Klein vs Fluke Clamp Ammeter | One CLEAR winner!

[@Justin-C]

Really depends what you need a clamp meter for, but if you're dealing with DC you'd want to lean toward the CL800 feature set. Where DC is concerned, it's nice to be able to monitor amperage and figure overall power use under various circumstances - helpful data for planning/designing a power system. LoZ (low impedance) DC voltage testing is helpful for checking batteries, too.

[@TheKyleb408]

Klein meter are horrible at testing Dc. You get bouncy reading. Fluke will give clean steady reading all day.

[@Jesus_Strong]

Fluke all day! Safer option.

[@ElectricalU]

I agree that Fluke is safer overall. But my videos, as stated at the beginning, are for weekend DIYers testing components around the house as found in my bio. I have used both meters and both work fine for weekend projects around the house.

[@jonkobee6556]

Safer how? They are both 3rd party rated at cat 3 or cat 4, plus how are you going to overload a clamp meter lol.

[@TheKyleb408]

@@jonkobee6556 lol it literally comes with test leads

[@my-yt-inputs2580]

I learned of another measurement not typically seen on many meters. "Inrush" amp draw. Some Klein's have it and some do not.

[@GASparky217]

When it comes to something you will essentially bet your life and career on, don’t cheap out and just buy Fluke. The durability and reliability of a fluke is unmatched.

[@weloveups831]

The warranty is fantastic as well. They replaced my meter with a brand new and newer model since mine was no longer produced. No charge

[@DZ-hu2sv]

I always use klein. Never had an issue with their products.

[@ElectricalU]

They are quickly becoming a trusted brand even with many pros!

[@DZ-hu2sv]

@ElectricalU only thing I've had some issues with are the voltage sniffers. I've had a few and they wear out rather quickly. About 2 years of great use and then they start having issues.

[@misteraon]

I came to the comments for all the butt hurt Fluke users…and I was not disappointed 😂 I have nothing against Fluke and it is the best IF you can afford it. But in the same price range you get more with the Klein. I have a CL390 and I use it more for amp readings including DC which a fluke in that price range, so it’s not inline as often. That said if working in a commercial setting with higher voltages, the fluke would definitely be the way to go. I would suggest an actual shoot out than a feature list and also a discussion of who each meter would be best suited for. I think Klein makes a good range of meters, while maybe not Fluke level, but are closer in quality than your Harbor Freight or Amazon specials.

[@ElectricalU]

Thank you for the comment friend. I agree with everything you said and am planning a shoot out style video in the near future! Great ideas and thank you!

[@j81851]

If you measure anything above 120/'240 Single Phase (house type panel) you CANNOT AFFORD NOT to to buy Fluke. When that jobber made cheap inside meter by any tool maker blows up in a 480 V 1200 Amp panel the cost of lost wages and pain for you will pale a few hundred bucks for a surge protected, tested and rugged meter like Fluke.

[@misteraon]

@@j81851 I generally agree. Although I’ve used my Klein meters on up to 240v 3-phase. Most of what i do is probably lower voltages and electronics work. Heck on of my reasons for getting a clamp meter is so I could take larger out of circuit amp readings. In those cases I think the Kleins do fine. I like Flukes and they are better isolated and fused, but the argument made by some that everyone should buy a Fluke is absurd in my opinion. Most light duty users, DIYers, and electronics hobbyists would be fine with a Klein. Commercial electricians should definitely have a Fluke or something comparable. That is what I felt this type of video should take time to explain.

[@georgedavall9449]

@@j81851 Klein are certified

[@georgedavall9449]

Good comment, and the CL390 has the advantage of reading DC over the Fluke.

[@jamesspash5561]

You didn't do a resolution demo. Fluke is always the best. Klein, OK, if you want to wait for it to display a final reading. Cheaper does not mean better. Ideal brand are crap.

[@ElectricalU]

That test is coming up soon. Thanks for the comment my friend!

