Fieldpiece SC260 Review – A Special Tool for HVACR System – 2022

As an Amazon Associate, I Earn From Qualifying Purchases.

Are you looking for the best clamp meter that not only fits your HVACR testing needs but also fits your pocket? Please go through this comprehensive Fieldpiece sc260 review that reveals the features, technical specs, pros, and cons of a true winner in this product segment.

[amazon box=”B00KLYJG78″ template=”horizontal”]

The SC260 Compact Clamp Meter is an ideal device for testing HVACR (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) electrical measurements. It also includes True RMS measurements, which allow you to test variable frequency drives more accurately, along with temperature measurement in Fahrenheit as well as Celsius. To help users understand more about the features of this Clamp Meter, here is a Fieldpiece sc260 review, which sheds comprehensive light on the pros and cons of this useful device.

In-depth Review of The Fieldpiece SC260

Fieldpiece sc260 review

A look at the Technical specifications of SC260:

Display:  4000 count
Backlight: 5-minute duration with auto-off, Blue color, SC260 only
Over-range: (OL) or (-OL) is displayed
Measurement rate: 3 times per second, nominal
Zero:  Automatic
Operating environment: 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C) at <70% relative humidity
Storage temperature:  -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C), 0 to 80% RH (with battery removed)
Accuracy: Stated accuracy @ 73°F±9°F (23°C±5°C), <75%RH
Temperature coefficient: 0.1 x (specified accuracy) per °C [0°C to 19°C (32°F to 66°F), 28°C to 50° C(82°F to 122°F)]
APO (Auto Power Off):  Approximately 30 minutes
Power:   9V, NEDA 1604A, IEC 6LR61 9V alkaline battery
Battery life: 200 hours typical alkaline (SC220/SC240); 150 hours typical alkaline (SC260)
Low battery indication: Battery icon blinks and “LO.bt” is displayed when the battery voltage drops below the desired operating level
Dimensions:  205.5mm (H) x 67.4mm (W) x 45.1mm (D)
Product Weight: Approximately 265 grams inclusive of battery
Altitude: Up to 6562 feet (2000 meters)
Overload protection: 600 VDC or 600 VAC RMS (Root Mean Square) unless mentioned otherwise
Test leads: Use test leads that are UL listed only and are in compliance with UL61010-031 rated CATIII 600V or above. Included test leads are gold-plated and have removable safety caps.

Salient Features of the Fieldpiece SC260

Let’s take a deeper look at some of the salient features of this all-new compact multimeter, which makes it such a hot seller among users in this segment and carries such high ratings on the major review sites.

a) Economical and Compactly Designed

The first and foremost feature of this multimeter that will immediately catch your eyes and capture your attention is the compactness of the design of this instrument. The Fieldpiece SC260 saves you the trouble of handling a bulky and oversized multimeter in your workplace by offering a smaller and compact device that you can also carry in your pocket anywhere, any time with great ease. Moreover, the price tag mentioned on this useful instrument is also very reasonable, which will give you all the motivation to buy one for yourself right away. But before you do that, please take some time out to try this device on a first-hand basis, and once you do, you will understand the huge value it delivers in comparison to the small price tag it demands from its buyers.

b) Fitted with an Auto Select Mode

If you are not a regular user of multimeters, then apart from calculating the AC/DC voltage, non-contact voltage, continuity, and diode test, The Fieldpiece SC260 will also give you the option of choosing the Auto Select Mode. Although you may think that this autoselect mode is a common feature, which is found in most multimeters available in the market these days, but you will be surprised to know that it is not. If you are not accustomed to working with multimeters that have this feature, the autoselect mode will definitely be a big time-saver for you.

Choosing an Auto Select Mode is a much simpler and straightforward process, which will make your task a lot easier. After setting the device on this model, all you will need to do is set the dial and connect the leads, and the clamp meter would automatically set the proper measurement depending on what it is able to detect in the reading.

c) Offering High-Temperature Resistance

When you are dealing with multimeters that have the capability to detect temperature, you might find a variation in actual readings when you are moving with the multimeter from a high temperatures area to an area of low temperature while doing your testing. A great example of this can be when you move with your multimeter from a cold freezer to a hot rooftop on a hot sunny day. With most multimeters, you will find that such a high-temperature variation might cause them to display inaccurate temperature readings at times, but with the high-temperature resistance of Fieldpiece SC260, you will never have this problem of inaccurate temperature readings ever.

d) Fitted with True RMS

Another key benefit associated with the Fieldpiece SC260 is the true RMS (Root Mean Square) measurement it offers to its users. With True RMS, you would be completely assured about the accuracy of your measurements when you carry out a test of the variable frequencies on site. Moreover, the dual temperature display in both Fahrenheit and Celsius would also offer you immense convenience during practical application.

e) Equipped with LED Backlights

The Fieldpiece SC260 also comes fitted with LED Backlights, so that users can work freely in low light environments as well without worrying about the visibility of readings on the display panel. Since it is not always possible to predict the light conditions of the site where you will be working with your multimeter, having a device with its own LED display actually takes out the aspect of light from the equation.

