FLUKE 115 question

[4x4gearhead]

Hey guys, I was just wondering if my fluke 115 is supposed to be capable of measuring mA on the Amp setting as it only has the A dc and mV dc/ac settings. I found the fuse is blown and need to replace but havent had the meter for very long and was just wondering if its even capable of reading mA. I know this is a popular meter so hopefully someone can help

 

[tyjoja]

I use a fluke at work close to yours, mostly checking voltages. Tried to check amps a few years ago and had no luck, I thought it might not have been set up for it. I do know you change the leads and have to run the leeds in series with the circuit. My fluke wouldn't work but another guy had a cheap meter that tested amps just fine. should be able to go on line and get instructions

 

[chard98]

I just looked up the spec sheet for the 115. It just says AC Amps,True-rms,2 ranges, 6ampere and 10 ampere. Resolution, 0.001 and 0.01. I then looked up the 170 series and the 87 series, they both will read milliampers.

 

[oldtools]

I would be very surprise if it doesn't measure in milliamperes. Even the $5 HF measure in milliamperes. The Fluke say it has accuracy of .001 amp (or 1 milliamperes). Just don't measure it that low.

 

[richfinn]

Yeah it measures mA on both 6a and 10a scales but has the best resolution on 6a.

http://www.fluke.com/fluke/uken/Digital-Multimeters/Fluke-115.htm?PID=55993

What are you trying to measure?

Make sure you have the jack plugs in the correct socket as that is the biggest cause of blown meter fuses. I,ve also forgotten during a parasitic drain test and switched the ignition on and blown them that way too doh.

Make sure you replace it with the correct fast blow fuse if you plan on using it for anything that could kill you

 

[4x4gearhead]

I am testing the adjustment on our winch vehicles amp card, (basically controls the speed of the winch as the vehicle moves.) in a range of 5-95 mA, I think I blew my fuse awhile back when I did the same thing, switched to 10A terminal and went to 24v power >.< well find out when I get my fuse this week.

 

[losttechnician]

I am not familiar with that particular model, but use an 87-V at work all the time, measuring current. You have to get in series to do so, you can't measure across + and -

Make sure the leads are in the correct position too, or you will pop another expensive fuse. <----voice of experience.

 

[r_olson_06]

This would not be the best meter to measure mA. I have this meter at work and i have another meter i use more mA. The ussal measurement for mA is for a 4-20 mA signal circuit. This meter would not be even come close to being accurate. If i need to measure mA i use a Fluke 771 Process meter but this is very expensive for what it does (around $600-$700) But a cheaper solution for measuring mA would be a 179. That is if you want to use fluke.

 

[losttechnician]

Last place I worked, I was issued a 179, that is a sweet meter. The place I am now, chose the 87-V, while not as nice, does the job very well along with the AC/DC measurements. Normal daily use is 4-20, and continuity checks. When we input, we use a 700 (I think) series calibrator.

As long as the meter has a current calibration, it ought to be plenty accurate for most uses, although once again I don't know the 115 at all.

4x4, what are you intending to use the meter for?

 

[OEXL16B]

Last place I worked, I was issued a 179, that is a sweet meter. The place I am now, chose the 87-V, while not as nice, does the job very well along with the AC/DC measurements.

Why do you think the 179 is nicer than the 87-V ? Just curious.

 

[4x4gearhead]

Last place I worked, I was issued a 179, that is a sweet meter. The place I am now, chose the 87-V, while not as nice, does the job very well along with the AC/DC measurements. Normal daily use is 4-20, and continuity checks. When we input, we use a 700 (I think) series calibrator.

As long as the meter has a current calibration, it ought to be plenty accurate for most uses, although once again I don't know the 115 at all.

4x4, what are you intending to use the meter for?

I use it for work, a lot of the microprocessors need to be adjusted by reading the amount of mA going to say a coil on the hydrostatic pump. The machines are simpler than automotive so I dont really need an 88. I just need it for dc voltage mainly continuity and resistance tests.

 

[franzdom]

Why do you think the 179 is nicer than the 87-V ? Just curious.

I am wondering the same thing, the 87V generally has better specs.