[@robertroberts721]

This definitely is not an Apples To Apples comparison. A bare bones Fluke clamp meter. Maybe compare it to a Fluke 902FC or similar. Accuracy, speed, protection.

[@ElectricalU]

Thanks for the comment friend! I was intending to compare similar in price models, since homeowners DIYers tend to start comparing items of similar price when buying for home projects. Professionals and electricians might not though so good point as well.

[@michaelkawasaki4764]

@@ElectricalU If for homeowner's, why not cheaper brands?

[@robertroberts721]

@@ElectricalU ahhhh good point about how diyers shop. Never thought about that way. I’m thinking from a tradesman perspective. 👍👍

[@georgedavall9449]

Yeah, ya doesn’t get much more bare bones than the 323, not even a backlight! But the LCD is very visible, especially outside in bright light. But the resolution is poor; Take a reading of a 1.5 pen lite battery for instance, it will not read out as much as this Klein, or any other 4000 count meter. I’m not sure if the 800 is 4000 or 6000 count? Even a 12 volt car battery will not read out as say, 12.675, etc. But there is something about the Fluke clamp meter that extends beyond mere stats? To each their own, and YMMV. Peace

[@janbottorff4642]

A few months ago I got an Amprobe (a Fluke brand) ACDC-52NAV from Amazon for $240. It has WAY more features than either of these. Like for example it can measure both the voltage and amps at the same time, so can report the active power (watts) and power factor. It can also report the total THD (current or voltage, and each of the first 25 harmonics individually). It can measure inrush current and phase rotation (for connecting 3-phases correctly). It measures both AC and DC current, resistance, capacitance, beeper, and a few other functions.

[@ElectricalU]

Thanks for the comment friend! I agree there are better featured meters to buy for sure! I was simply comparing these two lower priced models for weekend DIYers that may need a lower end meter. Thanks again for the detailed comment!

[@kdcarver]

You're comparison is a bit apples and oranges... or lemons and oranges if you are going with color. The Fluke 325 is a more comparable unit to the the CL800 with respect to DC Amps at least.

[@ugeneous]

Fluke

[@nihongobenkyoshimasu3190]

Can you fix the link for the Fluke 323, as this link goes to the KLEIN CL800 - I wish you also included in your comparison the UEi multimeters

[@ElectricalU]

Thank you for the comment friend! Fixed and added a link for the UEI meter. I will be checking it out now!

[@MrMultitool]

This is not apples for apples. The fluke 324 has all the features of the Klein. The 325 also does DC amps. For me the 324 has done well for me in hvac/r work.

[@ElectricalU]

Thanks for the comment friend! The part of the comparison that’s apples to apples is the price for these two models. While the fluke 324 and 325 are very similar if not outweigh the Klein CL 800, the Flukes are much more expensive.

[@MrMultitool]

@@ElectricalU That's true, they are and I'm not bashing the Klein.Right now I'm using a fieldpiece that has all the bells and whistles and it was a lot less than the Fluke.

[@ElectroAtletico]

.....so I ended up getting an AstroAI (4000 count TRMS AC/DC voltage & current 400a) for a grand total of $28.61.

[@ElectricalU]

Awesome! Good luck with that friend!

[@juliomartini4543]

There is no room for failure, Klein failed me once . I roll with Fluke.

[@ElectricalU]

I use both, different situations.

