Fieldpiece SC440 Review

Editor Rating: 4.7/5

Great Product

Fieldpiece SC440 Review

Reviewed by: Timothy Henderson

Last modified: May 27, 2023 @ 12:08 pm

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Fieldpiece SC440 Review Summary

Targeting the HVACR specialist, the Fieldpiece SC440 offers precise scrutinization of aircon, ventilation, and refrigeration systems.

Unlike many tools that claim to be for the heating pro, the SC440 features microamp capabilities — allowing it to be used for flame sensor investigation. Furthermore, with inrush current detection, the unit can explore start-up current, not just in-running amperage.

TRMS technology elevates accuracy over and above standard RMS machines, meaning swifter troubleshooting of problematic heating and cooling equipment. And, with a backlit LCD screen, the SC440 is suitable for use in poorly illuminated conditions.

A strong focus on user safety delivers peace of mind for the trade operative — incorporating non-contact voltage detection and high voltage alerts. Furthermore, alligator probe tips permit one-handed operation.

This machine offers all the usual clamp meter circuitry exploration tools of continuity, resistance, capacitance, frequency, voltage, and current detection. And, able to test temperatures from its included thermoprobe attachment — the meter is suitable for automotive as well as HVAC environments.

The unit hails from the Fieldpiece stable — a US company with a thirty-year history of delivering respected testing equipment. The SC440 is the mid-range machine in its HVAC clamp meter lineup.

Specifications:

  • Weight – 11.11 ounces
  • Voltage – 600 volts
  • Current – 400 amps
  • Safety Rating – Cat III

Features:

  • Includes microamps feature.
  • Gold plated test probes.
  • Inrush current detection.

Pros:

N
Microamps capability.
N
TRMS tech.
N
Include battery, case, thermoprobe, and leads.
N
Inrush current detection.
N
Non-contact voltage alerts.

Cons:

N
Temperamental selector dial.
N
Many features will be overkill for non-HVAC pros.

Features and Benefits of the Fieldpiece SC 440 Clamp Meter


The manufacturer indicates that the SC440 clamp meter is specifically designed for HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration) specialists operating out in the field.

Does this machine have the functions and features to meet the demands of the serious professional? It’s time for an in-depth investigation.

Temperature Testing


Buddy, if an HVACR clamp meter doesn’t include temperature testing — it’s not a bonafide pro model. Thankfully, the SC 440 permits you to investigate heat ranges from -30 degrees through to 932 degrees Fahrenheit via an included thermoprobe.

More than sufficient for heating and aircon experts, the unit also allows more continental-type operators to switch the readout from Fahrenheit to Celsius. Furthermore, if you’re an automotive nut instead of a refrigeration aficionado — the heat scrutinization capability is ideal for investigating engine and exhaust running temps.

Swivel Magnet


Another sign of a true HVACR clamp meter. Many units on the market claim to be aircon/heating compatible — but they lack a microamp feature. This capability is crucial for flame sensor troubleshooting, allowing you to effortlessly locate issues with boilers and furnaces.

Inrush Current


Switching on an aircon or refrigeration compressor can be akin to opening a shaken bottle of soda — but instead of spraying a plume of fizzy sugary liquid, it instead can receive a massive surge of current, tripping your power breaker system.

Investigating this fault with a standard clamp meter can be challenging — as it will only display the running current, not the start-up. Hence, it’s impressive to discover that the SC440 from Fieldpiece incorporates inrush current testing — reading overly high initial amps, and allowing you to resolve the problem accordingly.

Safety Features


If you’re an HVAC pro — you know that your customers often take their heating and cooling electrical equipment for granted. They simply switch on the machine, and expect hot or cold services to be provided with little thought of the processes inside.

But as a serious contractor, you know that these units contain some super powerful, and dangerous, tech. Therefore, it’s rewarding to see that the Fieldpiece Clamp SC440 boasts impressive safety features — protecting you during service, maintenance, and repair.

