Safety Tip #5: Whenever possible, work on de-energized circuits and follow proper lockout, tag-out procedures.

Safety considerations for live measurements

Keep your eyes on the job at hand.

Measuring live voltages and current in today’s high energy environments can result in a severe hazard to equipment and users if proper precautions are not applied. Given the risk of transients, surges, and old fashioned human error, it always pays to follow safe work practices and use test instruments rated for the voltage or current you’re measuring. Whenever possible, work on de-energized circuits and follow proper lockout, tag-out procedures. If you have to work on live circuits, following the steps below will improve your measurement practices and help reduce any hazard.

Setup

1. Assess the environment before taking the measurement.

2. Do not work alone in hazardous areas.

3. Wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as determined by NFPA 70 E and

the local recommendations of health and safety personnel.

4. Make sure your test instrument is rated for the measurement environment.

5. Be familiar with and know how to use your equipment prior to any hazardous measurements.

Practices

1. Measure at the lowest energy point.

2. Keep your eyes on the area you’re probing and keep both hands free as conditions require.

3. For single phase, connect neutral first — hot second.

4. Use the three point test method

5. Use test probes with a minimum amount of exposed metal such as .12 in (4 mm) metal tip probes.

6. Keep one hand in your pocket unless you must use both hands for a good measurement.

Setup Environmental analysis

Before you open an equipment cabinet, look over your work environment. How do you plan to use your meter? Where will you mount it? Do you have clear access to the equipment in question? Have you been trained on or are you knowledgeable in the use of your meter? Are environmental hazards present, such as tree branches or water? Do you have enough light and ventilation?

Avoid working in dark areas. If you choose to work in a dark area, turn on the test tool’s backlight to brighten the display for easier viewing. And, if you’re working in a deep or recessed panel, use a test probe extender and probe light to illuminate the area to be probed. Be sure you can clearly view the point of measurement. The probe extender facilitates measurement by keeping your hands further away from the inside of the panel, reducing potential danger.

Also make sure you have a helper knowledgeable in electrical safety or let someone else know where you’re working. It’s never good practice to work alone on high energy circuits.

Practices

1. It is a good practice to measure voltage at the point of the lowest available energy. For example, if you are measuring voltage on a breaker panel, identify the lowest-rated breaker available, and make your measurement there. This way, you have more protection between yourself and the potential hazard

2. Effective steps should be taken to obtain the best reading within the necessary envelope of safety. If conditions require that both of your hands remain free for a safe measurement, set the instrument down; use the instrument’s bail stand (if it has one). Better yet, use a magnetic hanger to hang the unit at eye level on the edge of the panel. Don’t try to watch the meter while you make your measurement — always keep your eyes on your test probes.

3. When taking single-phase measurements, always connect the neutral lead first, the hot lead second. After taking your reading, disconnect the hot lead first, the grounded lead second.

4. When testing for voltage, use the three point test method.

1. Test a similar known live circuit first

2. Test the “circuit to be tested”

3. Re-test the first known live circuit.

This process verifies your test instrument is working properly — an important part of your personal safety.

5. When making measurements in or around high energy three phase distribution panels, use test probes with a minimum amount of exposed metal at the probe tips, such as .12 in (4 mm) metal tip probes. This reduces the risk of an accidental arc flash from probe tips being inadvertently shorted together between phases.

6. Keep one hand in your pocket or out of the panel and the measurement circuit. You don’t want to offer a closed circuit. Whenever possible, use a properly rated alligator clip to attach the black test lead to the circuit under test. This gives you a free hand to probe with the red test lead.

Safety Tip #4: Look for the safety listing agency’s emblem on the meter

What are the Standards?

To provide improved protection for users, industry standards organizations have taken steps to clarify the hazards present in electrical supply environments. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), and the International Electro-Technical Commission (IEC), have created more stringent standards for voltage test equipment used in environments of up to 1000 volts.

ANSI, CSA and IEC define four measurement categories of over-voltage transient impulses. The rule of thumb is that the closer the technician is working to the power source, the greater the danger and the higher the measurement category number. Lower category installations usually have greater impedance, which dampens transients and helps limit the fault current that can feed an arc.

• CAT (Category) IV is associated with the origin of installation. This refers to power lines at the utility connection, but also includes any overhead and underground outside cable runs, since both may be affected by lightning.

