the associated drive control display indications, if available. The low pass filter also allows for accurate current measurements when used with Hall-effect type clamps. All of these measurements are especially helpful when taking measurements at the motor location when the drive's displays are not in view.

Taking safe measurements

Before taking any electrical measurements, be sure you understand how to take them safely. No test instrument is completely safe if used improperly, and many test instruments are not appropriate for testing adjustable speed drives. Also, make sure to use the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for your specific working environment and measurements. If at all possible, never work alone.

Safety ratings for electrical test equipment

ANSI and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) are the primary independent organizations that define safety standards for test equipment manufacturers. The IEC 61010 second edition standard for test equipment safety states two basic parameters: a voltage rating and a measurement category rating. The voltage rating is the maximum continuous working voltage the instrument is capable of measuring. The category ratings depict the measurement environment expected for a given category. Most three-phase ASD installations would be considered a CAT III measurement environment, with power supplied from either 480V or 600V distribution systems. When using a DMM for measurements on these high-energy systems, make sure it's rated at a minimum for CAT III 600V and preferably for CAT IV 600V/CAT III 1000V. The category rating and voltage limit are typically found on the front panel, at the input terminals. Dual-rated CAT IV 600V and CAT III 1000V. Refer to the ABC's of DMM Safety* from Fluke for additional information on category ratings and taking safe measurements.

How to take measurements

Now let's put the multimeter to the test. The measurements in the following procedure are designed to be made on a 480 volt 3 phase drive control at the control panel terminal strips. These procedures would also be valid for lower voltage 3 phase drives powered by either single or 3 phase supply voltages. For these tests, the motor is running at 50 Hz.

Input voltage

To measure the ac voltage supply to the input side of the drive at the drive:

  • Select the ac voltage function.
  • Connect the black probe to one of the three phase input terminals. This will be the reference phase.
  • Connect the red probe to one of the other two phase input terminals and record the reading.
  • Leaving the black probe on the reference phase now move the red probe to the third phase input and record this reading.
  • Make sure there's no more than a 1% difference between these two readings.

Input current

Measuring the input current generally requires a current clamp accessory. In most cases, either the input current exceeds the maximum current measurable by the current function, or it isn't practical to "break the circuit" to take an in-line series current measurement. Regardless of clamp type, insure that all readings are within 10% of each other for proper balance.

Transformer type clamp (i200, 80i-400, 80i-600A)

  • Connect the clamp to the common and 400 mA input jacks.
  • Select the mA/A AC function.
  • Place the clamp around each of the input supply phase cables in succession, recording each of the readings as they are taken. Since these clamps output one milliamp per amp, the milliamp readings shown on the display are the actual phase current readings in amps.

Hall Effect type (AC/DC) clamp (i410,i-1010)

  • Connect the clamp to the common and V/W input jacks.
  • Select the AC voltage function.
  • Press the yellow button to enable the low pass filter. This allows the meter to reject all of the high frequency noise generated by the drive controller. Once the low pass filter is enabled, the meter will be in the 600 mV manual range mode.
  • Place the clamp around each of the input supply phase cables in succession, recording each of the readings as they are taken. Since these clamps output one millivolt per amp, the millivolt readings shown on the display are the actual phase current readings in amps.

Figure 1. Output voltage reading without using the low pass filter.


Figure 2. Output voltage reading with low pass filter enabled.

Output voltage

To measure the AC output voltage at either the drive or the motor terminals:

  • Plug the black test lead into the common jack and the red test lead into the V/W jack.
  • Select the AC voltage function.
  • Connect the black probe to one of the three phase output voltage or motor terminals. This will be the reference phase.
  • Connect the red probe to one of the other two phase output voltage or motor terminals.
  • Press the yellow button to enable the low pass filter. Now record the reading.
  • Leaving the black probe on the reference phase, now move the red probe to the third phase output voltage or motor terminal and record this reading.
  • Make sure that there's no more than a 1% difference between these two readings (see Figure 2). The readings should also agree with the controller display, panel if available.
  • If the low pass filter isn't enabled, the output voltage readings may be 10 to 30% higher, as on a regular DMM (see Figure 1).

