Fieldpiece SC680 and SC480 Clamp Meters Comparison

[@sknight0391]

As far as the Inrush goes on the sc480..... for 80A and below hit the Inrush button 1 time For larger units (4 & 5 tons) that will pull over a 100 amps, you need to push the Inrush button 2 times and this will move the decimal point all the way to the right. Then you will have no problem capturing your higher Inrush readings. And as far as using the magnetic strap on the sc480, it's better to take it loose and slap it on top of the unit on the fan grill and then the meter will hang on the side of the unit perfectly without spinning around. That's really how it's designed to be used. Folding it down into the meter is just a nice way to store it. But the second magnet on the sc680 does add extra strength. You can also use the round hole in the end of the strap to hang it on something. Try the Inrush again on the sc480 and see how it works for you now 😎👍

[@HVACGUY]

Thanks. I didn’t know that about the inrush on the 480. I kept trying to change the range on the front of the meter.

[@sknight0391]

@@HVACGUY now maybe that will change your mind back to the sc480. 😉👌

[@SombraLocs]

I love my sc480 meter.

[@sknight0391]

@@SombraLocs FamSan 😎👍😎👍😎👍

[@Ricoswavaey]

Do you have to do that with the sc680 press it 2 times to capture higher amps? Or does it automatically capture the higher amps?

[@RPHDWideGlide]

I carry the 480 due to size.Great meter,does all I need it to do.I chose the 480 over the 680 due to price and size,if I ever upgrade my bag from the MB3 I may go 680.Great video though,very informative!!!

[@josejulian5116]

I have had the SC660 for years and no issues with it at all, love the leads

[@dbmail545]

I used to work for a manufacturer of traffic light controllers and signal monitors. We used several different models of Flukes, and discovered that some models would fail a device when others would not. Our lead engineer looked into the issue and found that different model meters computed RMS A/C voltage differently.

[@HVACGUY]

RMS can be quite important in some instances, and I prefer meters like these that are TRMS. But, I guess I’ve never asked how it’s calculated cause it would appear that it is straight forward - as it implies a mathematical formula they all follow.

[@gregmercil3968]

I used an SC480 (courtesy of HVACR Videos) for about a year, until it it became demon possessed or self aware and started giving me all kinds of false readings. I was in the middle of trying to diagnose a furnace low voltage issue when the meter finally crapped out on me. I had to rush to a supply house in the middle of the job before they closed to pick up a new one, and since they only had the SC440 I had to get that one. The 440 is ok and does most of what I need it to do, but my 480 was much better. One thing I really liked about my 480 was that it could test phase rotation. My 440 doesn’t have this feature. I’m planning to eventually get a new 680.

[@Austin23191]

Great video Curtis. I just picked up the 680 yesterday and today is my first day using it. Fits a little tighter in my bag. Maybe next month I'll get a slightly larger veto

[@nosnim2207]

Nice! Was waiting for this upload!

[@Silky_boi]

I’m considering the 680 more and more. I do primarily installs and like to be thorough on startup especially on those 3 phase RTU’s

[@EverythingHVACR]

Nicely done! I've been looking at both these meters and I'm set on the 680 as well, too many features to go with the 480, I love fieldpiece

[@tylarcole3828]

I actually used my inrush today on the 480 no issue with a 4 ton compressor and caught the 147amp start up. You have to change the decimal point by pressing the button twice.

[@MrMultitool]

I have an SC56 with the swivel head that I like a lot. After looking at the SC440 i decided it was a pretty good step up with the inrush feature. You do have to move the decimal to catch the inrush. I'm thinking of going back to my Fluke 16 for most troubleshooting and if I need an amp clamp use the 440.I came along when analog meters were what we used. How things have changed.

[@Paulie1232]

Really good information, thanks for sharing

[@EverythingHVACR]

Just got my 680, check out the manual, you do have to calibrate the sensors, great job

[@GARGOLASPERFORMANCECOATINGS]

Good video and explanation 👍

[@pavelspilberg9310]

Thanks for video! Why you use flue leads except fieldpiece?

[@VoiD1x]

Which one should I get

[@Sal_needs_Salt]

I have a question, so I’m an electrical student and I was wondering if I would need a meter like this or I’d be fine with say a klein tools or Ideal brand. I noticed those don’t have magnets, and the field piece seems more versatile. Let’s say money isn’t a factor.

[@JSATI]

Is there much of a difference between the 440 and the 480? I'm a student in refrigeration/heating classes. Instructor suggested the 440 as our first meter. I want to make an informed purchasing decision. Any feedback appreciated

[@ishalljr]

The 480 is Bluetooth and can be use with measure quick, the 440 can not. I don't believe 3 phase rotation is available either.

[@bryansimon4072]

Have both. Like both. Still using an old hs33 until it dies.

[@adamdeckard4897]

Im worried about my own smaller veto pro pac being able to handle the sheer girth of the sc680, let alone 12 inches. That is a lot of meter. Maybe if I just start by putting it in halfway the first couple times I use it…

[@lillyinthefield2787]

did you do a whole tool bag pack out video so we can see what tools we need ?????

[@TheMinecraftACMan]

So the 680 is the "everything and the kitchen sink" meter. I don't have a 480, but I do own a 260 as well. It's just my basic backup meter that I use if I need to.

[@hvacblogger]

Do they check millivolts dc?

