The Fluke 3000 FC is a DMM-cum-basic data logger with wireless connectivity. Built for electrical maintenance and basic electronic troubleshooting, it is not really a standalone unit, making use of add-on modules to increase its functionality. It comes with Fluke Connect to link these modules wirelessly and to enable transfer of data to computers and smartphones.
A True RMS multimeter, it features Fluke’s great design, build quality and input protection. The 3000 lacks amperage and micro-amps scales, however, though there is a milliamps range. It also has a great screen with the ability to display three extra readings from remote modules or to show all min/max data.
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Key Features
- AC and DC voltage measurements to 1000V
- Measures AC and DC milliamps (0.01mA resolution on 400mA range)
- Basic data logging capability
- Features Fluke Connect to talk to modules and smartphones
- Continuity, resistance, diode test
- Capacitance and frequency measurements
- MIN/MAX Recording
- Surge protection: Cat-IV 600V, CAT-III 1000V
- IP54 protection
- Add modules, including amp clamp and temperature
- Basic DC accuracy of 0.09%
- Size: 8.14″ (207mm) x 3.68″ (93mm) x 1.87″ (47mm)
- Weight: 12oz (340g)
What’s Included?
- Meter
- Leads
- Alligator clips
- Battery
In-depth Review of the 3000 FC
The beauty with the 3000 is that you can have it test and monitor systems while you are out of harm’s way, such as components inside an operational control panel board. You can also connect voltage, amperage and temperature modules and read results from afar – the inclusive app lets you capture an image.
The FC means Fluke Connect, which allows for Bluetooth connectivity from a distance of around 20m (about 65ft). Data can be logged over time and sent off to a laptop or smartphone if you have the software/app installed. Transfer is via a wireless USB adapter (not included), after which you can view graphs, trend-share on a ShareLive video call, or upload to the Cloud for storage.
The software is quite basic, but functional with live graphing, though it lacks data storage. Overall, the data logging capabilities of the 3000 FC are okay, but not on par with the likes of the excellent Fluke 287/289 models.
Underneath all this is a straightforward multimeter, with basic ranges to include AC and DC voltage, millivolts, milliamps, resistance, continuity and diode checker, and capacitance and frequency. You have an assortment of buttons, with a data hold function, useful min/max, and range change to manual.
SPECS
| RANGE | ACCURACY | RESOLUTION | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC voltage | 5 ranges: 600mV / 1000V | ±(1.0%+3) @ 45-500Hz | 0.1mV-1V |
| DC voltage | 4 ranges: 6V / 1000V | ±(0.09%+2) @ 6-600V | 0.001-1V |
| DC millivolts | 600mV | ±(0.09%+2 | 0.1mV |
| Resistance | 6 ranges: 600Ω / 50MΩ | ±(0.5%+1) @ 6-600kΩ | 0.1Ω-0.01MΩ |
| AC current | 2 ranges: 60mA / 400mA | ±(1.5%+3) | 0.01-0.1mA |
| DC current | 2 ranges: 60mA / 400mA | ±(0.5%+3) | 0.01-0.1mA |
| Capacitance | 4 ranges: 1000nF / 9999μF | ±(1.2%+2) @ 1000nF-100μF | 1nF-1μF |
| Frequency | 4 ranges: 99.99Hz / 99.99kHz | ±(0.1%+1) | 0.01Hz-0.01kHz |
| Diode test | 2V | ±(1.0%+2) | 0.001 V |
| Continuity | 600Ω | beep: <25 Ω, open/short: >249μs | 1Ω |
Display and Interface
The screen on the Fluke 3000 is standard 6000-count resolution (3 5/6 digits). It is clear and backlit and can display additional information, such as data from wirelessly connected modules together with the basic reading. A most useful scenario is in Min/Max mode, if you wanted to record changing values, such as temperature. You can have both the high (Max) and low (Min) values displayed, and then the average of the two.
Labels: as this is quite a standard multimeter and is easy to operate, the rest of the façade is straightforward to decipher too, with most ranges having a dedicated dial position.
BUTTONS
There are eight buttons on the 3000FC:
HOLD: freezes the display
MIN/MAX: records high and low values, plus average
RANGE: switches to manual range (and individual manual ranges)
Yellow: changes measurement value on a position
Backlight: on/off display backlight (stays on for 2 minutes)
SELECT: selects current radio mode
Up/Down: moves through the display to value/module input
F: Fluke Connect radio
JACK INPUTS
mA (milliamp)
COM (common)
VΩ (main input)
Build Quality and Protection
In the Fluke 3000 FC review, you get their assured design and build quality. They employ tough plastics in the case and an integrated rubber boot protects the corners and rear of the unit. The buttons are hard-wearing and on the rear is a tilting bail for bench top working.
Electrically, it has a category rating of CAT-III 1000V and CAT-IV 600V. With that, it has the input protection to withstand high energy surges at these ‘to-ground’ voltages. Overload protection of the milliamp input is an HRC 440mA, fast blow fuse rated to 1000V. An over-voltage indicator on the front of the meter lights up should you inadvertently have a circuit with too high a voltage.
This unit is also IP-rated to IP54, meaning it is dust and splash proof. More on IP ratings.
Pros and Cons of the Fluke 3000 FC
PROS
- Basic data logging
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Impressive quad-reading display
- Two minute backlight timer
- Decent multimeter measurement ranges
- High category ratings
- Ruggedly built
- Increased functionality with addition of extra modules
CONS
- Limited data capture (10 minutes worth by phone)
- No data storage on software
- No amps
- No micro-amps
- No auto hold
- No temperature range
- CD manual only
Roundup
The Fluke 3000 is an easy to use multimeter. Though it lacks functionality, such as no amperage or temperature, you can add extra modules and connect up wirelessly through the on board Fluke Connect, though this comes at extra cost. On its own, it is a semi-useful electrician’s multimeter that doesn’t need to measure amperage.
Compatible with:
Voltage modules (v3000, v3001)
iFlex i2500 current probe
Temperature module
TPAK magnetic hanging strap
Extra leads and clips
Bottom line: While there is all this extra functionality through add-on modules, you could just go with the 289, which is the best data logger on the market and also does amps and temperature. Another alternative is the 233, which also measures amperage and temperature and has a detachable display.
