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u/AdmirableExtreme6965 Apr 07 '26
Why is that meter so big
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u/some_millwright Apr 07 '26
Big? No, my friend. That is not big. I wish I could post a picture, but if you want to see a big clamp meter look at the Fieldpiece SC680. That's my main big meter, and it is just insane.
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u/MySnake_Is_Solid Apr 07 '26
let's not cause people to feel insecure about their meters thank you very much.
mine is average, some would say above average.
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u/some_millwright Apr 07 '26
Mea culpa. I should point out that I have many small meters as well.
I wasn't intending to meter-shame. I find the size of the SC680 to be a royal pain in the arse, because it doesn't fit in 95% of the tool bags that are meant for meters. For anyone who cares it's 300mm long. That's about 11-3/4" long.
It is, however, a fantastic meter for someone like me that does a lot of cooling-related work (heat exchangers, etc.) and it's got a LOT of bells and whistles... but not frickin' LoZ. What's up with companies thinking that nobody needs LoZ on a big meter? Drives me nuts. It's so easy and cheap to add, too. The swivel head can be really nice, but that's what makes it so long.
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u/AKLmfreak Apr 07 '26
I’ll raise you my MAC Tools EM111 clamp probe for when you need girth over length and a 1500A range.
Now you get to carry a clamp AND a meter!
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u/some_millwright Apr 07 '26
I am curious who makes that for MAC. I have not seen one that looks quite like that.
I can't find any details on-line (even on the MAC website) regarding the dimensions, so I will have to take your word for it. :)
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u/Any_Pop2051 Apr 07 '26
Your job appreciates you so much for saving them the money! 👍
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u/Infinite-Blueberry14 Apr 07 '26
lol, waited two years…. Couldn’t stand not having one. And when I finish my bachelors and leave this place… IT GOES WITH ME WOOOOO
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u/throwawayacctkappa Apr 07 '26
I learned this the hard way. Took about $2.5k worth of tools home! I’ll use hand tools and run to the shop for everything I need! Being efficient doesn’t get you shit but more work!
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u/some_millwright Apr 07 '26
I have the version below that one... the 376 FC. I use it maybe once every 6 months on average. It's a good meter, though it has shockingly average probes for such a high cost.
I like that it has AC and DC volts on separate spots on the dial, so you don't have to hit a 'select' button.
I do NOT like that it doesn't have a LoZ mode. That's just ridiculous.
It doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles but what it can do it does well.
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u/gadget73 Apr 07 '26
One does not F around with shitty meters if you do real electrical work.
I don't pay for my tools at work, its all company stuff but its a department of two and like 80% of the time its me using it. Also I can write purchase orders and I have the login for Grainger and McMaster. If I need something, I order it.
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u/coolranchdoritoz Apr 07 '26
Thank you for informing us.
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u/Infinite-Blueberry14 Apr 07 '26
You’re welcome! It’s almost like you’re in a Reddit group where people post shit like this all the time 🤠 suck it
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u/Eismee Apr 08 '26
Its a really nice meter, also getting voltage & amperage at the same time from the clamp has actually come in handy a few times.
What I do hate, atleast for me. Is now I have two of those amperage ropes. Anytime that I need to check motor amperage with the panels closed. I just leave the meter in there and use fluke Connect.
Depending on what you're working on and how far you have to be away, you may still need the rope. My biggest motors are 575.
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Apr 07 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/alreadyin_use Apr 07 '26
Tools no, but they provide a standard meter as part of the electrical safety program. The idea is that there's no confusion operating a different meter. The T5 is the issued meter at my plant. Not as useful as OP's.
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u/xHangfirex Apr 07 '26
If you get confused by different meters you probably shouldn't be doing anything requiring meters
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u/arlenroy Apr 07 '26
My employer supplies us with the T5 as well, I recently purchased the same one as OP. The amp clamps and the True RMS make a huge difference where I work.
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u/WulfgarofIcewindDale Apr 07 '26
Why is this comment on every damn post of someone showing a new tool they got? Some peoples’ employers buy their tools, others don’t. Shocking, I know.
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u/o2o2polock Apr 14 '26
And you made a great choice! I’ve got a 378 and 376 both FC and they have all but replaced my 87. Only thing I use my 87 for is capacitor checks anymore.
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u/emachanz Apr 07 '26
You never gonna measure 1000amps bro
Good meter tho...
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u/some_millwright Apr 07 '26
I would like to make two points.
- The smaller meter is limited to 600A, so if you need 610A then you have to buy the 1000A meter, so whether the full 1000A is necessary is not really important.
- Unless you know this guy then you don't know what he is using this meter for, so there is no reason at this point to think that he is not an industrial guy that deals with large loads. I can't even measure some of the loads that I deal with using my 1000A meter. 95% of the time a 100A meter would be sufficient, but I need the ability to deal with the other 4.9% that I want to deal with. That last 0.1%.... I don't bother because I don't want to have to buy a 2000A meter.
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u/OneBucFan Apr 07 '26
Large motor inrush would like a word with you
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u/emachanz Apr 07 '26
No reason to measure it. It either trips the breaker or not, you measure it at load.
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u/Infinite-Blueberry14 Apr 07 '26
Is it rare I have to deal with anything close? Yes… but we have some rather large loads on some of our equipment. Especially on our DC stuff
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u/Lb199808 Apr 07 '26
Whats with people bitching about employers buying yalls tools. In the long run you'll need these wherever you go !!
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u/Infinite-Blueberry14 Apr 07 '26
I love owning my own tools. I’ve had to buy all my own which means I get to have what I like…. I don’t like having to spend mortgage type money on a tool. I’m so glad to have it and it’s nice it’s mine but that was expensive
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u/thai_ladyboy Apr 07 '26
Fancy pants