[@donaldgeter7657]

So you are able to use the fluke test leads on a fieldpiece multimeter?

[@brianporter4352]

I had an SC440 meter that I liked a lot, but I mainly work in residential HVAC and never really used the inrush, the diode setting, the Hz feature and the duty cycle. I currently have an HS36 from FP. A very nice meter, but really thinking of going back to a clamp meter. Was thinking the SC640 would be ok, but also considering the SC260 as well. Again a lot of those features I never use(d). Anyway thanks for the comparison. By the way what does the power factor feature tell you?

[@HVACGUY]

Power factor tells you how efficient a system is. Basically how much power is being converted into actual work. The closer the power factor is to 1, the better.

[@johnhintz2694]

What's a mini split?

[@thomasmann3560]

I prefer the 480, cause it fits in my bag. Problem is when it died cause I got it wet the supply house only had the 680

[@identifiesas65.wheresmyche95]

I'm a new tech and need to upgrade my meter to one with inrush. I see some of you are contemplating upgrading from 480 to 680; may I ask what functions you're missing on the 480? Is it just the swivel or electrical capabilities as well?

[@HVACGUY]

I think you lose the dc amps on the 480.

[@anthonybernier9952]

Can you post a video or a link to how to check micro amp dc and the difference in volts amps dc and amps dc. im not sure what the function you mentioned would be used on. You said "the SC 680 has volts and amps dc and that the 480 only reads micro amps dc." someone please help me out with this I'm very interested.

[@billj4859]

Will the fieldpiece app allow you to read borh meters at the same time?

[@HVACGUY]

I haven’t tried that

[@schalachi]

sis you get k type thermistor with this? and is it accurate?

[@stephwaylonwells3218]

👍

[@johngallati8164]

GREAT VIDEO THANKU

[@realSamAndrew]

What have you done with/ how do you use your Ames meter?

[@HVACGUY]

That little Ames Fork Meter is a fantastic meter for the price. I keep it in my truck, but it’s not my daily.

[@jesusmeda7382]

Do you buy you tool, or the company you work buy it .

[@KB-wq5bb]

Question? So the main difference is if I'm working on mini splits the 680 is the one for that. So the 480 will not troubleshoot mini splits. Is that the only main difference besides the head rotation on 680.

[@HVACGUY]

Most mini-splits, and higher efficiency systems use variable frequency drives. For some of those the 480 should work fine. But, others have what’s called a square DC wave form, which means the wave never goes below 0, like standard 60Hz supplied electricity - So, it’s technically a DC drive, even though it goes up and down. And the 480 can’t check DC amps, and would likely not be able to check Hz through the amp clamp either because of this. So, yes, that’s one of the big differences.

[@KB-wq5bb]

Ok thanks great explanation for me. I'm determining which one to get to add to my joblink items. I really appreciate your help. Also ur vids/ work ethic I enjoy watching.

[@RicardoLopez-vn6cn]

Does anyone get the issue when you expose the meter screen to the sun it creates some black marks on it. If so what did you guys do to fix it?

[@rdrgz228]

That’s a normal side effect. No fix to it. The sun is toxic to the displays on our tools. Will eventually make your screen die.

[@hvacwiz7877]

to get higher amperage on the 440/480 you need to push the inrush button again.

[@bowmag803]

I finally upgraded my sc420 to a 480

[@zacharyreed45]

I carry the sc680, it does it all.

[@Ricoswavaey]

Does the sc680 measure inrush amps?

[@HVACGUY]

Yes, it does. They both do

[@Ricoswavaey]

@@HVACGUY ok great i saw you mentioned towards the end of the video lol thanks for the review I’ll be getting the sc680 by the end of this week I’m excited 😁

[@matthewclemons1574]

Fluke twistgaurd are awesome test leads. Have had lots of issues with the Fieldpiece test leads. Looking for a meter to check vfd on large air handlers.

[@HVACGUY]

The 680 is a great meter for VFD’s, even if they have a DC output.

[@Sctronic209]

The inrush on both meters seem to be specked the same.

[@HVACGUY]

You’re right. Shannon’s comments at the top explain why I was not getting the desired results

[@fernandofhernandez899]

weakest point on those Fieldpiece meters, is the Selector Knob, those break, i have two broken FP meters , have seen other techs using theirs turning the selector with a Flat screwdriver, just not me to do that, reason for me in replacing them wit TESTO 770-3, same with Sman Gauges have three of those leak ...that they took care and replace em, but also got myself the Testo set instead which also i like em more than FP

[@tonyrhoton6613]

480 will get u thru 99 percent of jobs its small size is good 4 tool bag

[@joemartinez-673]

Thank you 🤟😎

[@HVACTechKnowledgy]

Nice review - thanks! I would have never considered that magnet issue....I would have thought the smaller 480 would have held up stronger. I'm definitely enjoying my 680 for the second try. What happened to your first 680? I know you mentioned in your video this was your second one.

[@HVACGUY]

The inrush button quit working. Fieldpiece replaced it immediately though.

[@roberttruesdell6151]

lol your supposed to flip the strap out to use the magnet so it doesn’t flop over.

[@BridgeWater94]

I know your a busy guy but a great video idea would be simply walking through each feature of this sc680 and saying what you use it for. The manual for this thing is garbage and doesn’t really tell you how it’s better then it’s cheaper alternatives imo.

[@realestateservicessaleshea99]

🍺🤔