• CAT III covers distribution level wiring. This includes 480-volt and 600-volt circuits such as 3-phase bus and feeder circuits, motor control centers, load centers and distribution panels. Permanently installed loads are also classed as CAT III. CAT III includes large loads that can generate their own transients. At this level, the trend to using higher voltage levels in modern buildings has changed the picture and increased the potential hazards.

• CAT II covers the receptacle circuit level and plug-in loads.

• CAT I refers to protected electronic circuits.

Independent testing labs help ensure safety compliance You want your tools and equipment to help you work safely. But how do you know that a tool designed to meet a safety standard will actually deliver the performance you are paying for? Unfortunately it’s not enough to just look on the box. The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) develops and proposes standards, but it is not responsible for enforcing the standards. Wording like “Designed to meet specification...” may not mean a test tool actually performs up to spec. Designer’s plans are never a substitute for an actual independent test.

That’s why independent testing is so important. To be confident, check the product for the symbol and listing number of Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), TÜV or another recognized testing organization. Those symbols can only be used if the product successfully completed testing to the agency’s standard, which is based on national/ international standards. That is the closest you can come to ensuring that the test tool you choose was actually tested for safety.

What does the CE symbol indicate?

A product is marked CE (Conformité Européenne) to show it conforms to health, safety, environment and consumer protection requirements established by the European Commission. Products from outside the European Union cannot be sold there unless they comply with applicable directives. But manufacturers are permitted to self-certify that they have met the standards, issue their own Declaration of Conformity, and mark the product “CE.” The CE mark is not, therefore, a guarantee of independent testing.

Don’t be confused by “Listed” vs. “Designed to” in your test tools. IEC sets the standards but does not test or inspect for compliance. So a manufacturer can claim to “design to” a standard with no independent verification. To be UL-Listed, CSA or TUV-Certified, a manufacturer must employ the listing agency to TEST the product’s compliance with the standard. Look for the listing agency’s emblem on the meter.

Safety Tip #3: Before starting any job, confirm that the DMM and test leads are rated for the category and voltage level appropriate for the work

Category ratings, safety standards

Electrical measurement category ratings are defined by the safety standard, IEC 61010, and are separated into four distinct category ratings, CAT I, CAT II, CAT III or CAT IV Other requirements of IEC61010 to be familiar with include those relating to transient test, dielectric withstand voltage, clearance spacing, exposed metal probe tips, impact and markings.

The NFPA 70E standard also requires that the test tools used on the job be rated for the environment they will be used in. This applies to both the meter and the test leads/probes, and any PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) necessary for safe measurements. PPE ratings are somewhat different than CAT ratings.

IEC 61010 Electrical measurement category ratings for test tools

Important note: CAT ratings on test tools are different than hazard/risk category ratings on PPE gear. CAT ratings are determined by the potential transient impulse in the workplace that a connected test tool might experience. PPE requirements are determined by the surface energy level a user might experience.

Safety Tip #2: Don’t risk CAT IV areas without the right leads

What’s the difference in test leads?

Not all test leads are created equal. It’s very common to accumulate test leads over the years and mix them up with the newer, more robust leads available today. Test leads, just like the testers themselves, have been upgraded to meet the new safety standards established for today’s electrical environments. These standards require that the insulation between the test lead conductor and your fingers have the minimum distance to stand off the hazards that exist in the environment in which you are working. There should also be a finger guard on the outside of the probe that establishes the proper distance between your fingers and the exposed metal parts of the probe. These distances and insulating ratings have been predetermined for each installation category and voltage rating.

What’s the difference in test leads?

Not all test leads are created equal. It’s very common to accumulate test leads over the years and mix them up with the newer, more robust leads available today. Test leads, just like the testers themselves, have been upgraded to meet the new safety standards established for today’s electrical environments. These standards require that the insulation between the test lead conductor and your fingers have the minimum distance to stand off the hazards that exist in the environment in which you are working. There should also be a finger guard on the outside of the probe that establishes the proper distance between your fingers and the exposed metal parts of the probe. These distances and insulating ratings have been predetermined for each installation category and voltage rating.

Another characteristic to watch for is the amount of current test leads can safely handle. In the previous example, the Fluke 170 and 180 Series products are fused to a maximum current of 10 A. When measuring current using test leads with a current rating less than 10 A could cause the test leads to become overheated. This in turn could cause the insulation to melt and compromise the safety rating of the leads. Again, discard all leads that have discoloration or appear to have melted insulation and replace them with new ones.

