The Fluke 368 FC is a current leakage clamp meter for detecting and preventing problems in a variety of AC systems. With its wide 40mm jaw diameter, you can check large conductors and monitor equipment over time through its inbuilt data logger. Designed for electricians and maintenance engineers, this set up is ideal for monitoring circuits without taking equipment offline.
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Key Features
- Measures from 3mA to 60A
- Accommodates up to 40mmØ conductors
- True RMS response for AC accuracy
- Min/Max recording and data hold
- Noise filter
- LED flashlight
- 3,300-count backlit display
- Memory logger
- Fluke Connect connectivity
- CAT-III 600V safety rating
- Size: 9.2″ (234mm) x 3.98″ (101mm) x 1.81″ (46mm)
- Weight: 1.1lbs (500g)
What’s Included?
- Clamp meter and batteries (AA x2
- Soft case
- Instruction booklet (fluke 368 manual)
In-depth Review
This is a True-RMS responding, auto-range device that measures AC amperage to ultimately keep a look out for current leakage, such as from conductor insulation issues. It measures to 60A and can accommodate conductors up to 40mm diameter (about 1.5″).
Aside from the safety aspect, the main beauty of using clamp meters for testing current as opposed to regular multimeters is you don’t have to break into the circuit or take machinery offline. The clamp jaws are also shielded to cut out any interference from other conductors within close proximity.
Resolution of the Fluke 368 FC wireless leakage clamp meter is excellent, so that you can pick up leakage in the micro-amps range. And, as it is True RMS, readings are more accurate than a standard, ‘average’ responding one.
SPECS
| RANGE | ACCURACY | RESOLUTION | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC current | 3mA / 30A | ±(1.0%+5) | 0.001mA-0.01A |
| AC current | 60A | ±(2.0%+5) | 0.1A |
| AC ranges | 3mA/30mA/300mA/3A/30A/60A | ||
| Frequency | 40Hz to 1kHz | ||
| Crest factor | 3 | ||
| Output | <100mW | ||
This unit also has a memory and can log thousands of events. With the wireless connectivity, you can then transmit data to a PC or smartphon and then share data with others.
Fluke Connect: This proprietary wireless data connectivity can be found on dozens of their tools nowadays. It lets the user communicate with Fluke software and cloud-based systems to share the information via email. Video calls can also be made via ShareLive.
Design and Functions
The Fluke 368 FC is well built as with other clamp meters from this renowned brand, with a tough case and well shielded jaws. It has a streamlined interface with a centrally set, 3,300-count high resolution screen that updates four times per second. This speed is fairly good for picking up changing signals. The display is also backlit and has good clarity.
The interface: is uncluttered and has several rubberized buttons. These include a power button, manual data hold, and backlight button at the top. Data log and wireless connectivity are easily activated and you also have a Min/Max mode for picking up the low and high values of a moving signal. A mA/A button switches between milliamp and amperage ranges.
It also boasts several other useful attributes, including a bright LED torchlight – ideal for shining into dim control panel boards – a selectable ‘noise’-reducing filter, and an automatic shutdown mode (after 15 minutes of non-use). This helps preserve battery life – around 150 hours, but which doesn’t take into consideration backlight and flashlight usage.
Safety
The 368 meets International Electro-Technical Commission (IEC) safety ratings to category level III, 600V. This covers fixed installations in post-building switchgear, such as control panels, distribution boards and motors in a light industrial environment. The electronics are well protected, though this unit is un-fused since it does not measure current directly.
Pros and Cons
The GOOD
- Large jaws for large conductors
- True RMS
- Good resolution (down to 1μA)
- Decent, fast, backlit screen
- Logs data
- Wireless connectivity
- Min/Max and hold features
The NOT SO GOOD
- Pricey
- CAT-III only
- Battery life not great
Roundup
The Fluke 368 review has a well built device good for checking amperage and current leakage to 60A. This is not a heavy duty clamp meter, however, and is not suited to heavy industry.
Alternatives: If you need to test systems with larger conductors, have a look at the 369, which allows for cable sizes up to 61mmØ. If you don’t need True RMS accuracy, consider the smaller, cheaper 360, which is an average RMS responder that can also accommodate 40mmØ cables.