Apart from the LED backlights, another feature that makes Fieldpiece SC260 multimeter rate really highly on the review sites is the quality ANC4 padded case fitted on this device, which saves it from any damages during use. Moreover, the 9-volt battery fitted in this device gives it a long life expectancy, plus a Velcro strap, ADLS2 Deluxe Lead Set with Gold plated tips and a Removable Sheath give it the ultimate protection and looks to complete the package.

[amazon box=”B00KLYJG78″ template=”list”]

Pros:

The SC260 is a compact meter that can easily fit in your pocket or glove box of your car or truck. This auto-ranging meter is affordable and perfectly suited for HVACR electrical testing.

  • Economical, Compact Meter
  • Volts AC/DC
  • 400 Amps AC; 40 Mega Ohm with 0.01 resolution
  • Continuity
  • Diode Test
  • Max/Min/Hold
  • Fitted with LCD Backlight
  • Temperature F/C
  • True RMS measurements
  • Fitted with Low battery indicator
  • Non-Contact Voltage Indicator
  • Equipped with a Magnetic Hanger
  • Gives Hi-voltage Warning
  • Capacitance
  • Data hold to store past readings
  • Low battery indicator is easy to spot
  • Very accurate measurements
  • Solidly built body
  • Bright backlight display

Cons:

Although the Fieldpiece SC260 multimeter comes with a lot of pros for its users, there are some shortcomings as well that users have come across after using this HVACR electrical testing device.

  • Not Durable Enough
  • Not equipped with all the features of other HVACR multimeters
  • Not fit for tedious use
  • Can break if overused
  • Probes can’t be stored on the clamp meter
  • Instructions given are not very clear

[amazon box=”B00KLYJG78″ template=”list”]

Who would need the Fieldpiece SC260?

This little beauty will be ideally suited for your needs if you happen to be an HVACR technician or plan to take-up this line of work in the future. Moreover, since a majority of electrical faults encountered at home are mainly related to Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration; the Fieldpiece SC260 also makes a great choice for all DIY (Do it yourself) enthusiasts, who are always more inclined to handle these minor glitches on their own, so that they don’t end up spending extra dollars on hiring the services of a qualified professional in this matter. In any case, getting a Fieldpiece SC260 can be a pretty smart choice, which would help you in saving a lot of money and stress, whether you intend to use it for professional purposes, or for DIY purposes at home.

Why you should use the Fieldpiece SC260?

The Fieldpiece SC260 does all the functions of a regular HVACR multi-meter and also includes features like the true RMS (Root Mean Square) measurement to measure voltages of alternating current and direct currents and to also ensure accurate testing of frequencies. It also measures temperature that records in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. Apart from the compact design of this device, the Fieldpiece SC260 is not overly expensive. So when you consider buying a multimeter for your personal use, going for the Fieldpiece SC260 model will indeed be a great choice for you.

So if you are looking for a true RMS meter that combines ease of use with a number of functionalities, then the Fieldpiece SC260 model would be the one to choose for sure. Apart from giving you the convenience of handling and all the standard features needed in a clamp meter plus a few more, this little beauty will give you the most accurate readings you may not have seen in a long time. The response time of this device is also pretty quick, which makes it suited for professional electricians and technicians as well, who would definitely not settle for anything less than the best.

How to use the Fieldpiece SC260?

One of the greatest benefits associated with using Fieldpiece SC260 compact clamp meter is that it is one of the easiest to operate devices for taking electrical measurements of HVACR (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning and Refrigeration). Owing to its compact size and small dimensions, the Fieldpiece SC260 model can be easily carried in the pocket or the glove compartment of a vehicle anywhere at all times. You can use this instrument for checking capacitance, temperature, capacitors or other ranges, and be sure that the results displayed by it will be accurate and you would be able to rely upon them for practical purposes.

Using the Fieldpiece SC260

  • You can use it to measure voltages of AC and DC
  • You can use it to measure temperatures in both Fahrenheit and Celsius
  • You can use this instrument for checking capacitance
  • You can use this instrument for accurate testing of variable frequencies
  • You can use this instrument for continuity and diode test
  • You can use this instrument for checking non-contact voltage
  • You can use this instrument at home for DIY testing
  • You can use this instrument for professional purposes

Conclusion

Once you have taken a closer look at the Fieldpiece SC260 compact clamp meter through this Fieldpiece sc260 review, you will realize that it is definitely one of the easiest to operate devices for taking electrical measurements of HVACR, which is an acronym for all devices used in ‘Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning and Refrigeration’. Although it does not come equipped with all the features that are being offered by its competitors, it is a simple and easy to use a multimeter that comes pre-fitted with batteries so that you can use it right away after taking out of its packing.

While the Fieldpiece SC260 is primarily designed for home users, but the versatility of its features makes it good enough for professional applications as well. As a matter of fact, the features packed in SC260 may surprise first-time users, but the user manual furnished along offers all the help in understanding every feature properly. Owing to these factors, the Fieldpiece sc260 manages to hold its own, despite of some very stiff competition in the market.

[amazon box=”B00KLYJG78″ template=”list”]

More Related Post:

Leave a Comment