Category IV ratings

Recently the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), an organization that develops safety standards, defined the standards for Category IV environments. This environment includes overhead power lines, underground power lines, and service entrance power. These are environments where electricians make measurements every day. In order for you to make measurements in these environments safely, Fluke has upgraded most of its test lead products to meet the new CAT IV standards. If you find yourself making measurements in these areas and have an older set of leads, you might want to consider replacing them with leads that are clearly marked as rated for CAT IV.

Safety Tip #1: Choosing the correct fuse for your tester can avoid hidden dangers like serious burns & possibly even death

Why does a tester need fuses?

There are a variety of testers on the market, from simple voltage detectors to highly sophisticated digital multimeters (DMMs). Testers that make voltage measurements have a high input impedance that makes an overcurrent condition unlikely. As a result, voltage measuring inputs are generally not designed with fuse protection but with overvoltage protection. But if that same tester is designed to also measure current, fusing is required. Current measuring inputs usually employ a simple shunt through which the measured current flows. This shunt’s resistance is on the order of 0.01 ohms. Add to that the resistance of the test leads (approx. 0.04 ohms), and you have a short of less than 0.1 ohms. This resistance is adequate when you place this short in series with another load to measure the circuit’s current. But it’s an altogether different story when you place this circuit across a voltage source, say the plug outlet in your living room.

This is an all too common mistake made by people measuring both voltage and current. After making a current measurement with the test leads in the current input jacks, the user tries to make a voltage measurement forgetting the leads are in the amps jacks. This effectively places a short across the voltage source. Years ago, when analog meters were the only instrument for making these measurements, this mistake pretty well destroyed the meter movement (the needle wrapped around the top peg), not to mention the internal circuitry. To protect against this common occurrence, meter manufacturers started putting a fuse in series with the meter’s test lead jacks, for an inexpensive and effective solution for a very simple mistake.

Today, most manufacturers still design their testers with fuse protection in the current measuring circuits. As technology has moved forward, the science of fuse design has progressed as well. Although understood by people who build testers, the full impact of fusing is little understood by most tester users. When you make that simple mistake of putting voltage across the current jacks and blow the fuse, you’re at first thankful you didn’t wipe out the meter. But you may then become annoyed with the fact that you have to hunt up a new fuse and replace it before making your next current measurement. Even more frustrating is when you share meters with other people in your shop and someone else blows a fuse and puts the meter away to have the problem discovered by an unsuspecting user.

Using the proper fuse

Specially designed “high-energy” fuses are designed to keep the energy generated by such an electrical short within the fuse enclosure, thus protecting the user from electric shock and burns. These high-energy fuses are designed to limit the length of time the energy is applied and the amount of oxygen available for combustion. Fuses can not only be designed to open at a specified constant current, but at an instantaneous high current as well. This high current is specified as “minimum interrupt current.” Fluke uses fuses with a minimum interrupt rating of 10,000 and 17,000 amps in their testers.

If you take a CAT III 1000 V meter with the test leads in the amps jacks, you will have a series resistance of approximately 0.1 ohms (0.01 for the shunt, 0.04 for the test leads and 0.05 for the fuse and circuit board conductors) between the leads. Now when you accidentally place the leads across a 1,000 volt source, by Ohms Law you will generate a current of 10,000 amps (E/R=I, 1,000/0.1 = 10,000). You want a fuse that will break that current and do it quickly.

In addition to the specially designed fuse element, the high energy fuse is filled with sand. The sand will not only help absorb the shock energy created by the exploding element, but the high temperatures (up to 10,000 °F) generated by the energy will melt the sand and turn it to glass. The glass coats the element and smoothers the fireball by cutting off the available oxygen, keeping you and the tester safe from harm. As you can see, not all fuses of the same amperage and voltage rating are the same. For your own safety you need to be sure the fuses you use are the ones the engineer designed into the tester.

Always refer to the tester’s manual, or check with the tester manufacturer to ensure you have the correct fuse. You can always get replacement fuses for Fluke testers by ordering the part number listed in the tester’s manual. Your safety is worth much more than the money it takes to purchase the proper fuse for which the tester was designed.

