Unveiling The Fluke 381: Exploring Specifications, Manuals, Pros And Cons, And Common Problems

Fluke 381 Information

The Fluke 381 is a digital clamp meter that is perfect for electricians, technicians, and hobbyists. It features a wide range of measurements, including AC/DC voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, and frequency. It also has a built-in NCV (non-contact voltage) detector, which makes it safe to use in live circuits.

Full specifications

The following table lists the full specifications of the Fluke 381:

Measurement	Range	Accuracy
AC Voltage	200mV to 750V	+/- 0.05%
DC Voltage	200mV to 1000V	+/- 0.02%
Current	200mA to 1000A AC/DC	+/- 0.05%
Resistance	20Ω to 40MΩ	+/- 0.1%
Capacitance	20nF to 100μF	+/- 2%
Frequency	20Hz to 100kHz	+/- 0.01%

Features

The Fluke 381 has a number of features that make it a versatile and powerful tool for electrical testing:

• True RMS measurement provides accurate readings for both sine and non-sinusoidal waveforms.
• Auto-ranging eliminates the need to manually set the measurement range, making it easy to get accurate readings quickly.
• Backlit display makes it easy to read readings in dark or low-light environments.
• Data hold allows you to freeze a reading so you can take a closer look.
• Min/max hold records the minimum and maximum readings for a period of time, so you can see how values have changed over time.
• RMS measurement provides accurate readings for both sine and non-sinusoidal waveforms.
• Data logging allows you to record up to 10,000 readings to a memory card, so you can review them later.
• Built-in NCV detector allows you to safely identify the presence of live voltage without touching the conductor.
• Flexible current probe allows you to measure current in tight spaces and around awkward conductors.
• IP65 rated for dust and water resistance.
• CAT IV 600V, CAT III 1000V safety rating.

What's in the box

The following items are included in the box with the Fluke 381:

• Fluke 381 clamp meter
• Flexible current probe
• Remote display
• Battery
• Carrying case
• Instruction manual

The Fluke 381 is a powerful and versatile digital clamp meter that is perfect for electricians, technicians, and hobbyists. It has a wide range of measurements, accurate readings, and a number of features that make it easy to use. If you are looking for a reliable and accurate clamp meter, the Fluke 381 is a great option.

Fluke 381 Compare with Similar Item

a table comparing the Fluke 381 with two similar items: the Fluke 87V and the Klein Tools MM500 Digital Multimeter:

Feature	Fluke 381	Fluke 87V	Klein Tools MM500
Display	3.5-inch color display	3.5-inch color display	2.4-inch black and white display
Accuracy	±0.02%	±0.05%	±0.5%
True RMS	Yes	Yes	Yes
Max. current	10A	10A	10A
Max. voltage	750V AC/DC	1000V AC/DC	600V AC/DC
Max. resistance	40MΩ	40MΩ	400KΩ
Dimensions	6.7 x 3.5 x 1.7 inches	6.7 x 3.5 x 1.7 inches	5.6 x 2.9 x 1.3 inches
Weight	12.8 ounces	13.4 ounces	11.2 ounces
Price	$199.99	$249.99	$69.99

As you can see, the Fluke 381 and the Fluke 87V are very similar multimeters. They both have a color display, true RMS, and a maximum current of 10A. The main difference between the two is the accuracy. The Fluke 381 is more accurate, with a ±0.02% accuracy rating, while the Fluke 87V has a ±0.05% accuracy rating. The Klein Tools MM500 is a less expensive multimeter than the Fluke 381 and the Fluke 87V. It has a black and white display, but it still has true RMS and a maximum current of 10A.

Ultimately, the best multimeter for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you need the most accurate multimeter possible, then the Fluke 381 is the best choice. If you are looking for a more affordable multimeter with true RMS, then the Klein Tools MM500 is a good option. And if you need a multimeter with a large color display and a high maximum voltage, then the Fluke 87V is a good choice.

Fluke 381 Pros/Cons and My Thought

The Fluke 381 is a true-RMS clamp meter with a remote display. It has a maximum current measurement of 2.5kA AC and a maximum voltage measurement of 1000V. It also features a frequency measurement, continuity buzzer, and data hold function.

Pros:

• The remote display is a major advantage of the Fluke 381. It allows you to view the measurement from a safe distance, which is important when working with high currents.
• The iFlex current clamp is another great feature. It is flexible and can measure currents in tight spaces.
• The Fluke 381 is a very accurate meter. It has a stated accuracy of ±0.5% of reading ±2 digits.
• The meter is also very durable. It is rated to CAT III 1000V and CAT IV 600V, which means it can withstand up to 1000V of transient voltage in normal use and 600V of transient voltage in fault conditions.