Perhaps most welcome is the non-contact voltage detection — alerting you to live circuits and wires without having to touch with the testing probes. Additionally, the tool incorporates a high-voltage warning system — informing you when the AC voltage exceeds 30VAC. Not just shielding you, but also safeguarding your tool from internal component damage. And, with a CAT III certification rating, the SC 440 meter is suitable for use in three-phase environments.

Backlit Display


HVACR systems aren’t always in the most accessible of places. Boilers, condensers, and compressors can be buried deep inside the unit casing — and the entire machine can often be located in lofts or basements.

Typically, this necessitates the use of a secondary work lamp to permit you to read the digital display. Thankfully, the SC 440 Fieldpiece has an in-built backlit screen, enabling you to view the LCD readout with recourse to additional lighting.

Accuracy


Slightly inaccurate readout results can mean misdiagnosing HVACR systems — not just causing you headaches as you struggle to locate the issue, but also costing your clients more dollars as you sit impotently scratching your head.

That’s why it’s rewarding to see that the SC440 Clamp Fieldpiece has integrated TRMS tech — delivering more accurate analysis than standard RMS units. By investigating wave fluctuations, instead of just peak current and voltage, it promises welcome precision — allowing you to resolve issues swiftly.

Versatility


Thermoprobe temperature testing and microamp flame sensor troubleshooting are welcome inclusions for the HVACR pro — but you still need the capability to investigate more mundane circuitry metrics.

So, it’s pleasing to see that the SC-440 Fieldpiece offers the more common electrical investigatory abilities concomitant to general-use multimeters, including:

  • Frequency.
  • Capacitance.
  • Continuity.
  • Voltage.
  • Current.
  • Diode testing.
  • Resistance.

Additional Accessories


Arriving complete with a host of accessories, the SC440 Clamp Meter Fieldpiece can be operated in the field immediately after unboxing. Included with the clamp meter itself are:

  • Nine-volt power cell.
  • Soft carry case for protection and effortless transportation.
  • Velcro strap.
  • Silicone testing leads with gold-plated tips.
  • Type K thermocouple for temperature testing.
  • Alligator lead extensions.

Fieldpiece SC 440 Specifications


Fieldpiece SC440
Weight11.11 ounces
Display5000 count
Voltage600 Volts AC/DC
Current400 amps
Highest Safety RatingCAT III
Size9.17 x 3.11 x 1.77 inches
Batteries1 x 9 volt (included)
Measurement Rate3.3 per second
Non-Contact VoltageYes
Auto Power Off30 minutes
Battery Life200 hours
Low Battery IndicatorYes
Maximum Operational Altitude6562 feet

What Do Users Say About the Fieldpiece Clamp Multimeter SC440?


In my opinion, the SC/440 Fieldpiece clamp meter is a powerful and accurate electrical tester for the HVACR pro. However, I’m not a trade contractor using this machine on a daily basis in challenging work environments.

Hence, to investigate how this unit actually functions in the field, I investigated the opinions of professionals and dedicated amateurs who own the clamp meter.

Pleasingly, the opinions expressed were positive, and were in agreement with my own. Users of the SC440 welcomed the microamps testing facility, applauded the precision-boosting TRMS tech, and praised the inrush current facility.

Sure, not all owners were completely satisfied. One pro indicated that the temp range was insufficient — bemoaning the fact that it only tests to 932 degrees Fahrenheit, when many comparable machines can investigate up to 1832 degrees. Another disgruntled guy felt that the selector switch was temperamental — meaning that any slight deviation from the correct position delivered the wrong metric.

However, all users concurred that taken as a whole, the SC 440 was a serious pro-level clamp meter with HVACR contractors as its heart.

Alternatives to the Fieldpiece Clamping SC440


Despite its impressive air-con and ventilation testing qualities — it may be that the SC440 isn’t ticking all your boxes. Hence, if you’re somewhat nonplussed by this machine, consider the following alternatives:

Extech MA445


Should you require temperature testing in your trade or hobby work — yet feel that the 932 degrees Fahrenheit max temp of the SC440 is insufficient — consider this tool instead.

