Fluke 374 Review- Pride of Digital Multi-meter – 2022

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Fluke 374 review

If you have been looking for a portable and reliable tool with which to make electrical measurements then the Fluke 374 True RMS clamp meter is an excellent choice. The Fluke 374 meter combines the features of both a digital multi-meter and a current sensor.  With its advanced features, Fluke 374 is a versatile meter usable in even the most challenging situations. This meter is made to be complete, not requiring combination with other meters to get necessary measurements. Fluke 374 measures voltages up to 600 volts accurately in true-RMS values. The meter is also compatible with the iFlex current probe, greatly increasing its measurement range to 2500 amperes.  In this Fluke 374 review, we evaluate the performance features that make the meter a leader among other measurement devices.

In-depth Review of The Fluke 374

 

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Technical Specifications:

Maximum wire size 380 square mm (750 MCM)
Jaw Opening  1.33 inches (34 mm)
Resistance Range  0 — 6000 Ω
Current Range AC (RMS)  0 — 600 A
Current  Range DC 0 — 600 A
Voltage Range AC 0 — 600 V
Voltage Range DC 0 — 600 V
Accuracy DC Current 2 % +/- 5 counts (digits)
Accuracy DC Voltage  1 % +/- 5 digits
Accuracy AC Current (Hz)  2 % +/- 5 digits
Accuracy AC Voltage   1.5 % +/- 5 digits
AC Response  True — RMS
Measure non-linear loads True — RMS
Maximum AC current via  iFlex 2500 A
Inrush Measurement  100 mS
Mechanical, Environmental and Safety Ratings (Category Ratings) 600 V CAT IV 1000 V CAT III
Operating Humidity Non condensing  (< 10 — °C)
Operating temperature -10 °C — +50 °C
Storage temperature – 40 °C — +60 °C

Fluke 374 Key Features:

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  1. Elimination of inrush

Inrushes are the large transients that occur when large motors are being started.  Apart from causing overloads to the electricity supply, inrushes cause disturbances to other equipment in the supply system. Conventional measuring instruments often provide erroneous readings during inrushes. However, Fluke 374 clamp meters have noise filters to ensure readings are correct even in the presence of inrush.

  1. CAT III and CAT IV Safety Ratings

Fluke 374 is rated 1000 V CAT III measurement category of IEC. This means the meter is protected against transients up to 1000 V occurring in fixed installation equipment. Transients may occur within distribution panels, industrial-range lighting systems, and during short circuits. The meter is further rated 600 V CAT IV, an indication that it has protection against transients that originate from the primary electric supply. Such transients may result from an overhead or underground utility service. This shows that working with Fluke 374 safe to a satisfactory degree as long as all precautions are observed.

  1. iFlex Flexible Current Probe Compatibility

The iFlex is one of the cut-above capabilities that are not found in every other meter.  The iFlex probe can be squeezed through confined spaces to make measurements that cannot otherwise be measured using the jaws of a clamp meter. The iFlex compatibility is also an added advantage as it enables measurement of values where larger than normal conductor sizes are involved. Although there is a compromise in accuracy where proper positioning cannot be achieved, the additional capability is something to applaud.

  1. Ergonomic Design

Despite its numerous functionalities, a Fluke 374 meter is of standard design that enables operation with one hand. This makes it easy to use even when wearing personal protective equipment. The meter also features a large display that can be read from a distance. With the backlight display automatically sets the measurement display, you do not have to struggle as with conventional meters to know where a value lies.  It is advisable to wear industry-grade gloves when using the clamp meter to avoid shock from hazardous circuits.

  1. Accuracy

The most important feature of any clamp meter is the ability to accurately measure current in true rms value. This is a measure of the true value of a signal even when the actual signal is distorted. For instance, motor circuits with variable frequency drives often distort the current supplied to a motor to achieve different motor speeds. A technician measuring the current to the motor can easily record the wrong value if the meter used does not compute the RMS value.  The Fluke 374 accurately computes this value to 2 % +/- 5 digits, making it one of the most reliable clamp meters.

  1. High Measurement Ranges

The Fluke can measure currents up to a staggering 600 amperes, which is over 10 times the values you will encounter in household applications. Its voltage-measurement capabilities are equally as high, meaning you can comfortably work with Fluke 374 without ever going out of its standard ranges.  The meter also supports the use of an iFlex probe if you ever want to measure higher values. A bonus function offered by the meter is the ability to identify short circuits. With the dial set at the resistance/continuity function, you can easily diagnose faulty circuits and repair them in time. It is advisable to disconnect the power supply and discharge high potential capacitors before measuring resistance and continuity.

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Pros:

  • Small-sized and portable
  • Easy to use even by novices
  • Ergonomic design with a nice grip
  • Easy to take readings with the option to hold the display
  • It delivers readings with a high degree of accuracy
  • Made of quality construction and highly durable
  • Supports iFlex flexible probe for increased measurement range
  • The affordable price range for the functionalities offered

Cons:

  • Low maximum measurement voltage of 600 volts limits its use
  • The resistance range is small for typical industrial applications
  • The available documentation about the unit is poor
  • Space within the pack is quite small to fit meter and probes together

Who Can Use This Unit?

