Fluke T5 1000 Application Note 2402573

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Using the tester as an extended “handle” for either probe allows convenient two-hand operation.

Application Note

No matter what the electrical

dilemma is, the solution always

depends on basic electrical prin-

ciples: Ohm’s Law and V = IR,

where V is voltage, I is current,

and R is resistance. Enter the

Fluke T5-1000.

When things are tight,

reach for the Fluke T5

a conductor, the T5 safely

measures ac current up to 100 A

without clamping the jaws shut

or breaking the circuit.

That “OpenJaw” technology

allows the T5 to make highly

accurate measurements in envi-

ronments that would drive other

clampmeters into early retirement.

No extra hands needed

The T5 is one very compact little

meter. Easily cradled in one

hand, the T5 has a test lead slot

in its back, making the meter an

“extended handle” for the probe

and leaving the technician’s

other hand free to place the other

lead. It also features a large,

easy-to-read digital display and a

hold feature for checking the

value away from the “reading”

position. And like other Fluke

tools, the T5 automatically shuts

off after 45 minutes, prolonging

battery life, and is built to with-

stand falls. According to Duane

Smith, Senior Product Specialist

at Fluke, “While we know the T5

can handle falling off a ladder,

we’ve seen it survive greater

drops than that in the real

world.”

Convenience is very important

to Dale Kemmer, FlukePlus mem-

ber and head electrician at

Crown Pacific Ltd., a lumber mill

in Marysville, WA USA. “I do a lot

of in-plant troubleshooting. I own

several Fluke meters but there’s

one I carry in my hip pocket all

the time: the T5-1000. It’s an

awesome meter for a trouble-

shooter who doesn’t want to carry

a lot of tools around a large facil-

ity like our mill,” Kemmer says.

From the Fluke Digital Library @ www.fluke.com/library

Yes, the T5 is a general pur-

pose volts-ohms-amps electrical

tester that measures ac and dc

voltage, and resistance values up

to 1,000 Ω. However: Once its

stationary open jaws slide around

2 Fluke Corporation When things are tight, reach for the Fluke T5

The “rocket,” as he calls his

T5, can be used almost every-

where in this facility, which has

a wide variety of electrical

devices from computers to large

horsepower motors. Most of the

machinery (debarkers, saws,

planers, kilns, etc) is large.

Controls range from computers to

standard PLCs. “I end up using

the ‘rocket’ 90 % of the time,” he

adds. “I can operate it with one

hand and switch from volts to

amps to continuity with my

thumb. Being able to switch

measurements so easily speeds

up the troubleshooting process.”

Mr. Kemmer also trains mill-

wrights at the Crown Pacific

facility. “These are real hands-on

guys. I use the T5 in my training

to illustrate how to make basic

electrical measurements. It’s a

great teaching tool,” he says.

Fixed jaws go where

others can’t

The T5 can check current up

to 100 A without breaking the

circuit, simply by sliding its

fixed jaws around the connector.

It does this by measuring the flux

density around the conductor.

As Paul Knapp, electrical

foreman at Minneapolis-St. Paul

Airport (MSP), puts it, “All the

electrician needs to do is pull the

wire away from the wall far

enough to get it between the

jaws. Nothing needs to open or

close. The T5 works no matter

how much moisture, mud, dirt, or

glycol from de-icing operations it

encounters on the wires in the

airport’s lighting manholes or

taxi bases. Moveable-jaw meters

proved troublesome when their

jaw ends corroded, often render-

ing them difficult to use or

entirely inoperative. This has

never been a problem with the

Fluke tool — it’s impressive.”

Applications

The T5 does everything a standard clampmeter does, except measure dc current.

General applications

•Check if a circuit is live before beginning work

•Check individual voltages (either ac or dc)

•Determine component resistances up to 1000 ohms.

•Check circuit continuity

Residential applications

•Measure loads on a branch circuit at a service panel

•Measure the load side voltage of a circuit breaker or fuse

•Map outlets to breakers

Industrial applications

•Check circuit loading at panelboards (including feeder cables, branch circuits, and

neutrals) and the integrity of a grounding circuit

•Check for leakage currents in branch circuits. When both a neutral and corresponding

supply wire are placed in the T5’s jaws the reading should be zero. A reading other

than zero indicates that leakage current is returning on another path and, therefore, a

leaky load or poor insulation condition exists

•Motor measurements including loading value, current balance and for troubleshooting

control circuitry

The T5 is also handy when it comes to checking control functions during large

machinery installations. According to Kevin Gallimore, owner of Gallimore Services,

“When installing a machine and checking its sequencing, the small stationary jaws of

the T5 make it easy to check current flow and verify operation. Troubleshooting large

machines and distributed installation like HVAC systems can require two men on walkie

talkies, but with a T5, I can do much of it from the control panel.”

