Fluke T5-600

[Alwayslearningelec]

For the apprenticeship they have a list of tools and one of the items is a Fluke T5-600 or equivalent. Is this a good one for the $$$?

 

[iwire]

It's in my bag every day and it is the first meter I head to.

Amps, continuity, voltage, how can you beat it? :smile:

Long battery life and as far as I can tell very rugged.

 

[augie47]

I'm with Bob. It's the only meter in my tool bag and handles 90% of my needs. IMHO, great meter for the apprentice & everyday use. Not too expensive, relatively fool proof and, as Bob says, seemingly rugged.

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

Guess I'm getting it. I'm sure other will chime in with different types but I am sticking with this. Now gotta find the best $$$ since I'm gopnna be broke...

Thanks

 

[SEO]

It's a very good meter all my guys have one.

 

[peter d]

I agree with the responses above.

However, one thing you need to be aware of is that the T5 is susceptible to "ghost" or "phantom" voltage. So for basic voltage measurements I'll use a VolCon instead of the T5.

 

[LarryFine]

So for basic voltage measurements I'll use a VolCon instead of the T5.

I still like the more-compact Knopp K-60, now CAT-III rated.

 

[peter d]

I still like the more-compact Knopp K-60, now CAT-III rated.

Does it do continuity? I don't bother with any tester that does not have a continuity feature.

 

[iwire]

I do agree with Larry the Knopp is a nice size and I like the lead storage better. But like Pete I must have the continuity feature. When troubleshooting a 'dead outlet' call one of my first moves (after voltage checks) is a neutral to ground continuity check because if you don't have that there is a good chance the circuit is no longer connected to a panel at all.

That said, nether of those meters compare to the T-5, ohms and amps are handy.

 

[peter d]

That said, nether of those meters compare to the T-5, ohms and amps are handy.

Yeah, I'm thinking of chucking the VolCon in favor of the T+ to complement the T5 I already have.

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

Where is the cheapest place to buy the T5??

Thanks.

 

[peter d]

Where is the cheapest place to buy the T5??

Thanks.

Check your local supply stores. I've heard they can be found online too for a good price, but I've never bothered to look because I already own one.

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

Thanks....

 

[augie47]

http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=m38&_nkw=fluke+T5-600

as low as $20.

 

[Cow]

Yeah, I'm thinking of chucking the VolCon in favor of the T+ to complement the T5 I already have.

Do it, I love my T+ Pro. It's like a Knopp on steroids, being able to do phase rotation and continuity also is a HUGE bonus for me. The only thing I noticed is it won't do phase rotation on delta high-leg services.

 

[LarryFine]

Does it do continuity? I don't bother with any tester that does not have a continuity feature.

But like Pete I must have the continuity feature. When troubleshooting a 'dead outlet' call one of my first moves (after voltage checks) is a neutral to ground continuity check because if you don't have that there is a good chance the circuit is no longer connected to a panel at all.

You both know I'm a fan of the wiggy-and-extension-cord method. Plus, if a receptacle is dead because of a cut cable, it'll likely involve more than one receptacle.

I have a phase-rotation indicator and a continuity tester, also. I'm likely to know what I'll be testing for when I leave the van.

Added: I like a cell-phone that just makes phone calls. I have a camera for pictures, a GPS for driving, and a laptop for computing. I don't want one device that does everything.