Fluke 378 FC with FieldSense™ and Fluke Connect, iFlex included!

[@raindropsrising7662]

Thanks for the introduction and review. Got the 376 FC. Considering the 378 at the moment.

[@SparkyChannel]

Beautiful!

[@raindropsrising7662]

Thanks for the review. Have watched this a few times over the year and I have finally ordered it on the Amazon. Truly appreciate your time putting this review together 🙏💖

[@raindropsrising7662]

Thank you for the introduction and review. I saw your video first on the 378. I have finally received mine yesterday. Took a while to save up the mkney. Just like to thank you.

[@thebigd6249]

I bought this meter. It seems to be too advanced for what it really is. I've actually had two. Both had problems. I am returning the second one now in exchange for the less expensive 376. Less features but more accurate. The first 378 had an issue with the iFlex unit. It was off by about 10 amps. The iFlex is less accurate than the clamp. Fluke even says that, but 10 amps is too much error. The second 378 which I exchanged the first one for doesn't read DC voltage accurately. But at least the iFlex was more accurate (within 1 amp +/-). On this one the DC volts were off by about .5 volts. Doesn't seem to be a lot and it is within Flukes margin of error as per the meters specifications. But that means this thing tells me that a 12 volt battery is 12.7 volts (fully charged) but in reality this battery was at a 50% charge (12.2 volts) and was in need of a charge. That's not acceptable. My cheap harbor freight DMM that cost $13 told me the battery was at 12.2 volts as did my Fluke 87 and 117 DMM's respectively. BTW, my Klein AC/DC clamp meter also gave the correct voltage reading. But not the 378. According to it, even a AA battery has 2.1 volts stored in it. So, am I bad mouthing Fluke? Most certainly not. The 378 does stand up to its designed function as 3 phase AC clamp meter. However, it seems that with all the added sensory technology that Fluke has put into the 378, that they chinced on its other "standard" features. So an idea would be if Fluke can't make the standard features work reliably pursuant to their name, then maybe they shouldn't offer those standard features on this meter. Now many might say, "Look, you bought a clamp meter to measure amps. If you wanted a volt meter then buy one." I find this to be true and as with any electrician, most of us do have a plethora of meters for different tasks. My argument here is, for $800+, if this happens to be the only meter I brought in my bag that day, then I should be able to use it and expect accurate results no matter what features I choose to use with it be it AC or DC or iFlex or clamp. What I shouldn't expect is to have to rely on a harbor freight meter to give me true readings. Alternatively, I know the 376 works which is why I bought it in replacement of the 378. The 378 is in my opinion too gimmicky. Fluke claims it to be a troubleshooting meter but there's no way any electrician is going to trust sensory functions over probes. So for a savings of over $200 the 376 offers everything needed that the 378 has minus the gimmicks which I found first handed aren't all they're cracked up to be. Fluke can do better. I feel I gave the 378 a good running chance. Two different meters with two different bugs. What are the chances I got the only two with problems? I certainly hope this doesn't become Flukes standard. Otherwise their name will become their reality.

[@Masterpoptart3]

I had problems with the 377 fc. I was using field sense on the line side of a 480v motor starter and was getting 310v across L1-L3. Thought I had an improper ground but that wasn’t the issue. I tested between phases and from each phase to ground and was getting 283v and 487v. Sucks something so expensive could be so off. I’m sticking with my 87v max.

[@martijn7924]

Had a similar experience with a 377 FC. The FieldSense readings were pretty erratic.. Seemed gimmicky. Having to connect the alligator clip was a bit of a hassle as well, kind of defeating the purpose of quick single handed measurements imo. The iFlex somehow never really worked for me either. Meter was stuck at some odd unrealistic current value and never showed frequency while using the iFlex. Using the clamp on the 377 and another 376 gave me a value of a couple of amps, so surely current was present. Maybe the current was too low for the iFlex, although as far as I know, Fluke never listed a measurement threshold or minimum current for the iFlex. Not sure what was going on there.. Returned the 377 FC and bought the 376 FC instead. Form factor seems nicer (smaller) and the jaw on the 376 FC is way more practical for smaller / crowded distribution panels. That said, I liked the hard case and accessories on the 377 FC better. Having phase rotation was handy as well, although it is easily replaced by something like a Fluke 9040 or similar. End of the day I'd rather have a tool doing a single thing properly, than a slew of features working so-so..

[@morganyoung8272]

you must not know much about CTs lmfao it was off by 10a because it is rated at 2500a when you wrap the rope ct “ifkex”around a conductor it induces voltage (millivolts) into the rope, that’s how all CTs work. and how clamp meters work, the clamp on the 378 is rated at 1000a so you shouldn’t try to check current on something rated 5a expecting to get a accurate answer i keep a klein shitty clamp 250a rated a 378fc and a 1587fc in my meter bag as well as a T6-1000, when a emc sizes a meter they get the closest current rating they can get so it reads accurately

[@thebigd6249]

@@morganyoung8272 Thanks for the lesson, 'ol chap. And how is it that you know the functions I performed with that meter? Did I not write that the second one gave acceptable results for the iFlex rope? So, how's that if I don't know anything about CTs? You assume too much, and your narcissist is showing, again. I thought the doctor told you to take that down a notch.