The MA445 can measure up to 1832 degrees Fahrenheit, making it more suited to extreme heat levels than the Fieldpiece. But, while still a useful machine for the HVAC pro, it lacks micro-amps for flame sensor scrutinization.

  • Significantly lighter on the wallet than the SC440.
  • TRMS tech, as with the Fieldpiece clamp meter.
  • Same CAT III rating as the SC440.

Klein Tools CL800


Milwaukee-2626-20
If your trade projects mean investigating high-energy systems such as pole-to-pole wiring and utility transformers, the CAT III rating will be too restricted for these extreme conditions. Should that ring true with you, consider this clamp meter.

The CL800 from Klein Tools has CAT IV certification — meaning it’s suitable for use with hardcore industrial-grade loads up to 1000 volts. Additionally, it boasts similar temperature testing capabilities as the SC440 from -14 to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • No microamps feature.
  • Lacks inrush current investigation.
  • Low impedance mode — not a characteristic of the Fieldpiece model.

Klein Tools CL380


Should you be looking for a versatile clamp meter, but aren’t an HVAC pro and have no need for inrush tech and microamp testing — check out this unit.

The CL380 offers impressive functionality — auto-ranging, non-contact-voltage alerts, TRMS tech, and temperature examination, but without trade-specific functions. Furthermore, coming in at sub-$100, it’s a more cost-effective option for the keen DIYer or light contractor.

  • Tests to 1832 degrees Fahrenheit, the SC440 tests to 932 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • No backlit display, unlike the Fieldpiece.
  • Five-minute shut-off, as opposed to the 30 minutes of the SC440.

Conclusion


Boasting features invaluable to aircon, heating, and ventilation pros — the SC440 from Fieldpiece is a solid and reliable HVAC clamp meter for the serious user.

Its microamp feature permits flame sensor investigation, while inrush tech allows you to troubleshoot start-up current. TRMS technology guarantees accuracy, and a host of safety features, such as non-contact voltage indicators and high voltage warnings elevate user protection.

Admittedly, it’s not for everyone. DIYers and non-HVAC pros will find many of the capabilities overkill, and the upper-temperature testing limit may prove insufficient for operators dealing in high heat environments.

But, if you need a genuine trade-grade AC and refrigeration tester that remains pleasingly affordable — I recommend checking out the Fieldpiece SC440.

Fieldpiece Clamp Multimeter SC 440 FAQs

Q: What Is the Fieldpiece SC440 Price?

The Fieldpiece Clamp Meter SC 440 is an HVAC-focused testing tool that boasts non-contact voltage, microamp capability, and temperature investigation. While high-specced, the machine is pleasingly affordable.

To check out the current cost of the Fieldpiece SC440.

Q: Where Can I Find the Fieldpiece Clamp Meter SC440 Manual?

The official Fieldpiece website hosts a multitude of user guides and instructions for its wide range of electrical testing tools. For rapid access to the Fieldpiece SC440 manual.

Q: Where Can I Buy the Fieldpiece Multi Clamp Meter SC440?

The SC440 from Fieldpiece is a trade-grade machine that targets aircon, refrigeration, and heating specialists. You can get your hands on this impressive machine by clicking here.

Q: What Batteries Does the Fieldpiece Multimeter SC440 Use?

The SC440 clamp meter from Fieldpiece uses a 1 x 9-volt PP9 power cell. Pleasingly, this battery is included with the purchase, allowing you to use the tool straight from the box.

Q: Does the Fieldpiece SC 440 Clamp Multimeter Test Temperature?

Yes. The SC440 can investigate temperatures from -30 degrees through to 932 degrees Fahrenheit via an included thermoprobe. And, a quick press of a button converts the display from Fahrenheit to Celsius.

Q: Are Fieldpiece Clamp Meters Any Good?

Yes. The US-based Fieldpiece is renowned for manufacturing reliable and accurate testing equipment.

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