ADMET 2011

Fluke introduces ScopeMeter® 190 Series II Portable Oscilloscopes engineered for harsh industrial environments

Four-channel scopes go anywhere there is trouble

Fluke Corporation, the global leader in portable electronic test and measurement technology, has introduced the Fluke ScopeMeter® 190 Series II handheld portable oscilloscopes, the first four-channel scopes designed for harsh industrial environments.

These new portable scopes are the first safety rated for CAT III 1000 V / CAT IV 600 V environments. The four input channels are fully isolated from each other to perform differential floating measurements, a critical consideration for troubleshooting fixed-installation three-phase power electronic devices like variable speed motor drives.

The Fluke ScopeMeter chassis is sealed from the environment with no cooling slots or fans to expose the instrument. It carries the International Protection (IP) -51 dust and drip proof rating so it’s tough enough to use safely on the factory floor and in the field. While most high-performance oscilloscopes are not designed to withstand dirty and harsh environments, the Fluke ScopeMeter is built tough to deliver accurate results where ordinary portable oscilloscopes dare not go.

The Fluke 190 Series II oscilloscope meets the growing need for four-channel portable oscilloscopes in industrial environments. Power electronics are used increasingly in solar and wind energy generation and to maximize efficiency or reduce power consumption especially in heavy-duty electro-mechanical applications. With the new Fluke 190 Series II ScopeMeter, users can see more and fix more using all four channels.

Their fast sampling rate, up to 2.5 GS/sec and 400 pico second resolution, helps users capture electrical noise and other disturbances to diagnose exactly what is going on. With100 MHz and 200 MHz models, they deliver the bandwidth needed to cover both today’s needs, and tomorrow’s. With four channels, users can inspect input signals, output signals, feedback loops, or safety interlocks simultaneously to solve problems like:

• Signal amplitude or shape variations, induced noise or disturbances across critical

circuit nodes.

• Signal timing measurements and synchronization issues.

• Attenuation, fluctuation, drift as a result of impedance issues or environmental impacts.

Four channels are indispensable in testing variable speed motor drives and inverter power electronic technology used in green energy generation and transportation applications. Users can:

• View and measure harmonics, transients, and loads in three-phase power systems.

• Troubleshoot dc to ac converters for faulty insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs)

and control circuits.

• View and measure pulse width modulated waveforms (PWM) for reflections and

transients.

These new test tools are convenient and user-friendly. New, high-performance Li-ion battery technology keeps the Series II ScopeMeter on the job for up to seven hours. An external charger and easy-access battery door makes it simple to swap batteries and extend usage. Two USB ports, electrically isolated from measurement input circuits, make it easy to capture and share waveforms. Users can conveniently store data to a USB memory device or easily connect to a PC via the USB port and transfer waveforms or screen images for data analysis or archive.

Basic Power Quality Measurements On The Go With The Fluke 345

Fluke Corporation, an industry innovator in compact, professional electronic test tools has announced the re-launch of Fluke 345 Power Quality Clamp Meter, designed as a tool for servicing and commissioning electronic switching loads including variable frequency drives, electronic lighting and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems. Combining the functionality of a power quality meter, oscilloscope and data logger, the Fluke 345 features a convenient clamp-on design for measuring the most common power quality parameters. It features a colour display for viewing measurements in real time, and can log data to memory for analysis with the included Power Log software.

The Hall effect measuring clamp of the Fluke 345 enables users to take ac current measurements up to 1400 A rms and dc current up to 2000A – without disconnecting the load. It features a switchable low-pass filter, enabling users to make effective measurements on variable frequency drives and other electrically noisy equipment.

The recording function of the Fluke 345 captures minimum, maximum, and average values for a quick view of events as they occur. For intermittent problems or performance testing, the logging mode can be used to capture measured values of voltage, current, and power with average periods from one second to 15 minutes. Logged data can be reviewed on the instrument, or downloaded for further analysis and report generation, using the supplied Power Log software.

The Fluke 345 complies with the stringent 600 V CAT IV / 1000 V CAT III safety standards. It measures V, A, Hz, CF, THD, DF, W, VA, VAR, kW and Power Factor even on distorted waveforms. Other useful features include a three-phase power mode for making a quick check on a balanced three phase circuits, an inrush mode for troubleshooting tripped circuit breakers, and dc ripple measurement capability to assess load effect.