In order to make accurate current measurements using the T5, the

conductor should pass through the throat of jaws and parallel to its

axis as shown, in this example from the Minneapolis Airport. When

testing for the presence of power in a circuit to verify that it is off

prior to beginning electrical repairs, placement of the conductor in

the jaws is slightly less critical since no reading is expected for a

non-energized circuit.

Making electrical measurements with

the T5

Voltage measurements

1. Turn the selector to the V. The meter automati-

cally selects the correct internal circuitry

depending on the type of voltage being

measured. For volts dc and ac, the T5-600 is

rated for 600 V CAT III and the T5-1000 is rated

for 1,000 V CAT III or 600 V CAT IV.

2. Touch the probe tips to the circuit across the

load or power source in parallel to the circuit.

Either probe can be fitted into the back of the

meter for easy two-handed operation.

3. Record the reading, making note of the units of

measurement.

4. If you can’t read the display, press the HOLD

button to freeze it, remove the meter from the

live circuit, and then check the value.

Resistance measurements

1. Turn off power in the circuit to be tested.

2. Turn the selector to Ω.

3. Touch the probe tips across the designated

component or portion of the circuit.

4. Record the reading.

Continuity

Continuity is a quick go/no-go resistance test that

distinguishes between an open and closed circuit.

The T5 continuity tester beeps when it detects a

closed circuit (resistance less than 25 Ω) — no

reading is required — and when it encounters an

open circuit (resistance greater than 1000 Ω), “OL”

appears in the display.

Current measurements

1. Turn the selector to A.

2. Place the jaws of the meter around the conduc-

tor. The conductor should be no larger than 0.5

in. diameter.

3. The conductor should pass through the sensor

zone (noted by the circle at the base of the jaw

opening) and parallel to the axis of the slotted

opening. In a situation where checking for a

“hot” conductor is more important than the

absolute ampere reading, exact placement of the

jaws around the conductor is less important.

4. View the reading. Note that the HOLD function

can be used on all measurements as necessary.

Guidelines for working safely

High voltages and currents present in electrical power sys-

tems can cause serious injury or death by electrocution or

burns. Only trained, experienced electrical or maintenance

technicians should test or modify electrical systems.

•Never work alone.

•Use caution when working above 30 Vac rms, 42 Vac

peak, or 60 V dc.

•Do not use the tester around explosive gas, vapor, or

dust.

•Do not use a tester if it is damaged or operating abnor-

mally. Before each use inspect the tester and tester

leads. Make sure the battery door is closed and latched.

Look for cracks, missing plastic, exposed metal, or dam-

aged insulation. Replace damaged test leads before

using the tester. Verify its operation by measuring a

known voltage.

•Replace batteries as soon as the low battery indicator in

the display appears.

•Do not apply more than the rated voltage, as marked on

the tester, between terminals or between any terminal

and earth ground.

•Use appropriate safety equipment such as safety glasses,

insulated gloves, mats, etc.

•When using probes, keep finger behind the finger

guards.

•Always connect the common lead before connecting the

live lead. Always disconnect the live lead first.

•Make certain that all power has been turned off, locked,

and tagged out in any situation where direct contact

with circuit components is possible.

•Do not use instruments on applications for which they

are not intended. Also be aware that if equipment is

used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the

protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.

•Refer meter servicing to qualified personnel.

•Clean the meter case with a damp cloth and detergent.

Do not use abrasives or solvents.

3 Fluke Corporation When things are tight, reach for the Fluke T5

Fluke Corporation

PO Box 9090, Everett, WA USA 98206

Fluke Europe B.V.

PO Box 1

186, 5602 BD

Eindhoven, The Netherlands

For more information call:

In the U.S.A. (800) 443-5853 or

Fax (425) 446-5116

In Europe/M-East/Africa (31 40) 2 675 200 or

Fax (31 40) 2 675 222

In Canada (800) 36-FLUKE or

Fax (905) 890-6866

From other countries +1 (425) 446-5500 or

Fax +1 (425) 446-5116

Web access: http://www.fluke.com

©2004 Fluke Corporation. All rights reserved.

Printed in U.S.A. 10/2004 2402573 A-US-N Rev A

Fluke. Keeping your world

up and running.