bottd said:
Thank you for the replies. That was going to be another question...should I have a second multimeter basically as a backup. The Fluke it is, thanks again.
Your backup should do everything your main meter does, or you basically don't have a backup meter.
I use the clamp meter for almost everything so my backup is the smaller and less expensive Fieldpiece SC240. I'm actually using it right now- and I must say it is a surprisingly great little meter. (I recently dropped the 76 from a rooftop).
I have used both Fluke and Fieldpiece and have settled on Fieldpiece simply because it was faster. I've had no problems with the instrument at all. But since the new Fieldpiece clamp ons require you remove the leads to use the temp function, I'll most likely go back to fluke 325.
The clamp on must test- temp, voltage, MFD (a must), ohm, amps, and when it's time for lunch.
I have several meters and I set them all on the table each spring and calibrate the temperature readings. The probes I use for Superheat and Subcooling must be accurate as well.
But depending on what meter you use, be sure and test it each time you use it on a live circuit or verify voltage, if even momentarily pushing in on the contactor.
I also use the FP LT17AW wireless meter at times. It is good for verifying indoor heat strips during a forced defrost cycle testing, a motor running or that the outdoor condenser is running and so on and has all the functions needed for testing.