Fluke 114?

[CAELESTIS]

For those of you that are electrical experts, would a Fluke 114 multimeter be a good unit for a boat?

[David M]

Fluke in my opinion makes the best multimeters. The features on the Fluke 114 are pretty much all you need for a boat except that it does not measure current. If you have a genset you may want a frequency meter as well. Chances are you won't need it though.

You may want to go one level up with the Fluke 115 which additionally measures frequency, capacitance and current

What else I have found very handy to have is a clamp ammeter, for measuring current through wires. Most ammeters are limited to measuring 10 amps and how many things on a boat draw more than 10 amps DC? ....lots. It also saves you from having to hassle with disconnecting wires and running it through your meter in order to get current readings.

An accessory you may want to get are the leads with the alligator clips on the end so you don't have to use both you're hands to hold it there.

http://us.fluke.com/usen/products/Fluke+114

http://us.fluke.com/usen/Products/Fluke+115.htm?catalog_name=FlukeUnitedStates&Categ ory=HMA(FlukeProducts)

Clamp Meters

[Tellie]

I agree with David, Fluke is one of the best companies that make multimeters Although the 114 is one of their units with basic capabilities it depends on your abilties. The 114 will do just fine for probably 95% of any trouble shooting most boat owners will do.You can spend a lot on multimeters. But unless you're going to use it a lot it's not needed. A good $50 multimeter overboard hurts. But not as much as a $300 one does.

[David M]

Originally Posted by Tellie

I agree with David, Fluke is one of the best companies that make multimeters Although the 114 is one of their units with basic capabilities it depends on your abilties. The 114 will do just fine for probably 95% of any trouble shooting most boat owners will do.You can spend a lot on multimeters. But unless you're going to use it a lot it's not needed. A good $50 multimeter overboard hurts. But not as much as a $300 one does.

Well your not supposed to take it swimming.

[CAELESTIS]

Amazon.com has the 114 for $121, and the 115 for $123.

Experts please pick one.

[David M]

Given Amazon has no sales tax and no shipping charges and the 115 measure three more electrical properties for two more bucks than the 114, then I would go with the 115 on Amazon.

$123?....that's a steal for such a good meter.

[Tellie]

LOL for a $2 difference?
Double check but I believe the 115 can check DC amps and the 114 can not. If so it's a no brainer.

[Tellie]

Originally Posted by David M

Well your not supposed to take it swimming.

WOW!! DeJaVue all over again. That's exactly what the wife said about my cell phone and that push button thingy on my key chain to open the cars locks. I gets distracted sumtimes.

[btrayfors]

Get the 115. Also, there's a nifty Fluke AC/DC current probe (#617727) which Amazon has for $143. Together, for $258 these tools would give you all the diagnostic stuff you're likely to need/use aboard.

Multimeters are great tools, actually indispensable IMHO. And, there are many situations where the ability to accurately measure current flow -- both AC and DC -- will help pinpoint problems and ascertain if/when systems are operating correctly.

Bill

[CAELESTIS]

I got the 115 (kit) as suggested. Thank you all for helping me spend money.

BTW, there is sales tax on Amazon purchases in WA State (they are headquartered here).

[senormechanico]

Originally Posted by David M

Well your not supposed to take it swimming.

Give it time. Eventually we'll have waterproof DVM's that float.
If they can do it with VHF handhelds...

Steve B.

[redcobra]

Best I have found is a Fluke 337. Reads (clamp) DC current.I use it to meter my alternator output as well as the splits going to various banks of batts. Expensive but best boat meter I have used.

[GordMay]

ABCs of DMMs Multimeter features and functions explained
➥ http://support.fluke.com/find-sales/...16_ENG_M_W.PDF

Beat the Book
➥ http://support.fluke.com/find-sales/...547394_j_w.pdf

[btrayfors]

Originally Posted by redcobra

Best I have found is a Fluke 337. Reads (clamp) DC current.I use it to meter my alternator output as well as the splits going to various banks of batts. Expensive but best boat meter I have used.

Yep, I've got one, too...as well as a Fluke 189. The 337 is indeed a great clamp-on meter for reading both DC and AC amperage. However, be careful of the DC voltage readings with the leads plugged in. Mine is not accurate at all, even when compared to cheap DMMs.

I'd be very interested to know if yours is the same. Haven't had a chance to get the 337 calibrated yet, but I have a hunch it's accuracy on DC voltage readings is never going to be that great.

Bill