It is for no reason that experts and novices in the electrical field prefer Fluke 374. The meter is designed to be used by workers in the following fields;

  • Control technicians
  • In-house electricians and contractors
  • Building and HVAC technicians
  • Industrial maintenance technicians
  • Service organizations

Why we use fluke 374 review

Fluke 374 has become so popular due to the various electrical values it can measure. Unlike a digital multimeter, you do not have to connect leads to living circuits to measure their properties. Fluke 374 also eliminates the need to disconnect circuits to allow you to take measurements. This is because the Fluke utilizes the principle of a transformer to measure values.

Electrical technicians and maintenance professionals need Fluke 374 clamp meters for the troubleshooting of different circuits. Designers also require the meter to check if circuits are functioning as required before the commissioning of electrical equipment. The Fluke 374 clamp meter is a blessing to electricians as they no longer have to carry two meters to make their daily measurements. With the meter, the professionals can easily determine why a piece of equipment is not functioning correctly.

How to use fluke 374 reviews?

If you own a Fluke 374 clamp meter or plan to own one soon and want to know how to use it then you have come to the right place. Understanding how to use the Fluke is easy and straightforward. You should already be halfway to the process if you have ever used a digital multimeter. However, there are slight differences between the two that you should be conversant with before using Fluke 374.

  • Measuring Currents

As mentioned above, the Fluke 374 meter works on the principle of transformer action. To make current measurements, the jaw-like clamp is clamped around a conductor whose current is being determined.  Inside the clamp is a ferrite core with fine copper windings around it. The windings act as the secondary circuit of a transformer upon which a small current is induced when a current-carrying conductor cuts across them.

The current coupled within the windings is then transferred to the shunt resistor of the meter. Since this current is in the order of a thousandth of an ampere, the Fluke adjusts it by multiplying with the correct magnitude. The result is then displayed to the screen of the meter as the correct value of current. It is through the detection of currents in small magnitudes that Fluke 374 can measure very high currents.

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Steps to follow when measuring currents with Fluke 374 Review

i). For safety, never remove the test leads from the meter and then switch ON the device.

ii). Set the dial to either DC or AC current depending on the current being measured

iii). Open the jaw and position the conductor within the indicated marks of the jaw. Keep fingers behind the tactile barrier.

iv). The display will show the correct reading if these processes are followed carefully.

Note: The iFlex probe can be used in areas with limited space. It is also useful when measuring currents higher than 600 amperes. When using a probe, first attach it to the meter and proceed with the above steps. Ensure the probe is properly wound around the conductor.

  1. Voltage

Voltage is a common measurement that every electrician will have to take when checking the health of circuits. The Fluke 374 is designed to measure both alternating and direct current voltages. When making voltage measurements;

i). set the dial to either DC or AC as required

ii). plug the black test probe into the COM jack and the red probe into the V input jack.

iii). Touch the probes across the test load or power source in parallel

iv). View the value displayed on the display, taking note of the units of measurement displayed on the right side.

Note: Do not use the Fluke 374 meter to measure voltages exceeding 600 volts in both AC and DC applications.

  1. Resistance

Resistance is a useful value often measured to determine if a circuit is working correctly or not. Typical measurements typically vary from a few milliohms to kilo-ohms. The Fluke 374 reviewed here is capable of measuring resistance up to 6000 ohms, a common range among typical applications. The meter displays the words OL if the value measured is beyond 6000 ohms. Fluke 374 provides resistance measurements within a resolution of 0.1 ohms for values equal to or below 600 ohms. Values between 601 and 6000 ohms are displayed with a resolution of 1 ohm.   Follow these steps when measuring resistance with the Fluke 374 meter;

i). Disconnect the circuit from power supply

ii). Set the dial to the resistance/continuity position

iii). Plug in the black test probe to the COM jack and the red probe to the V Ω input jack

iv). Connect the tips of the probes across the portion or component to be tested

v). View the value on the display and record it if necessary.

Note: never test the resistance of a circuit before turning OFF the power supply. Doing so poses a risk to the meter as well as the circuit whose component is being tested. After disconnecting, wait for some time before testing if the circuit has large capacitors.

  1. Continuity

Continuity is a quick test taken to determine if a circuit is open or closed. To test for continuity with the Fluke 374, follow the same procedure as the one outlined above for resistance. The only difference is that rather than checking for the value on the display, you should listen for a sound from the buzzer. Connect a jumper to either of the probes to extend the distance covered if you are checking continuity across a larger area.

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Conclusion

In this Fluke 374 review, we have identified various attributes that make the meter a cut-above other meters. A Fluke 374 clamp meter offers a wide range of measurement than you will typically need for basic applications. This is a bonus as you can work with the gadget satisfactorily knowing you are within the specified limits. The iFlex flexible probe capability of the meter makes it possible to take measurements for wider conductors as well as in confined spaces. Fluke 374 is a versatile tool that can be used for measurements in industrial control, electrical systems, industrial equipment, and commercial applications among other uses. We recommend the Fluke 374 to technicians in the various fields for the improved experience in their electrical measurements.

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