Fluke 374 FC

The Fluke 374 FC is part of Fluke’s 370 series of amp clamp meters and replaced the 374. It can measure up to 600A AC and DC and is quite versatile, able to read AC amperage accurately with True RMS as well as connect to a smartphone. Although quite expensive, it is also a capable multimeter that can deal with high voltage and resistance and features an inrush filter to boot.

Key Features

• Records test results direct to phone and Cloud
• Can measure AC & DC current to 600A
• -up to 2500A with iFlex add-on
• Measures AC & DC voltage to 1000V
• Measures resistance to 6kΩ
• Measures capacitance to 1000µF
• Solid continuity detection
• True RMS for AC accuracy
• Min/Max readings
• Inrush recording
• Powered by AA batteries
• CAT-IV safety rating (600V ground)
• Size: 249mm x 85mm x 45mm
• Weight: 395g

What’s Included?

• Clamp meter
• TL75 test probes
• Batteries (x2 AA)
• carrying case (soft)
• Basic instructions

See here for the Fluke 374 FC manual

In-depth Review of the Fluke 374 FC

Slightly bigger and heavier than the Fluke 374, the ~ $400 upgraded FC version of this popular amp clamp multimeter allows users to test a higher rate of amperage. The FC being ‘Fluke Connect’ which affords device connectivity allowing for remote, safe measuring.

It does this through the Fluke Connect app on phones and tablets—available both on IOS and Android platforms—via bluetooth. With this, you can save data and have emails sent, or indeed upload to the Cloud and even connect live with ShareLive™ video calls. A handy button fires up Fluke Connect.

The main use of the Fluke 374 FC is in measuring amperage and it does so via its sizeable clamp. The generous range is up to 600A, measurable in both AC and DC. AC amperage can be extended up to 2500A with the addition of the optional iFlex® current probe. This device has the advantage of being able to accept larger conductors and is narrow enough to more easily slip between cables.

Clamp details and specs
Jaw opening: 34mm (a bit over an inch & quarter)
iFlex® cable length: 1.8m
iFlex® probe loop diameter: 7.5mm

Along with high amperage testing, you also get standard multimeter ranges, to include AC and DC voltage to 1000V, resistance to 6kΩ, and capacitance up to 1000μF. Scales are auto-ranged. There is also a DC mV range. Although handy, just note that 500mV won’t be great for testing larger thermopiles.

Also on the Fluke 374 FC is a MIN/MAX function for picking out lows and highs automatically, along with auto-inrush recording. The latter filters out ‘noise’ when starting up a motor, which would typically be several times its rated run amperage.

The meter unfortunately does not have a low pass vari-frequency drive filter. You would need to go up again to the Fluke 375/6 for that. It is, however, a True-RMS device which allows for more accurate measuring of AC signals other than sinusoidal.

NIST Certificate
The Fluke 374 FC clamp multimeter has a NIST traceable certificate laid out by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and is calibrated to that standard. This is chiefly for those governmental or commercial operations that require equipment traceability while saving having to initially seek additional calibration.

Private enterprises might also prefer this option to be sure that it is rigorously tested to specification. The caveat being that it does not prevent the device from drifting thereafter and would typically require annual certification. The NIST certificate QR code on the side can be scanned.

SPECS

RANGE		ACCURACY	RESOLUTION
AC current	600A	±(2.0%+5)	0.1A
DC current	600A	±(2.0%+5)	0.1A
AC voltage	1000V	±(1.5%+5) @20-500Hz	0.1V (<600V), 1V (<1000V)
DC voltage	1000V	±(1.0%+5)	0.1V (<600V), 1V (<1000V)
DC mV	500mV	±(1.0%+5)	0.1mV
Resistance	6kΩ	±(1.0%+5)	0.1Ω (<600Ω), 1Ω (<6000Ω)
Capacitance	1000μF	±(1.0%+4)	0.1μF (<100μF), 1μF (<1000μF)
*iFlex AC	2500A	±(3.0%+5) @5-500Hz	0.1A (<600A), 1A (<2500A)

*Expanded amperage measurement provided by optional iFlex current probe
*Sensitivity and accuracy dependent on position of conductor within probe

Build and Design Quality

The Fluke 374 FC, as with others in this range, is ergonomic and able to easily fit in the palm of a hand and be operated with same hand. Unlike some others, the jaw is the same width as the meter body (when closed), so is able to more easily fit into tighter spaces. It opens to 34mm.

Display: As with most clamp meters, the display is lacking to comparable dedicated multimeters, with typically lower resolution and refresh rate. Digits are large, however, and this one does have a handy backlight.

Function and Performance