Fluke has released a new multifunction tester for sparkies. Myke Ireland gets his hands on the unit to see how it stacks up.

Since brands were a thing, there have always been those that manage to cement themselves into a category so well that they inherently define it. Names like Band-Aid, Velcro, Jet-Ski, Aspirin and the list goes on.

What’s universal is when I say “Velcro,” you know exactly what I’m talking about. Not so much the case if I were to say: “Hey when you’re next down the shops, grab me some hook and loop tape.”

Hook and loop tape? You mean Velcro? And there you have it.

Fluke is no different. I’ve worked in two companies where testing equipment, not even manufactured by Fluke, was referred to as “the Fluke”. That’s what happens when you make such a prolific impact in a market vertical – it’s the only way it happens. So, going into this review, I had very high expectations…

Out of the box

One thing that tradies and site supervisors alike will tell you is that taking expensive gear onto a construction site is always a calculated risk. Whether it’s the hazards of accidental damage, the potential for gear to go missing amidst the chaos of a nine-football-field greenfield development, or simply the rough-and-tumble nature of on-site work, tools often take a beating. That’s why the Fluke 1674FC instantly stands out the moment you unbox it.

Its design screams durability and practicality. Encased in robust ABS plastic, the device is clearly built to withstand the punishment of job sites while maintaining the precision of an electrician’s demand. The carry case isn’t just functional; it’s intelligently laid out to ensure the device and its accessories are stored securely and ready for rapid deployment.

The chassis is thoughtfully engineered with intelligently recessed buttons and a screen designed to reduce the risk of accidental damage. Even better, the device is equipped with a convenient strap that allows it to be comfortably worn around your neck. Or, for even more hands-free convenience, the optional magnetic adapter kit lets you attach the tester to any ferrous metal surface, a lifesaver in tight spots or when you’re multitasking.

Now, if we can just go back to the strap for a second, because without a strap, looking at the tester doesn’t exactly appear as if it was built for tabletop use, though personally, I think it would look great on the dashboard of a HQ Premier!

Once you connect the strap, the light bulb goes off. It’s shape is a deliberate ergonomic feature that keeps the device angled perfectly towards you, with all its key functions within reach while it sits comfortably on your waist or hip. Whether you’re multitasking or moving between tasks, the Fluke 1674FC feels like an extension of your workflow, designed to make testing not only easier but safer and more efficient. In a word? Considered.

Inside the box

For the modern electrical professional, efficiency isn’t just a buzzword, it’s the key to staying ahead. The Fluke 1674FC brings a host of features designed to simplify complex tasks and streamline workflows. Take its insulation monitoring device (IMD): as electric vehicle (EV) chargers pop up faster than coffee shops, ensuring their insulation integrity has become a routine yet critical task. The 1674FC makes this process straightforward, offering precise measurements that inspire confidence in every test.

Then there’s the surge protection device (SPD) testing feature. Think of it as a storm drill for your power distribution units, ensuring they can weather the inevitable surges that would otherwise wreak havoc. Whether you’re troubleshooting or performing preventative maintenance, the ability to verify SPD performance on-site saves time and headaches.

Customisation is another ace up the 1674FC’s sleeve. With threshold settings tailored to tolerances and failures, the device feels less like a tool and more like an assistant that knows your workflow. Add to that its capability for immediate retesting and you’ve got a device that not only saves minutes but transforms those minutes into tangible gains over time. In an industry where precision meets pace, the 1674FC is setting a new benchmark.

Up in the clouds

In the modern age, where efficiency and connectivity reign supreme, the Fluke 1674FC stands out not just as a tester but as part of a sophisticated ecosystem designed to streamline workflows and elevate productivity. At the heart of this ecosystem is the Fluke TruTest software platform, a robust tool that transforms test data into actionable insights. TruTest allows users to build fully customisable test templates, upload them directly to the tester, and export results seamlessly back into the software for immediate analysis. This eliminates the tedious and error-prone process of manual data entry, ensuring accurate, compliant reporting every time.

One of the standout features is real-time retesting capability. If a result fails or falls outside a tolerance threshold, users can update tags and rerun tests on-site without the need to start from scratch. This ability alone can save hours, particularly on large-scale projects where time is of the essence. The software’s threshold settings allow for pre-configured pass/fail criteria, enabling faster decision-making and reducing the need for repeated testing due to unclear outcomes.

These software tools do more than enhance the tester; they redefine how electrical professionals manage projects. By consolidating data, automating reporting, and enabling instant communication, the 1674FC becomes more than a tester – it’s a cornerstone of modern electrical work, designed for speed, accuracy and connectivity.

In the field

The Fluke 1670 series bleeds performance, but it’s also designed with the user’s convenience in mind. A standout feature is its eight-hour battery life, with a swappable battery option that allows for uninterrupted 16-hour workdays. For context, that’s roughly one test every three minutes or about 300 tests in a day – more than enough to keep up with even the busiest schedules.

Adding to its practicality is the inclusion of universal socket adaptors, which eliminate the frustration of mismatched plugs. These adaptors make the device compatible with various outlet types, ensuring you can use it on a wide range of circuits without needing additional gear or modifications. The interactive touch screen, combined with a tactile shuttle wheel, makes navigating menus and testing options effortless. Together, these features ensure every interaction with the 1670 series is smooth and efficient, saving precious minutes on-site while enhancing overall usability.

The wrap

The Fluke 1670 series doesn’t just tick the boxes – it redraws the whole testing landscape. This isn’t a tool built to impress you with flashy features (though it has plenty of those); it’s built to deliver outcomes that matter. Faster testing, streamlined workflows, and field-ready durability combine to make this a true game-changer for professionals who demand accuracy and efficiency.

Ultimately, this is a tester that feels like it’s been designed with your toughest days in mind, offering the kind of reliability that means you can focus on your job, not your gear. Whether you’re juggling projects across a sprawling site or tackling a critical single test, the 1670 series delivers. For anyone serious about electrical testing, the 1670 series isn’t just a tool; it’s the ace up your sleeve.