Fluke introduces testing up to 10 kV with the new 1555 and redesigned 1550C insulation testers

Ideal for testing high voltage equipment

Fluke Corporation, the global leader in portable electronic test and measurement technology, has introduced the new Fluke 1555 and redesigned Fluke 1550C insulation resistance testers designed for a wide range of diagnostic and predictive maintenance programs.

These testers offer digital insulation testing up to 10 kV (Fluke 1555), making them ideal for testing a wide range of high voltage equipment including switchgear, motors, generators and cables.

Fluke insulation testers can now conduct the entire range of test voltages specified in IEEE 43-2000 with a best in class, three year warranty and CAT III, 1000 V, CAT IV 600 V safety rating. With measurement storage and PC interface, the Fluke 1555 and 1550C are perfect tools for long term equipment monitoring.

Features of the Fluke 1555 and 1550C include:

· Test voltages up to 10 kV provides solutions for all applications.

· CAT III 1000 V, CAT IV 600 V safety rating.

· Warning function alerts the user that line voltage is present and gives the voltage reading up to 600 V ac or dc for increased user safety.

· Selectable test voltages in 50 V steps from 250 V to 1000 V, and 100 V steps above 1000 V.

· Measurements can be stored in up to 99 memory locations, with each location assigned a unique, user-defined label for easy recall.

· Long battery life performs more than 750 tests between charges.

· Automatic calculation of Dielectric Absorption (DAR) and Polarization Index (PI) with no additional setup.

· Guard system eliminates the effect of surface leakage current on high-resistance measurements.

· Large digital/analog LCD for easy viewing.

· Capacitance and leakage current measurement.

· Ramp function for breakdown testing.

· Resistance measurements up to 2 TΩ.

· Timer settings up to 99 minutes for timed tests.

· Best-in-class three year warranty.

FREE 500GB External Hard Drive on purchase of Fluke 43B Power Quality Analyzer

Click Here to know more

Fluke 233 Digital Multimeter wins Plant Engineering 2009 Product of the Year Grand Award

Readers of Plant Engineering, one of the top publications for professionals in the manufacturing plant design, operations and maintenance industry, have chosen the Fluke 233 Remote Display Digital Multimeter as 2009 Plant Engineering Product of the Year.

The Plant Engineering Product of the Year Awards were presented March 29 in ceremonies at the 2010 Manufacturing/Automation Summit in Chicago.

A panel of experts chosen by Plant Engineering selected three products from Fluke, the global leader in portable electronic test and measurement and thermal imaging technology, as Product of the Year Finalists in November 2009. The magazine’s readers with purchasing authority then voted for the product in each category they believe reflected the “best of the best of innovation in manufacturing products for 2009.” The top vote-getters received the Product of the Year trophy. Ballots were received from 30 countries.

In addition to the Fluke 233, the Fluke Ti32 Industrial-Commercial Thermal Imager won the gold award for the Instrumentation Category and the Fluke 773 Milliamp Process Clamp Meter took the gold in Automation and Control Category.

The Fluke 233 gives maintenance professionals the ultimate flexibility in unusual measurement scenarios, placing the removable display where they can see it, with the meter at the point of measurement. It enables safer measurements in hard-to-reach places, where machines or panels are physically separated from a limit or isolator switch, or in user prohibited areas such as clean rooms or hazardous areas.

The Fluke 733 Milliamp Process Clamp Meter allows users to troubleshoot and repair 4-20 mA loops without breaking the loop or bringing down the system. It can also source and measure dc voltage, supply power to the loop and source, simulate and measure mA signals in circuit.

The Fluke Ti32 Thermal Imager offers 320 x 240 resolution and is rugged enough to withstand a 6.5 foot drop. It features IR-Fusion^® technology, where thermal and visible light images are overlaid to provide better identification of image details.

Three new Fluke products win Control Engineering Engineers’ Choice Awards

Subscribers to Control Engineering Magazine have recognized three new Fluke products with the coveted 2010 Engineers’ Choice Award for technological advancement, service to the industry and market impact.

The winning products, all introduced during 2009, include the Fluke 773 Milliamp Process Clamp Meter, the Fluke Ti32 Thermal Imager and, winning an Honorable Mention, the Fluke 233 Remote Display Multimeter. Winners were honored in a ceremony at the 2010 Manufacturing/Automation Summit, March 28-30, in Chicago.