[@ANARCHYTOORDER]

I'm so annoyed I can't like this post more than once 😂, honestly it was driving me insane because I keep looking for posts to see if I'm the only one that had those issues thanks for letting me know I'm not cursed LOL

[@garydudgeon]

Testing is getting easier and safer. Greatvideo Sparky.

[@SparkyChannel]

It's amazing technology! Happy Memorial weekend Gary!

[@skyemac8]

Looks like a quality meter. Everything covered here. Got the 117. Solid device.

[@SparkyChannel]

I love my 117! Like it says, it's an electrician's meter. Solid is a perfect word to describe it. The 378 FC is amazing with all of it's features and the kit is very well thought out. Thanks!

[@kenbrown2808]

I just dropped $600 on a recording multimeter for a troubleshoot, and it didn't come with the case of hanger or any of that - but it does have the smartphone connection, once I get around to learning it. it did what I needed it to do in less than a minute.

[@SparkyChannel]

Hi Ken! Yes, the graphing/recording features on the new meters are very useful for troubleshooting. I would encourage you to get the smart phone capabilities going because there are more features on the smart phone than are found on the meter itself. And yes, these meters give so much information so fast now, it's amazing! Have a great Memorial weekend!

[@kenbrown2808]

@@SparkyChannel I'll have to look into it for the remote reading capability. I needed the recording meter to track a power quality problem, and couldn't get it to drop out while i was watching the meter.

[@SparkyChannel]

@@kenbrown2808 I see. How about testing for a longer period of time. You could let the meter do longer term testing while you're watching TV or something, just keep an eye on your smartphone to se when the power drops.

[@kenbrown2808]

@@SparkyChannel it was pretty obvious when the power dropped, but I couldn't get back to the meter fast enough to see where it was dropping. but I snuck in with the recording meter, and got it to drop out when I walked away from it.

[@SparkyChannel]

@@kenbrown2808 Sort of like a watched pot of water will never boil. LOL!

[@delvinwooten3213]

Hello did you know the model number of that clamp meter pouch?

[@zaldsce6884]

didn't mention about phase sequence if 377FC or 378FC can read in terms of rotation

[@genoporter5658]

Nice demo, Sparky!

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Geno! Have a great Memorial Day!

[@sergeylavrinenkov7834]

fluke is amazing

[@EonTide1111]

Based on my experience with the 378 the pq indicator is highly inaccurate and just pops on for no reason most the time

[@tedmcdonald3377]

Happy Memorial day Bill😎🇺🇲😎🇺🇲😎

[@SparkyChannel]

Happy Memorial day Ted!

[@fasteddie8782]

NICE TOOL...A MUST REALLY

[@SparkyChannel]

It really is nice! Thanks Eddie!

[@tonyruiz347]

Can you measure milliamps with this?

[@EonTide1111]

No that be the cherry on the top tho if it did

[@simonetodisco8674]

with iflex without load I measure 3.4A. do you think it is normal?

[@edra1837]

hello, just a quick question, what happens to 377 or 378 If i use the FieldSense Clamp to measure Voltage of a wire without a ground lead connection ? will a voltage and current number still show up on the screen with some inaccuracy? or nothing will even be display, nothing wil work without the ground lead connection ?,,,, thankyou

[@flex20144]

Won't show anything

[@tommycho9068]

Very helpful video. Thank you.

[@SparkyChannel]

My pleasure Tommy! Have a great Memorial Day!

[@tommycho9068]

@@SparkyChannel have a wonderful day. Bill.

[@timrocha6310]

I'm currently looking to buy a multimeter for work. I have my eye on the fluke 117 multimeter. Now... would you recommend buying the fluke 378 instead?? Can it measure the same? Whats the difference? Do I need the flex/clamp or would I have to buy something with the 117 like a 323 if I go that route? Thanks ahead && like your videos I appreciate the knowledge.

[@SparkyChannel]

Hi Tim! Tell me what your trade is. Specifically, do you do any HVAC work? Do you need a graphing feature for troubleshooting, perhaps for diagnosing an intermittent problem? Does being able to read your meter on your cell phone help? Or is what you really need more basic where you just need a good reliable and accurate meter?

[@timrocha6310]

@@SparkyChannel I think I need a more reliable meter.. so currently I install solar panels including combiner boxes, shut off switches and inverters. I also do panel upgrades and install plently nema 1450 plugs.. gfi outlets and some residential. I'm an aspiring electrician entering the field about 6 months ago but I work with multiple contractors mostly focusing on solar. I am interviewing for a union here in los angeles for their sound and communication program but plan to eventually be a wireman for them. I want to be a well rounded electrician.

[@SparkyChannel]

@@timrocha6310 OK, since you do solar I'm thinking you do need a clamp meter to be able get amps quickly. Do you need a graphing feature for troubleshooting and do you need smart phone interface? They actually go together because on most models you get the graphing on your smart phone.

