Thermal imagers are invaluable to help quickly troubleshoot electrical equipment, panels and transformers, but electricians and maintenance technicians often don’t have access to one when they need it.

Fluke has announced the release of 279 FC TRMS Thermal Multimeter, the first test tool to integrate a full-featured true RMS (TRMS) digital multimeter (DMM) with a thermal camera in one device for efficient troubleshooting.  

The 279 FC lets technicians quickly and safely check for hot spots in fuses, wires, insulators, connectors, splices and switches with the imager and then troubleshoot and analyse issues with the DMM. By combining two powerful test tools into one, electricians and technicians can carry fewer tools and have a higher level of confidence they have the tools handy to solve problems.

The thermal multimeter features 15 electrical measurement functions including ac/dc voltage, resistance, continuity, capacitance, diode test, min/max and frequency. The optional iFlex clamp can wrap around conductors and wires in tight, hard-to-reach spaces and expands its measurement capabilities to include ac current up to 2500 A. The 8.9 cm full-colour LCD screen makes for easy, clear viewing of images.

The wireless 279 FC is part of Fluke Connect, a system of wireless test tools that communicate via the Fluke Connect app, or Fluke Connect Assets software, a cloud-based solution that gathers measurements to provide a comprehensive view of critical equipment status.

This lets technicians record and share both thermal images and electrical measurements in real time via their smartphones or tablets and automatically upload them to the cloud. Reports can be created and shared right from the job site via email and collaborate in real time with other colleagues with ShareLive video calls, which increases productivity in the field.

The CAT III 1000 V, CAT IV 600 V safety rated thermal multimeter has a rechargeable lithium ion battery that lasts up to a full work day (10+ hours) under normal conditions.  

The Fluke 279 FC TRMS Thermal Multimeter and the Fluke 279 FC/iFlex TRMS Thermal Multimeter will be ready to order from distributors on May 9.