All three Fluke products won in the Process Control category. According to the publisher, “Control Engineering 2010 Engineers' Choice Awards highlight some of the best new control, instrumentation and automation products introduced in 2009 as chosen by Control Engineering's print and online subscribers. Survey respondents were asked to select products based on technological advancement, service to the industry, and market impact.”

In Process Control—Power Monitoring the Fluke 773 Milliamp Process Clamp Meter was declared the winner. According to Control Engineering, the Fluke 773 Milliamp Process Clamp Meter “delivers comprehensive test and measurement capabilities. It’s engineered to accurately measure the minute amounts of current that flow through control system circuits without having to shut down the system, break the circuit and insert a test instrument. Instead, sensitive current clamps placed on the wire detect and measure the current flowing through. Fluke claims to be the only manufacturer of high-precision mA clamp meters that don’t break the loop, an approach that can result in significant savings in time and money.”

In Process Control—Process Safety the award went to the Fluke Ti32 Thermal Imager. As Control Engineering reports, the Fluke Ti32 Thermal Imager “makes thermal imaging affordable and effective in many applications for plant maintenance professionals, production engineers, electricians, HVAC/R technicians and others. It’s designed and priced to deliver unprecedented performance for troubleshooting and preventive maintenance of electrical installations, electro-mechanical equipment, process equipment and more. Fluke says the Ti32 is the first thermal imager on the market to incorporate a powerful 320 x 240 sensor to provide strikingly crisp, detailed images for less than $9,000.” The Fluke Ti32 is the latest imager from Fluke with a rugged design made specifically for industrial environments.

Control Engineering subscribers also awarded an Honorable Mention in the Process Control—Power Monitoring category to the Fluke 233 Remote Display Multimeter, the industry’s first digital multimeter with a detachable wireless display. When the display is attached, the Fluke 233 operates as a conventional multimeter. In challenging or unusual test situations, however, the wireless display gives users ultimate flexibility, improving safety and increasing productivity for electricians and electronic technicians. By simply sliding the wireless display out of the meter body, the user can place the display where it is most easily seen, while putting the meter in the best position to connect to the circuit under test.

Fluke Corporation launches Multimeters that are more affordable with added benefits

“Made for India Multimeters” carry user manuals in different Indian languages

Fluke Corporation, the global leader in portable electronic test and measurement technology, has introduced high quality and cost effective Multimeters specially designed for Indian users.

Manufactured at the Fluke factory, the new 15B, 17B and 18B Multimeters are produced to Fluke’s high standards of ruggedness, reliability and accuracy and at very affordable prices that meets your budget. The new Multimeters also include an added feature of user manuals in diverse Indian languages such as Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada.

According to Mr. Suneel Kapoor, National Manager (IG), Fluke Corporation India, “With Fluke bringing out the world's first handheld digital Multimeter in the 70’s, we have been constantly innovating products matching customer needs and has become a worldwide market leader in test and measurement. By introducing Multimeters with the user manuals in Indian languages and the best quality within reach, Fluke has come one step forward in creating a product just for India.”

Designed for both convenience and safety, the Fluke 15B and 17B inputs, ranges and functions are protected to 1000 V and feature a 100 μF capacitance range. They also feature a 4,000-count display and have automatic shut down feature that maximize battery life to an average 500 hours. Fluke 17B measures frequencies to 100 kHz and temperature measurement ranges up to 400 degree Celsius. The Fluke 15B and 17B are safety rated for use in IEC 1010-1’s CAT I 1000V, CAT II 600V, CAT III 300V working environments.

With the recent progress in LED Lighting technology sprouting out a new industry of infinite opportunities, the new Fluke 18B Multimeter comes as a blessing. In addition to functioning as a highly capable Multimeter, Fluke 18B is a fast, intuitive and intelligent tester for Light Emitting Diodes (LED). The LED function has two modes (jack detection mode and table pen test mode). By just one insertion, LED can be judged to be good or bad and positive or negative pin position at the same time. Fluke 18B will be introduced to the Indian market shortly.

The Indian List Price excluding Local Taxes: Fluke 15B - INR 4150.00 and Fluke 17B - INR 4800.00. The new launches will made available at Fluke Trusted Electrical Retailers across India from April 2010 onwards.

