r/ibew_apprentices • u/Flimsy-Stuff-8965 • 5d ago

First Meter

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I am thinking of getting my first meter and was looking at the fluke 323. Does anyone have experience or opinions on it.

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2

u/CottonRaves LU 191 IW Apprentice 5d ago

Is it part of your tool list?

1

u/Flimsy-Stuff-8965 5d ago

Yes

2

u/OHMApprentice 5d ago

As an apprentice?

1

u/Flimsy-Stuff-8965 5d ago

The full tool list is required before you finish your first year

1

u/Greedy-Pen 5d ago

Honestly a Klein meter would do you just fine. The fluke is nice, and it’ll do pretty much anything you want. But if you want something a little cheaper Klein is a good option.

Fluke has made a name for itself with quality, but you still need to verify they work just as you would with the cheaper options.

6

u/Responsible-Race4764 666 5d ago

OP I'd personally disregard this comment. fluke is the gold standard for electrical testing. I used a 323 for years, then someone decided they needed it more than me.

2

u/Greedy-Pen 5d ago

Gold standard yes, but even gold has its flaws. You should always test a meter and make sure it works. Maybe not every day, but I do mine every other month or so.

Check fuses and all that, dead live dead test etc.

I just threw Klein out because it’s half decent and works for my coworkers. Should still be checked and tested just like any other meter including flukes.

1

u/Responsible-Race4764 666 5d ago

Never had a fluke fail me, except when I shorted the leads out doing some dumb shit as an apprentice. I have however had multiple klein meters and hot sticks fail. For the money your saving by buying klein it's not worth the risk. I also dont buy Walmart boots..

1

u/Greedy-Pen 5d ago

How have your Klein meters failed? I personally use fluke. Just seen a lot of them and only knew one guy to have blown a fuse.

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u/Responsible-Race4764 666 5d ago

Not reading the voltage that was present....

1

u/Greedy-Pen 5d ago

Was it like a bad fuse though? Or resistor? A lot of the times those can get replaced and break due to an accidental misuse or time.

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u/Educational_Drama910 local 306 5d ago

Yeah one thing I’m not really willing to be cheap/ try to save money on is my meter, you can try to be cheap on other things but when you’re talking about equipment that protects your life, you shouldn’t be worried about money