Cons:

• The remote display is not backlit, which can make it difficult to read in low-light conditions.
• The meter does not have a low-impedance voltage measurement mode. This can be a problem if you need to measure small voltages in noisy environments.
• The price of the Fluke 381 is relatively high.

User reviews:

• Positive reviews:
  • "The remote display is a lifesaver. I can't imagine working with high currents without it."
  • "The iFlex clamp is amazing. It's so flexible that I can measure currents in tight spaces that other meters can't."
  • "This meter is very accurate. I've compared it to other meters and it's always spot on."
  • "This meter is built like a tank. I've dropped it a few times and it's still working perfectly."
• Negative reviews:
  • "The remote display is not backlit, which can be a problem in low-light conditions."
  • "The meter does not have a low-impedance voltage measurement mode."
  • "The price of this meter is relatively high."

My thoughts:

Overall, I think the Fluke 381 is a great clamp meter. It is accurate, durable, and has a number of useful features. The remote display is a major advantage, and the iFlex clamp is very flexible. However, the lack of a backlit remote display and low-impedance voltage measurement mode are two potential drawbacks. If you are looking for a high-quality clamp meter with a remote display, the Fluke 381 is a great option. However, if you need a meter with a backlit display or low-impedance voltage measurement mode, you may want to consider other options.

Fluke 381 Where To Buy

some places where you can buy a Fluke 381 multimeter and spare parts:

• FlukeDirect: Fluke's official website is a great place to buy a Fluke 381 multimeter. They have a wide selection of multimeters and other test equipment, and they offer competitive prices. You can also find spare parts for your multimeter on FlukeDirect.
• Walmart: Walmart is a great place to buy a Fluke 381 multimeter if you're looking for a good price. They often have sales on multimeters, and you can sometimes find the Fluke 381 on clearance.
• Amazon: Amazon is another great place to buy a Fluke 381 multimeter. They have a wide selection of multimeters from different brands, and they often have competitive prices. You can also find spare parts for your multimeter on Amazon.
• Best Buy: Best Buy is a good option if you want to buy a Fluke 381 multimeter in person. They have a wide selection of multimeters from different brands, and their staff can help you choose the right multimeter for your needs.
• Lowes: Lowes is another good option if you want to buy a Fluke 381 multimeter in person. They have a smaller selection of multimeters than Best Buy, but they often have competitive prices.
• eBay: eBay is a good option if you're looking for a used Fluke 381 multimeter or spare parts. You can often find good deals on used multimeters on eBay, but be sure to do your research before you buy to make sure you're getting a quality product.

I hope this helps!

Fluke 381 Problems and Solutions

some common issues and solutions for the Fluke 381 multimeter:

• The meter won't turn on. Make sure that the meter is plugged in and that the battery is installed correctly. If the meter still won't turn on, try resetting it by pressing and holding the power button for 10 seconds.
• The meter is displaying incorrect readings. Make sure that the meter is set to the correct measurement mode. You can also try calibrating the meter by following the instructions in the user manual.
• The meter is not reading continuity. Make sure that the test leads are properly connected to the meter. You can also try cleaning the test leads with a contact cleaner.
• The meter is not reading resistance. Make sure that the test leads are properly connected to the meter and that the resistance range is set correctly. You can also try cleaning the test leads with a contact cleaner.
• The meter is not reading voltage. Make sure that the test leads are properly connected to the meter and that the voltage range is set correctly. You can also try cleaning the test leads with a contact cleaner.

If you are still having problems with your Fluke 381 multimeter, you can contact Fluke customer support for assistance.

Here are some additional tips for troubleshooting common Fluke 381 problems:

• Check the connections. Make sure that the test leads are properly connected to the meter and to the circuit you are testing.
• Check the settings. Make sure that the meter is set to the correct measurement mode and range.
• Clean the test leads. Over time, the test leads can become dirty or corroded, which can affect the accuracy of your readings. Clean the test leads with a contact cleaner to remove any dirt or corrosion.
• Calibrate the meter. If you have been using the meter for a long time, it may need to be calibrated. Calibration ensures that the meter is giving accurate readings. You can calibrate the meter using the instructions in the user manual.

If you have tried all of these troubleshooting tips and you are still having problems with your Fluke 381 multimeter, you may need to contact Fluke customer support for assistance.