[@timrocha6310]

@@SparkyChannel my boss has mentioned me needing a clamp meter.. which is why I was thinking the 117 and 323 combo. I won't always be using the clamp but im almost certain its worth having. Idk if I need a graph/smartphone interface though until I get more involved maybe in the electrical field.. What exactly is the graphing feature used for? Again, I appreciate your time and knowledge..

[@SparkyChannel]

@@timrocha6310 In the solar field you could graph the amps produced or used and you could actually text the graph to your customer or boss. I would think that could be quite valuable for you but I hesitate to recommend it because it's an expensive feature. The 117/323 combo would be an excellent way to go.

[@johnnykayofficial]

I’m not an electrician. But I’m slowly building up my electrical tools for future use when I start booking jobs. The next tool I want to get is the fluke t6-1000 tester but I’m not sure if it would be the right one ... there are so many out there. Any suggestions as for as where I stand??

[@SparkyChannel]

What is your trade? Or perhaps you're a general contractor?

[@johnnykayofficial]

In the future I plan to work in homes. Dealing with panels. Wiring. Recessed lights. Installing receptacles and switches. Etc...

[@SparkyChannel]

@@johnnykayofficial Personally, I would go with the Fluke 117 electrician's meter.

[@johnnykayofficial]

Thank you Bill !!!

[@SparkyChannel]

@@johnnykayofficial No problem. I do the same kind of work, renovating houses.

[@Xander-3.14-er]

Whats the difference between the 377 FC and 378 FC ?

[@SparkyChannel]

The 378 FC features Power Quality while the 377 FC does not.

[@Xander-3.14-er]

@@SparkyChannel Would you say that its worth price difference between the two?

[@1mom69]

@@Xander-3.14-er are you an industrial electrician doing diagnostic work? No? Don't get it. Get a simple clamp meter & get your company to provide you the more complex & calibrated stuff...

[@joebuck4496]

Why don’t ALL the Fluke amp clamps have the jaws shaped like the 393?? I would love to have a 378 with the jaw structure of the 393. Why have any jaws shaped like a ‘U’ instead of shaping them all more like an ‘A’ like the 393?? It’s so much better in tight spaces. I’m torn between wanting the 393 for the jaws or wanting the 378 for the better features.

[@Sentido-Critico]

I went for the 393. Having read too many complains about the accuracy of the field sense, I decided it was not for me. The 376 is awesome too and performs really fine. For aprox the same price, the 393 offers the slim jaws, the double line display, but it is more bulky. I need the ability these Fluke have to measure Hz with the low pass filter which is included by default (375, 376 and 393, I guess 377 and 8 too) The 393 can show Amps + Hz and Volts + Hz simultaneously. Nice feature which decided my purchase. If you don’t need the iflex (which in fact I never use) the 375 maybe a very good option if the price is good enough. I feel Fluke is always trying to sell their top price products. But if you watch carefully you can avoid paying the extras you don’t need

[@vanajavanaja9305]

Really super

[@SparkyChannel]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@gibblerview]

What microwave uses 15.5 amps !

[@jeeelanbasha1729]

can we measure the DC voltage and current at a time by this field sense technology

[@ДОМИНАНТНЫЙМАЧО]

only ac can be measured by fieldsense

[@jobertpage-et1349]

Number one sir...👏🕊👍 Thirdly viewed...😉

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Jobert! 👍

[@Timothy-NH]

Not a cheap setup, is it? But, we’re I an electrician, it would be worth every penny, especially if doing commercial work.

[@SparkyChannel]

No, it sure isn't cheap. Best troubleshooting set-up I've seen though. Have a great Memorial Day!

[@gabrielsantiago7316]

Great videos bill

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks 👍

[@noelv1976]

Seems like this one way advanced for us apprentices just starting out. What would you say would be a good one for us just starting out in this trade?

[@SparkyChannel]

Fluke 117 Electrician's meter.

[@noelv1976]

@@SparkyChannel thank you, Sparky! Btw, hope you don't mind, but I named our class the Sparkys lol

[@AgentSo]

The FieldSense is a cool feature but its just lack on detecting DC, i wonder why? Also would you think PQ will be beneficial for solar installation? Specifically in troubleshooting inverters and DU supply?

[@Aaee0304]

The 393 FC can detect DC on the fieldsense but no AC, I am battling between the two, which one will be better.

[@AgentSo]

@@Aaee0304 yeah... With the price for the new 377-378 they should have integrated it...

[@trby73]

DC does not create a field hence why it cannot be measured with non contact

[@dennisfabian2570]

@@trby73thought so too, til I used the Fluke 393.. it sure can detect that bit of a field, that DC gives

[@asadbabilbabil7791]

Very good

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks!

[@konamanstudio2447]

👍🏻🍻🍺🤙🏼

[@SparkyChannel]

Cheers with beers!

[@sgtbaker81]

Looks like I'm buying something else.... eventually

[@SparkyChannel]

Sounds good Josh!

[@okiedoke6373]

Okay while I'm commenting we had a guy in seg and made a complaint about his electricity was doing something so we get down there he wanted us to turn his electricity down he said his clock was running too fast no no it was serious

[@okiedoke6373]

Say look I don't know what kind of reading you do you'd have to read 2000 words a minute to catch your subtitles