Figure 3. Output frequency (motor speed) without the low pass filter.


Figure 4. Output frequency (motor speed) using the low pass filter.

Motor speed (Output frequency using voltage as a reference)

To determine motor speed, simply take a frequency measurement while using the low pass filter. The measurement can be made between any two of the phase voltage or motor terminals.

  • Plug the black test lead into the common jack and the red test lead into the V/W jack.
  • Select the ac voltage function.
  • Connect the black probe to one of the three phase output voltage or motor terminals. This will be the reference phase.
  • Connect the red probe to one of the other two phase output voltage or motor terminals.
  • Press the yellow button to enable the low pass filter.
  • Press the Hz button. The displayed reading in hertz will be the motor speed (see Figure 3). This measurement couldn't be made successfully without the low pass filter (see Figure 4).

Output current

TAs with input current, measuring the output current generally requires a current clamp accessory. Once again, regardless of clamp type, insure that all readings are within 10% of each other for proper balance.

Transformer type clamp (i200, 80i-400, 80i-600A)

  • Connect the clamp to the common and 400 mA input jacks.
  • Select the mA/A ac function.
  • Place the clamp around each of the output phase cables in succession, recording each of the readings as they're taken. Since these clamps output 1 milliamp per amp, the milliamp readings shown on the display are the actual phase current readings in amps.

Figure 5. Output current reading without using the low pass filter.


Figure 6. Output current reading with low pass filter enabled.

Hall Effect type (AC/DC) clamp (i410,i-1010)

  • Connect the clamp to the common and V/W input jacks.
  • Select the ac voltage function.
  • Press the yellow button to enable the low pass filter. This allows the meter to reject all of the high frequency noise generated by the drive controller. Once the low pass filter is turned on, the meter will be in the 600 mV manual range mode.
  • Place the clamp around each of the output phase cables in succession, recording each of the readings as they are taken (see Figure 6). Since these clamps output 1 millivolt per amp, the millivolt readings shown on the 87-V display are the actual phase current readings in amps. This measurement would not be possible without the low pass filter (see Figure 5).

Motor speed (Output frequency using current as a reference)

For motors that pull at least 20 amps of running current, motor speed can be determined by taking a frequency measurement with current clamps. Until now, noise issues have prevented accurate readings using hall effect type clamps. Here's how the low pass filter makes it possible.

Motor speed using a Hall Effect type (AC/DC) clamp (i410,i-1010)

  • Connect the clamp to the common and V/W input jacks.
  • Select the ac voltage function.
  • Press the yellow button to enable the low pass filter. This allows the meter to reject all of the high frequency noise generated by the drive controller. Once the low pass filter has been turned on, the meter will be in the 600 mV manual range mode.
  • Place the clamp around one of the output phase cables. Verify that the multimeter is reading a current of at least 20 amps (20 mV in the display).
  • Press the Hz button. The readings now display the motor speed as a frequency measurement.

Motor speed using a transformer type clamp (i200, 80i-400, 80i-600A)

  • Connect the clamp to the common and 400 mA input jacks.
  • Select the mA/A AC function.
  • Place the clamp around one of the output phase cables. Verify that the multimeter is reading a current of at least 20 amps (20mA in the display).
  • Press the Hz button. The readings now display the motor speed as a frequency measurement.

