Extech Meters

[jwx]

I'm looking to get a new meter here soon either for the house or take my old Fluke 73 out of the car and leave it at work permanently(it's currently doing both auto and work duty) and use the new meter for home/auto stuff.

I'd like to get a new Fluke, but I found this kit on Granger: http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/1LYP6?Pid=search and for what it includes, No way i could afford Fluke's versions.

Anybody have any feedback on Extech's meters? I've used them before as school, and they seemed to work ok, but I've never used on in the field before.



(Mods: I figured this would get more feedback in the electrical forum instead of the tool discussion forum. If that's a problem, just let me know and go ahead and move it over there)

 

[Coach James]

I have three C-man meters which I think are Extech. They've worked fine for me, but I'm not a pro either.

Coach

 

[Teken]

For $137.00 USD that's a pretty good price . . . But, if you shop around on E-Bay there will be some great deals at or near that dollar point, and its a Fluke!

My break over point is at $125.00, if its more than that, I spend my money once and buy the proven consistent performer!

 

[Torque1st]

I have an Extech I purchased years ago and it has worked very well.

 

[jwx]

For $137.00 USD that's a pretty good price . . . But, if you shop around on E-Bay there will be some great deals at or near that dollar point, and its a Fluke!

My break over point is at $125.00, if its more than that, I spend my money once and buy the proven consistent performer!

I can get that kit cheaper as well, it was just easier for me to link to granger. I'm the same way really; if it's >100 dollars, I'd rather only spend the money once. I'm just torn on this one as to if Extech makes good meters. I've liked the ones I've used in the past, and they put up with student abuse, but I can't find any reviews about how they work in the field.

I've been a fluke guy ever since my dad brought me home his old Fluke meter when I was 15. I'm still using that meter, although I haven't ever gotten it calibrated, I still do not have any reason to be suspect about its readings.

I'd like to get one of the T5s for work but it'll only read 1k ohm; which I'm not sure how well that would work for me.

 

[rockwithjason]

what field are you in? if you are an electrician or utilityman then you want to make sure that your meter is rated cat 4 or better. cat 3 meters are good on the customer side of the meter. I wouldn't use anything less than a cat3 on anything other than automotive work i.e low voltage dc and ac less than 50v.

 

[Teken]

what field are you in? if you are an electrician or utilityman then you want to make sure that your meter is rated cat 4 or better. cat 3 meters are good on the customer side of the meter. I wouldn't use anything less than a cat3 on anything other than automotive work i.e low voltage dc and ac less than 50v.

Absolutely, if your work environment is high voltage or dangerous in any way. Stick with the Fluke who is a proven leader and performer!

Just for the sake of saying also, Fluke warranty is real and their service is top notch!

 

[jwx]

As of right now, I'm a facilities maintenance tech. I'm close to finishing up a program at my local tech school for industrial maintenance. Cat III should be all I need, correct?

 

[Ezzie]

Check out the new Agilent handheld DMM's as well. They are a better value than the Fluke products and have the cat safety ratings as well. The bottom of the line is the U1241 for around $100 all the way up to the U1253 which has an OLED display - very handy in direct sunlight or for viewing from an angle. I have the U1242 and like it a lot.

 

[Kevin7909]

I have the U1252A. From what I have seen, the 1253 is completely useless in sunlight. Also, the battery life is an incredible EIGHT (yes...8) hours. This might be cool in some situations, but I suppose I cannot think of any except that you have the newest display in town. If you like the features of the 1253A or B and you use the meter to help you make a living, I suggest that you look at a U1252A.

Kevin

Check out the new Agilent handheld DMM's as well. They are a better value than the Fluke products and have the cat safety ratings as well. The bottom of the line is the U1241 for around $100 all the way up to the U1253 which has an OLED display - very handy in direct sunlight or for viewing from an angle. I have the U1242 and like it a lot.

 

[Kevin7909]

If you are looking seriously at a CAT III meter, then imo there is no excuse not to purchase a CAT IV. Your fingers are not worth the few dollars you might save. Also, please be SURE that your probes are appropriately rated as well. Many people have these nice meters and the cheapest non rated leads that money can buy...Then you have your fingers wrapped around these things. And of course never ever replace a blown fuse with one not specifically stated by the manufacturer as a replacement.

As of right now, I'm a facilities maintenance tech. I'm close to finishing up a program at my local tech school for industrial maintenance. Cat III should be all I need, correct?