[@j81851]

Not a head to head. 1) Fluke is an industrial meter with credential and 3rd party testing to prove it. Klein is a jobber made meter mass produced cheap and has Klein's name on it. Comparing Klein to Fluke is like comparing a Ford Ranger to a Peterbuilt. They are not even in the same universe. I suggest you define the scope of who where and how the meter will be used first. For example this would be a relevant video if Klein and Greenlee, or Klein and Ideal were head to head. Klein and Fluke??? Apples vs Canelopes or whatever. DIY/home use 120/240 single phase home or home shop the Klein is probably OK. ANYTHING Klein on 3 phase particularly 480V forget it. Fluke is made by Fluke in their factory anywhere in the world they make it. They supervise quality and safety compliance. Check Klein out they DO NOT make this meter. They go to jobbers that build these things by the 10's of thousands for people like Klein every day. This meter states ETL for safety but Fluke has their meters tested to UL61010-1 which for the meter in question is a minimum of 6000V DC pulse test. Klein DOES NOT state tested. Look at the manual! Please there is so much dangerous misinformation out there about the right meter. Cost wise is the LAST possible way to evaluate a meter. Kinda like that cheap minimum auto insurance it's a deal TILL YOU NEED IT! I want you to research meter categories, meter testing, meter impedance, test leads and meter safety BEFORE you do one more review. The categories are critical. Meters like Fluke in the industrial models have the safety and testing to back up the cost and value. You need to know WHY if you plan to suggest or recommend any test device to anybody. Trust me 40 years in the trade, 20 of teaching meter safety and ESWP industrial safe work practices I can speak to this.

[@ElectricalU]

Thanks for the detailed comment friend. I agree with some of what you stated. I however DO make it clear that this video is for the “DIY-er” in the very beginning AND for USA buyers. It is a comparison of meters that a run of the mill DIYer will find searching cheaper meters online. I never claim for professional electricians to use this advice. Thanks again for the comment friend.

[@georgedavall9449]

Best comment in here

[@mike---]

All the Fluke owners are butt hurt. They remind me of Snap-On owners, when you point out Milwaukee power tools are way better for less.

[@ElectricalU]

Very well said friend!

[@brandonsciulli774]

This is such an ineffective comparison. That’s like comparing a Porsche power wheels car to a full size ford truck. Obviously they have different features and prices. But the fluke is made to last a couple years. Not a lifetime. Just switched from all klien to fluke after my meters randomly starting hitting the bed after very minimal and easy use

[@zveck06]

Fluke= long term reliability

[@georgedavall9449]

K. L. E. I. N.

[@victoryfirst2878]

Are both made in CHINA ??

[@ElectricalU]

Both mostly made in the USA. Thanks for the comment my friend! Unfortunately the phones we are typing this with are likely made in China.

[@victoryfirst2878]

@@ElectricalU Thank you for letting me know Sir. Just love your video too. v

[@georgedavall9449]

Both made in Jhina

[@redneck94chevy]

​@@ElectricalUi looked up my phone and mine was likely made in Vietnam. One thing says Samsung quit using China in 2019

[@David-mo2zq]

He talks in question marks.

[@ElectricalU]

Thank you friend!

[@georgedavall9449]

He does??? Hmmm 🤔😆

[@nicolasbourbaki8896]

Is that your idea of a unbiased comparison? Accuracy is less important than a lot of gadgets… But again who needs accuracy, you apparently don't…

[@ElectricalU]

That is why I own both and thanks for the comment. I encourage people to buy both depending on their needs. Edit: I should also mention that I do plan on doing an accuracy comparison as well in an upcoming video. It is a deciding factor, depending on your needs. For example homeowners may not notice a difference or it may not matter. Whereas electricians might/should care more.

[@mrkattm]

Take them apart and you will see the difference, the fluke is a much safer device when it comes to overloads, you will blow your fingers off if you make a mistake with the Klein. You get what you pay for.

[@techjdu]

Source?

[@ElectricalU]

Waiting as well, I am not willing to void any warranties or destroy delicate components but would love to see this persons video….

[@georgedavall9449]

Extreme dont ya think?

[@ch3no2killz]

Any body car about where they are made? Ole Guy Ret. lectrician. Oh an anyone have a meter blow up in their hand? Hmmm. 480 ain't no joke. Think about it when your face is on fire. Man might shoulda spent that extra 200 bucks. Just speaking from past bad days.