DC Bus measurements

A healthy dc bus is a must for a properly operating motor drive. If the bus voltage is incorrect or unstable, the converter diodes or capacitors may be starting to fail. The DC bus voltage should be approximately 1.414 times the phase to phase input voltage. For a 480 volt input, the DC bus should be approximately 679 VDC. The DC bus is typically labeled as DC+, DC- or B+, Bon the drive terminal strip. To measure the DC bus voltage:

  • Select the dc voltage function.
  • Connect the black probe to either the DC- or B- terminal.
  • Connect the red probe to the DC+ or B+ terminal. The bus voltage should agree with the example mentioned above and be relatively stable. To check the amount of ac ripple on the bus, switch the 7V's function switch to the vac function. Some small drives don't allow external access to the DC bus measurement without disassembling the drive. If you can't access the DC bus, use the peak min max function on the multimeter to measure the dc bus voltage via the output voltage signal.
  • Plug the black test lead into the common jack and the red test lead into the V/½ jack.
  • Select the AC voltage function.
  • Connect the black probe to one of the three phase output voltage or motor terminals. This will be the reference phase.
  • Connect the red probe to one of the other two phase output voltage or motor terminals.
  • Press the min/max button.
  • Press the (Peak min/max) button.
  • The displayed reading in Peak min/max will be the DC bus voltage.

Click on a category to view a selection of compatible accessories with the Fluke 279FC Wireless TRMS Thermal Multimeter.

Fluke TB25 Tool Bucket Organizer Bag, 5.2 gal TB25
Durable and rugged, this tool bucket organizer bag has a 5.2-gallon capacity that can be relied on to protect and safely carry a variety of test tools and accessories. With its waterproof hard bottom shell, this versatile organizer has a total of 28 pockets that can fit hand tools, DMMs, clamp meters, test probes, and more.




Fluke C37XT Protective EVA Hard Tool Case, 10.9 x 4.7" C37XT
Durable and high quality, this 10.9 x 4.7" (277 x 119 mm) tool case is designed to fit most multimeters and similarly sized tools. Made from 600D EVA foam, this case features hinged dividers, additional pockets, straps, space for many accessories, and secures your tools with adjustable straps.




Ask a question about Fluke 279FC Wireless TRMS Thermal Multimeter

Customer Reviews for the Fluke 279FC

Fluke 279FC Offers

Thermal imaging multimeters are a first-line tool for troubleshooting electrical equipment. They can check hot spots on high-voltage equipment and transformers, detect heating of fuses, wires, insulators, connectors, splices and switches. By combining two tools into one, the thermal multimeter reduces carry weight and increases productivity. Improve troubleshooting by trending and monitoring measurements instantly, live on your smartphone screen.

Features

  • Full-featured multimeter with built-in thermal imager
  • 15 measurement functions including: AC voltage with low-pass filter, DC voltage, Resistance, Continuity, Capacitance, Diode test, Min/Max/Avg, AC current (with iFlex), Frequency
  • Thermal imaging reveals many electrical issues quickly and safely, eliminating the need for time-consuming testing and validation
  • Two-in-one tool is designed to increase productivity– no need to go back to the truck or office to retrieve a shared camera or wait for the thermographer do more in less time!
  • Designed for durability, built to withstand a 3 m (9.8Ft) drop, double insulated with raised rubber holster for increased protection
  • Save measurements and images while communicating wirelessly with a smart phone up to 20 feet/6.1 m away (no obstructions)
  • Image resolution–80 x 60
  • 3.5"/8.89 cm color LCD screen
  • Rechargeable lithium ion battery allows for a for a full work day (10+ hours) under normal conditions
  • Assembled in the USA
  • Three year standard warranty
  • Auto power off to save battery power
  • CAT III 1000 V, CAT IV 600 V measurement category

Applications

  • Troubleshooting electrical equipment
  • Check hot spots of high-voltage equipment and transformers from a safe distance
  • Detect heating of fuses, wires, insulators, connectors, splices, switches
  • Troubleshoot HVAC/R systems
  • Check temp of furnace exteriors, stream traps, heat exchangers
  • Checking load banks, overloaded motors, boiler operations and steam systems

Discover your Thermal Imager

  • Understand the importance of image quality
  • How to better manage your data
  • How our tools are designed for your work environments
  • The ROI you can expect from thermal imaging
  • Learn the importance of innovative solutions that make it simple and easy to capture
  • Analyze and manage thermal imaging
  • Find out why hundreds of professionals choose Fluke thermal imaging
Download the Advanced Thermal Imaging Buyers Guide