New Fluke 421D Laser Distance Meter talks you through measurements with extended 100-meter range

Stores 20 measurements for quick distance recall

Fluke Corporation has introduced its most advanced and capable distance measurement device, the Fluke 421D Laser Distance Meter.

Its advanced features include audible feedback for taking room angle and incremental measurements, a +/- 45 o tilt sensor for taking indirect measurements in hard-to-reach areas and enhanced Pythagoras

calculation for indirectly determining distance. The Fluke 421D automatically stores the last 20 measurements for quick recall of previous measurements.

The Fluke 421D Laser Distance Meter measures distances up to 100 m (330 feet) with one push of a button. Laser distance measurement technology makes the Fluke 421D Laser Distance Meter far

more accurate and dependable than devices using ultrasonic technology. It is IP54 rated for resistance to water spray and dust.

Like other Fluke distance meters, the Fluke 421D helps electricians, facilities managers and HVAC contractors save time and labor. Instead of walking back and forth across a space with tape or wheel, the user can simply place the meter at the starting point, point the laser at the target, press one button and instantly read the distance, all without the help of a second person to hold the other end of the tape measure.

The Fluke 421D has a bright laser for easy targeting and large liquid crystal display. Buttons are positioned for one-hand operation. The simple user interface allows you to easily add or subtract measurements and quickly calculate area and volume. An automatic shut-off feature improves battery life, providing up to 5000 readings from a pair of AAA batteries.

Fluke Laser Distance Meters boost productivity and save money by helping speed the measurement process and eliminate costly estimation errors. They are built to withstand a four-foot drop, featuring the ruggedness and reliability professionals expect from Fluke.

Application Virtual Demo

Digital multimeters that shrug off dust and water—and float!

Fluke throws down its toughest tools: New Fluke 27 II and 28 II digital multimeters shrug off dust and water—and float!

Fluke Corporation, known for its durable handheld electronic test and measurement tools, has introduced its toughest tools yet: The Fluke 27 II and 28 II digital multimeters, designed to survive water, dust and rough handling that would kill other tools.

The new Fluke 27 II and 28 II (DMMs define a new standard for operating in harsh conditions, while delivering the features and accuracy to troubleshoot most electrical problems.

Both meters are IP 67 rated for water and dust resistance and offer an extended operating temperature range of -15 °C to +55 °C (5 °F to 131 °F). They will function in -40 °C temperatures for up to 20 minutes. They will operate in 95 percent humidity, and are designed and tested to withstand a 3 m (10 ft) drop.

The new Fluke 20 Series II Multimeters are built for industrial electricians, plant engineers and technicians who work in the toughest environments—and anyone who wants the most durable DMM available. They are ideal for such job environments as:

• Manufacturing plants, foundries
• Food processing and bottling plants
• Water and wastewater facilities
• Marine service and repair
• Mining, drilling and materials extraction
• Outside testing in any weather

Imagine the possibilities! For the first time, work in two places at once...

Fluke 233 Remote Display Multimeter brings wireless technology to contact electrical measurement

The NEW Fluke 233 True-rms Remote Display Digital Multimeter gives you ultimate flexibility in unusual measurement scenarios. Place the removable display where you can see it and then put the meter where it is convenient for you—no more juggling of leads and the meter while stretching into a tight spot. You can now take measurements in hard-to-reach places, where machines or panels are physically separated from a limit or isolator switch, or in user prohibited areas such as clean rooms or hazardous areas.

Features:

• True-rms ac voltage and current for accurate measurements on non-linear signals
• Measure up to 1000 V ac and dc
• Measure up to 10 A (20 A for 30 seconds)
• 10,000 μF capacitance range
• Frequency to 50 kHz
• Built in thermometer conveniently allows you to take temperature readings without having to carry a separate instrument
• Resistance, continuity and diode test
• Low power wireless technology allows the display to be carried up to 10 meters (33 ft) away from the point of measurement for added flexibility. No interference with measurements
• The removable magnetic display can be conveniently mounted where it is easily seen
• Make measurements without holding the meter to improve visual focus on probes and augment safe electrical measurements
• Use as a conventional multimeter when the display is connected
• Radio transmitter automatically turns off when the display is connected to the meter
• Auto power off maximizes battery life
• Min/Max and Average recording to capture variations automatically
• Test continuity and diodes
• Easy to read display with large digits and bright backlight
• Battery life approximately 400 hours

New Fluke Ti32 Thermal Imager delivers 320x240 resolution

Fluke Corporation, the global leader in handheld electronic test and measurement technology, has introduced the Fluke Ti32 Thermal Imager, designed and priced to deliver unprecedented performance for troubleshooting and preventive maintenance of electrical installations, electro-mechanical equipment, process equipment, HVAC/R equipment and more. In these tough economic times, we all have to do more with less. These new imagers help Fluke customers do exactly that.

