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72 E L EC TR I C AL CONNEC T I ON
AU T UMN 20 1 7
FLUKE THERMAL MULTIMETER 279
FC/IFLEX REVIEW
T
he Fluke 279 FC with its
companion device, iFlex, is
essentially a troubleshooting tool
that helps you find, repair and report
electrical issues. The thermal camera
allows users to quickly check for heat
spots on high voltage equipment and
transformers, and detect heating of
fuses, wires, switches and the like.
Issues can then be analysed further with
the multimeter.
For current measurements you do
need the iFlex: a flexible ammeter clamp
that can be purchased as a package with
the 279 FC. The iFlex clamp has a large
opening (which allows you to get around
larger cables and busbars etc.) with long
leads made of high quality silicone as
opposed to plastic. It does have to be
connected manually though so can’t be
used too close to anything else live. It
features a retracting protective cover on
the probe which I think is a great idea.
It’s a function that could minimise any
possibility of shorting.
Combining a thermal imaging camera
with a multimeter is a great idea but the
279 FC takes this device’s functionality
a step further by allowing the user to
wirelessly transmit results to a smart
phone (up to 20m away) using the
companion app. This lets you monitor
measurements live on a smart phone
screen as well as create and email reports
from the job. This feature would be handy
in situations like a factory environment to
send details to other staff members.
The unit has a large screen which
makes thermal imaging easy but, like all
coloured screens, it can be a bit hard to
see outside – especially in bright sunlight.
That said, we used the thermal imaging
function to check for hot spots over solar
panels and switchboard connections
without too much trouble.
The tester has a min/max function
which is a really handy feature,
particularly while measuring current, as
it lets you capture the maximum start
current of a motor. This can be helpful for
monitoring fluctuating voltages if you’re
observing volt drop in an installation. The
meter also shows the frequency on the
screen while you’re measuring voltage
which is handy to know.
A big negative for me was the
battery charging set up. I found it a bit
cumbersome and not designed with
practical applications in mind. For
one, you have to remove the battery
THE FLUKE THERMAL
MULTIMETER 279 FC/IFLEX IS
A THERMAL IMAGING CAMERA
COMBINED WITH A MULTIMETER.
SHEPPARTON-BASED ELECTRICAL
CONTRACTOR
PAUL REILLY
TOOK ONE FOR A TEST RUN AND
GIVES
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
THE
LOW-DOWN.
The Fluke 279 FC with its companion device iFlex has been put through its paces.
TESTING TIMES