Fluke 279FC Specifications

Infrared Camera
Temperature Range 14 to 392°F (-10˚C to 200°C)
Temperature Measurement resolution 0.1°C
Accuracy ±5˚C or ± 5% (as tested at 25˚C, whichever is greater)
Emissivity 0.95 fixed
Resolution 80 x 60
Image capture frequency 8 Hz
Detector type Uncooled vanadium oxide
General specifications
Maximum voltage between any terminal and earth ground 1000 V
Display size 8.9cm (3.5in) diagonal
Display (LCD) Update rate 4/sec
Display Volts, amps, ohms 6000 counts
Display Frequency 10000 counts
Battery type Fluke BP500 lithium ion battery
Battery life 10 hours minimum
RF communications 2.4 GHZ ISM Band
Operating/Storage Temperature 14 to 122°F (0 to 50°C)/ -4 to 140°F (20 to 60°C)
Operating/Storage Altitude 2000m/ 12000m
Certifications CSA, FCC, CE
Size (H x W x L) 5.7cm x 9.4cm x 21.6cm (2.3in x 3.7in x 8.5in)
Weight 0.80 kg (1.75 lb)
Warranty Three years
Click here for complete specifications on the Fluke 279FC

What's included with the Fluke 279FC

  • 279 FC TRMS Thermal Multimeter
  • TL75 Test Leads
  • Rechargeable lithium ion battery and charger
  • Alligator Clips
  • Quick Reference Guide
This product features Fluke Connect Technology

See it. Save it. Share it. All the facts, right in the field.

Fluke engineers have delivered an innovative mobile platform and tool that helps solve everyday problems, allowing you to instantly document measurements, retrieve historical data, and share live measurements with your team. All handled by the Android™ or iOS smart phone you already carry.

Fluke Connect with ShareLive™ video call is the only wireless measurement system that lets you stay in contact with your entire team without leaving the field. The Fluke Connect mobile app is works with over 20 different Fluke products - the largest suite of connected test tools in the world.

Make the best decisions faster than ever before by viewing temperature, mechanical, electrical and vibration measurements for each equipment asset in one place. Get started saving time and increasing your productivity.


Fluke Connect Features:

  • TrendIt™ Graphs: Use graphing to show changes in measurements, allowing you to graph and show problems instantly.
  • EquipmentLog™ History: Access equipment history building a database of equipment health and baselines with cloud backup.
  • ShareLive™ Video Calls: Save, collaborate and share measurements instantly with your team anytime, from anywhere.
  • AutoRecord™ Measurements: Instantly save measurements to your phone with Cloud backup.
  • Fluke Cloud™ Storage: Securely access equipment records anywhere, anytime.

Fluke Connect Benefits:

  • Maximize uptime
  • Minimize maintenance costs
  • Better assessments with accurate records
  • Higher efficiency with less walking around; no notebook and excel needed
  • Share troubleshooting knowledge live
  • Create and share helpful content in the field
  • Access to Fluke digital product manuals means no need to carry manuals in the field
  • Keep organized manually entered measurements

Getting to know the Fluke 279FC/iFlex True-rms Thermal Multimeter with iFlex


This video will serve as an overview of the Fluke 279FC/iFlex True-rms Thermal Multimeter.

The Fluke 279 FC True-RMS Thermal Multimeter Overview


In this introductory video, the viewer will receive an overview of the main features of this True RMS thermal multimeter. Additionally, this instrument is Fluke Connect compatible.

Multimeter measurements on adjustable speed drives

In the past, motor repair meant dealing with traditional three-phase motor failures that were largely the result of water, dust, grease, failed bearings, misaligned motor shafts, or just plain old age. But motor repair has changed in a big way with the introduction of electronically controlled motors, more commonly referred to as adjustable speed drives (ASDs). These drives present a unique set of measurement problems that can vex the most seasoned pro. Thanks to new technology, now for the first time you can take accurate electrical measurements with a DMM during the installation and maintenance of a drive and diagnose bad components and other conditions that may lead to premature failure.