The Fluke Ti32 is the first imager in the market to incorporate a powerful 320x240 sens

or to provide strikingly crisp, detailed images. Using Fluke's patented IR-Fusion® technology, users can marry high-precision thermal images with visual (visible light) images in full screen, picture-in-picture or blended views for enhanced problem detection and analysis.

IR-Fusion is the only solution available with physical parallax correction, which enables perfect alignment, pixel by pixel, of both infrared and visible images. Fluke products are the only thermal imagers that incorporate IR-Fusion in both camera and software.

The Fluke Ti32 is designed to make thermal imaging affordable and effective in many applications for plant maintenance professionals, production engineers, electricians, HVAC/R technicians and others. Users can record voice comments with every image taken. It includes a three-button menu designed for intuitive operation and navigation, on-screen emissivity correction, transmissivity correction and high temperature alarm.

The combined capabilities of the Fluke Ti32 can help plant and system maintenance professionals reduce energy consumption, strengthen preventive maintenance programs and increase reliability by expanding problem detection, and providing customized reports.

Each unit comes with two field-swappable, rechargeable batteries that enable virtually continuous imager use. Typical battery life is more than four hours each. Optional telephoto and wide-angle lenses are available to bring distant and wide views into sharp focus.

The rugged Fluke Ti32 Thermal Imager is tested to withstand a drop of 6.5 feet (2 meters), and is IP54 rated to withstand water and dust. With a widescreen, full color LCD display, increased thermal sensitivity (≤0.05 °C at 30 °C target temp.) and a temperature measurement range of -20 °C to +600 °C (-4 °F to +1112 °F).

Fluke SmartView® software (with free software upgrades for the life of the product) is included with each thermal imager. SmartView software is a modular suite of tools for viewing, annotating, editing and analyzing infrared images that fully supports Fluke IR Fusion technology. It enables users to edit images in five viewing modes and generate customized professional reports in a few steps. Fluke 3D-IR™ three-dimensional viewing makes hot or cold spots "pop out" of the background for easy viewing and analysis.

The Fluke Ti32 includes a 2 GB SD memory card that will store at least 3,000 basic infrared images (.bmp or .jpg formats) or 1,200 fully radiometric (.is2 IR Fusion file format) infrared and linked visual images, each with 60 seconds of voice annotation, as well as a multi-function memory card reader (USB) for downloading images into a computer. Each imager comes with a rugged hard carry case and a soft transport bag, an adjustable hand strap for right- or left-handed use, two rechargeable lithium ion smart batteries, a two-bay external charger, an AC power supply, and an interactive training DVD.

The Fluke Ti32 Thermal Imager is designed for inspection and process control applications in many industrial functions, including:

• Inside electrical distribution and service (switch gear, panels, controls, fuses, transformers, outlets, lighting, conductors, overhead buss, motor control centers and other equipment)
• Motors, pumps and mechanical equipment (electric motors and generators, pumps, compressors, evaporators, bearings, couplings, gearboxes, gaskets/seals, belts, rollers and other equipment)
• Process systems (tanks and vessels, pipes, valves and traps, reactors and refractory insulation)
• HVAC/R (air conditioning, heating, air handlers, compressors, chillers, boilers, furnaces and refrigeration)
• Outside electrical distribution for utilities (transformers, bushings, insulators, transmission lines, large circuit breakers, service connections, disconnects, capacitor banks and other equipment)

Fluke IR-Fusion® Technology

Patented Fluke IR-Fusion technology captures infrared and visible light images and simultaneously displays the images fused together, adding a new dimension of detail that saves time and money and best conveys infrared information of each specific application and environment. It features multiple viewing modes and allows users to manipulate images right on the camera's display. By enabling users to manage and analyze images with complete control over both the infrared and visible light spectrums, IR-Fusion makes it easier to identify details and potential problems.

Data Sheet Virtual Demo