Troubleshooting philosophy

Technicians use many different methods to troubleshoot an electrical circuit, and a good troubleshooter will always find the problem - eventually. The trick is tracking it down quickly and keeping downtime to a minimum. The most efficient troubleshooting procedure begins at the motor and then works systematically back to the electrical source, looking for the most obvious problems first. A lot of time and money can be wasted replacing perfectly good parts when the problem is simply a loose connection. As you go, take care to take accurate measurements. Nobody takes inaccurate measurements on purpose, but it's easy to do, especially when working in a high-energy, noisy environment like an ASD. Likewise, choosing the right test tools for troubleshooting the drive, the motor, and the connections are of utmost importance. This is especially true when taking voltage, frequency, and current measurements on the output side of the motor drive. But until now, there hasn't been a digital multimeter on the market able to accurately measure ASDs. Incorporates a selectable low pass filter* that allows for accurate drive output measurements that agree with the motor drive controller display indicator. Now, technicians won't have to guess whether the drive is operating correctly and delivering the correct voltage, current, or frequency for a given control setting.

Drive measurements

Input side measurements

Any good quality True RMS multimeter can verify proper input power to an ASD. The input voltage readings should be within 1% of one another when measured from phase to phase with no load. A significant unbalance may lead to erratic drive operation and should be corrected when discovered.

Output side measurements

On the flip side, a regular True RMS multimeter can't reliably read the output side of a pulse width modulated (PWM) motor drive, because the ASD applies pulse width modulated nonsinusoidal voltage to the motor terminals. A True RMS DMM reads the heating effect of the non-sinusoidal voltage applied to the motor, while the motor controller's output voltage reading only displays the RMS value of the fundamental component (typically from 30 Hz to 60 Hz). The causes of this discrepancy are bandwidth and shielding. Many of today's True RMS digital multimeters have bandwidths out to 20 kHz or more, causing them to respond not only to the fundamental component, which is what the motor responds to but to all of the high-frequency components generated by the PWM drive. And if the DMM isn't shielded for high-frequency noise, the drive controller's high noise levels make the measurement discrepancies even more extreme. With the bandwidth and shielding issues combined, many True RMS meters display readings as much as 20 to 30% higher than what the drive controller is indicating. The incorporated selectable low pass filter allows troubleshooters to take accurate voltage, current, and frequency measurements on the output side of the drive at either the drive itself or the motor terminals. With the filter selected, the readings for both voltage and frequency (motor speed) should agree with the associated drive control display indications, if available. The low pass filter also allows for accurate current measurements when used with Hall-effect type clamps. All of these measurements are especially helpful when taking measurements at the motor location when the drive's displays are not in view.

Taking safe measurements

Before taking any electrical measurements, be sure you understand how to take them safely. No test instrument is completely safe if used improperly, and many test instruments are not appropriate for testing adjustable speed drives. Also, make sure to use the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for your specific working environment and measurements. If at all possible, never work alone.

Safety ratings for electrical test equipment

ANSI and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) are the primary independent organizations that define safety standards for test equipment manufacturers. The IEC 61010 second edition standard for test equipment safety states two basic parameters: a voltage rating and a measurement category rating. The voltage rating is the maximum continuous working voltage the instrument is capable of measuring. The category ratings depict the measurement environment expected for a given category. Most three-phase ASD installations would be considered a CAT III measurement environment, with power supplied from either 480V or 600V distribution systems. When using a DMM for measurements on these high-energy systems, make sure it's rated at a minimum for CAT III 600V and preferably for CAT IV 600V/CAT III 1000V. The category rating and voltage limit are typically found on the front panel, at the input terminals. Dual-rated CAT IV 600V and CAT III 1000V. Refer to the ABC's of DMM Safety* from Fluke for additional information on category ratings and taking safe measurements.

How to take measurements

Now let's put the multimeter to the test. The measurements in the following procedure are designed to be made on a 480 volt 3 phase drive control at the control panel terminal strips. These procedures would also be valid for lower voltage 3 phase drives powered by either single or 3 phase supply voltages. For these tests, the motor is running at 50 Hz.

Input voltage

To measure the ac voltage supply to the input side of the drive at the drive:

  • Select the ac voltage function.
  • Connect the black probe to one of the three phase input terminals. This will be the reference phase.
  • Connect the red probe to one of the other two phase input terminals and record the reading.
  • Leaving the black probe on the reference phase now move the red probe to the third phase input and record this reading.
  • Make sure there's no more than a 1% difference between these two readings.

Input current

Measuring the input current generally requires a current clamp accessory. In most cases, either the input current exceeds the maximum current measurable by the current function, or it isn't practical to "break the circuit" to take an in-line series current measurement. Regardless of clamp type, insure that all readings are within 10% of each other for proper balance.

Transformer type clamp (i200, 80i-400, 80i-600A)

  • Connect the clamp to the common and 400 mA input jacks.
  • Select the mA/A AC function.
  • Place the clamp around each of the input supply phase cables in succession, recording each of the readings as they are taken. Since these clamps output one milliamp per amp, the milliamp readings shown on the display are the actual phase current readings in amps.

Hall Effect type (AC/DC) clamp (i410,i-1010)

  • Connect the clamp to the common and V/W input jacks.
  • Select the AC voltage function.
  • Press the yellow button to enable the low pass filter. This allows the meter to reject all of the high frequency noise generated by the drive controller. Once the low pass filter is enabled, the meter will be in the 600 mV manual range mode.
  • Place the clamp around each of the input supply phase cables in succession, recording each of the readings as they are taken. Since these clamps output one millivolt per amp, the millivolt readings shown on the display are the actual phase current readings in amps.

Figure 1. Output voltage reading without using the low pass filter.


Figure 2. Output voltage reading with low pass filter enabled.

Output voltage

To measure the AC output voltage at either the drive or the motor terminals:

  • Plug the black test lead into the common jack and the red test lead into the V/W jack.
  • Select the AC voltage function.
  • Connect the black probe to one of the three phase output voltage or motor terminals. This will be the reference phase.
  • Connect the red probe to one of the other two phase output voltage or motor terminals.
  • Press the yellow button to enable the low pass filter. Now record the reading.
  • Leaving the black probe on the reference phase, now move the red probe to the third phase output voltage or motor terminal and record this reading.
  • Make sure that there's no more than a 1% difference between these two readings (see Figure 2). The readings should also agree with the controller display, panel if available.
  • If the low pass filter isn't enabled, the output voltage readings may be 10 to 30% higher, as on a regular DMM (see Figure 1).

Figure 3. Output frequency (motor speed) without the low pass filter.


Figure 4. Output frequency (motor speed) using the low pass filter.

Motor speed (Output frequency using voltage as a reference)

To determine motor speed, simply take a frequency measurement while using the low pass filter. The measurement can be made between any two of the phase voltage or motor terminals.

  • Plug the black test lead into the common jack and the red test lead into the V/W jack.
  • Select the ac voltage function.
  • Connect the black probe to one of the three phase output voltage or motor terminals. This will be the reference phase.
  • Connect the red probe to one of the other two phase output voltage or motor terminals.
  • Press the yellow button to enable the low pass filter.
  • Press the Hz button. The displayed reading in hertz will be the motor speed (see Figure 3). This measurement couldn't be made successfully without the low pass filter (see Figure 4).

Output current

TAs with input current, measuring the output current generally requires a current clamp accessory. Once again, regardless of clamp type, insure that all readings are within 10% of each other for proper balance.

Transformer type clamp (i200, 80i-400, 80i-600A)

  • Connect the clamp to the common and 400 mA input jacks.
  • Select the mA/A ac function.
  • Place the clamp around each of the output phase cables in succession, recording each of the readings as they're taken. Since these clamps output 1 milliamp per amp, the milliamp readings shown on the display are the actual phase current readings in amps.

Figure 5. Output current reading without using the low pass filter.


Figure 6. Output current reading with low pass filter enabled.

Hall Effect type (AC/DC) clamp (i410,i-1010)

  • Connect the clamp to the common and V/W input jacks.
  • Select the ac voltage function.
  • Press the yellow button to enable the low pass filter. This allows the meter to reject all of the high frequency noise generated by the drive controller. Once the low pass filter is turned on, the meter will be in the 600 mV manual range mode.
  • Place the clamp around each of the output phase cables in succession, recording each of the readings as they are taken (see Figure 6). Since these clamps output 1 millivolt per amp, the millivolt readings shown on the 87-V display are the actual phase current readings in amps. This measurement would not be possible without the low pass filter (see Figure 5).

Motor speed (Output frequency using current as a reference)

For motors that pull at least 20 amps of running current, motor speed can be determined by taking a frequency measurement with current clamps. Until now, noise issues have prevented accurate readings using hall effect type clamps. Here's how the low pass filter makes it possible.

Motor speed using a Hall Effect type (AC/DC) clamp (i410,i-1010)

  • Connect the clamp to the common and V/W input jacks.
  • Select the ac voltage function.
  • Press the yellow button to enable the low pass filter. This allows the meter to reject all of the high frequency noise generated by the drive controller. Once the low pass filter has been turned on, the meter will be in the 600 mV manual range mode.
  • Place the clamp around one of the output phase cables. Verify that the multimeter is reading a current of at least 20 amps (20 mV in the display).
  • Press the Hz button. The readings now display the motor speed as a frequency measurement.

Motor speed using a transformer type clamp (i200, 80i-400, 80i-600A)

  • Connect the clamp to the common and 400 mA input jacks.
  • Select the mA/A AC function.
  • Place the clamp around one of the output phase cables. Verify that the multimeter is reading a current of at least 20 amps (20mA in the display).
  • Press the Hz button. The readings now display the motor speed as a frequency measurement.

DC Bus measurements

A healthy dc bus is a must for a properly operating motor drive. If the bus voltage is incorrect or unstable, the converter diodes or capacitors may be starting to fail. The DC bus voltage should be approximately 1.414 times the phase to phase input voltage. For a 480 volt input, the DC bus should be approximately 679 VDC. The DC bus is typically labeled as DC+, DC- or B+, Bon the drive terminal strip. To measure the DC bus voltage:

  • Select the dc voltage function.
  • Connect the black probe to either the DC- or B- terminal.
  • Connect the red probe to the DC+ or B+ terminal. The bus voltage should agree with the example mentioned above and be relatively stable. To check the amount of ac ripple on the bus, switch the 7V's function switch to the vac function. Some small drives don't allow external access to the DC bus measurement without disassembling the drive. If you can't access the DC bus, use the peak min max function on the multimeter to measure the dc bus voltage via the output voltage signal.
  • Plug the black test lead into the common jack and the red test lead into the V/½ jack.
  • Select the AC voltage function.
  • Connect the black probe to one of the three phase output voltage or motor terminals. This will be the reference phase.
  • Connect the red probe to one of the other two phase output voltage or motor terminals.
  • Press the min/max button.
  • Press the (Peak min/max) button.
  • The displayed reading in Peak min/max will be the DC bus voltage.

Click on a category to view a selection of compatible accessories with the Fluke 279FC Wireless TRMS Thermal Multimeter.

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Durable and rugged, this tool bucket organizer bag has a 5.2-gallon capacity that can be relied on to protect and safely carry a variety of test tools and accessories. With its waterproof hard bottom shell, this versatile organizer has a total of 28 pockets that can fit hand tools, DMMs, clamp meters, test probes, and more.




Fluke C37XT Protective EVA Hard Tool Case, 10.9 x 4.7" C37XT
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