Fluke 902 Review
Great Product
Fluke 902 Review
Reviewed by: Sean Masri
Last modified:
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Fluke 902 Review Summary
Its wireless communication eliminates the need to write down your results, instead being stored on your tablet or smartphone. Furthermore, it also permits you to analyze information at a safe distance from high-energy loads, and to send data to colleagues or clients.
In-built microamp testing enables pro engineers to troubleshoot boiler flame sensors, while heat testing with the included thermoprobe allows analysis of flue temperatures. And, with CAT III and IV certifications, it’s suitable for use in three-phase and high-energy mains utility environments.
TRMS tech delivers impressive accuracy, and a backlit LCD screen offers effortless reading in dark or dimly lit locations. An easy-rotate thumb dial delivers one-handed operation capabilities — and arriving with power cells, you can operate this machine straight from the box.
This unit comes from Fluke — one of the serious big-boys in electric circuitry testing. The 902 FC replaces the now-discontinued standard 902 model, which lacked wireless Bluetooth communication.
Specifications:
- Weight – 14.77 ounces
- Voltage – 600 volts
- Current – 600 amps
- Safety Rating – CAT IV
Features:
- Temperature testing.
- Wireless connectivity.
- Microamp capability.
Pros:
Cons:
Features and Benefits of the Fluke 902FC HVAC Clamp Meter
Does this unit have the features to cope with hardcore air-con and heating projects as well as general electrical work? Time to discover the capabilities of this machine.
Temperature Testing
Crucial for the HVACR professional, the Fluke FC 902 permits you to analyze temperature levels with its detachable thermoprobe — meaning you can effortlessly check the heat output of condensers, compressors, and flues.
Measuring from 14 degrees to 752 degrees Fahrenheit, it will be suitable for the majority of HVAC applications. That said, it may be a little disappointing for tradespersons dealing with high-energy heating elements where temperatures typically exceed 1000 degrees.
Furthermore, if you’re of a more French or Italian persuasion, a quick press of a front-mounted selector button enables you to switch immediately from US Fahrenheit to continental Celsius.
MicroAmps
A key ability of a genuine HVAC clamp meter — particularly essential for heating contractors.
The microamps facility of the Fluke 902FC allows you to troubleshoot flame rods on furnaces and boilers — a capability often missing from many self-proclaimed HVAC units. Just turn the selector dial to the microamp setting (µA), connect the test probes between the control module wire and sensor, and check the amp result against the manufacturer’s rating.
Wireless Capability
Have you spent numerous sleepless nights wondering what the FC stands for in some Fluke tool model numbers? Nah, you haven’t.
Well, just in case I’ve now raised an insomnia-inducing conundrum in your mind, here’s the answer.
FC stands for Fluke Connect — that is, the ability to communicate via Bluetooth to tablets and smartphones — a feature of the 902 FC.
This eliminates the hassle of writing down your testing results, they’re stored on your portable electronic device. Furthermore, you can leave the clamp meter running in-situ, while you sit back, have a cup of coffee, and review the data from a safe distance. Additionally, if you’re having issues diagnosing the problem yourself — you can effortlessly forward the stats to colleagues for a second opinion.
CAT III and IV Safety Certification
Scrutinizing air-conditioning and heating units involves more hazardous loads than the average DIY Joe encounters troubleshooting his broken electric drill.
Hence, it’s reassuring to see that the Fluke 902 HVAC Clamp Meter boasts CAT III and CAT IV certifications — permitting safe use with industrial-grade three-phase systems and high-energy mains utility loads.
TRMS
Expected for a commercial-grade tool, the Fluke FC 902 Clamper includes TRMS — True Root Mean Square — tech. This promises elevated accuracy in electrical circuitry testing than standard RMS tools, by appraising wave oscillations instead of just peak values.
If you love multimeter tech talk and want to dive deeper into TRMS and RMS — and what it means for your trade jobs and clamp meter — take a peek at my ultimate guide.
LCD Backlight
If you’re an HVAC pro, you know that boilers, condensers, and refrigeration units can typically be located in some dimly lit areas. Furthermore, operating inside dark AC casings and furnace housings can mean struggling to decipher the digital readout.
Thankfully, the Fluke Clamp 902 FC possesses an illuminated display, permitting you to easily read your results without resorting to a secondary lighting source.
Additional Accessories
When you unbox the Fluke TRMS Clamp Meter 902FC, you won’t just discover the base testing unit itself. Included with your purchase are:
- Instruction manual.
- Testing leads.
- Probe protection tips.
- Carrying case.
- Detachable thermocouple.
- 2 x AA batteries.
Thumb Selector Dial
The Fluke 902 Clamp FC incorporates a substantially-sized selector dial that enables you to switch between voltage, current, capacitance, resistance, continuity, and temperature.
Pleasingly, its easy-turn ability and ergonomic design mean that you can operate this dial with your thumb — permitting one-handed operation.
Fluke 902 Specs FC
| Fluke 902 | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 14.77 ounces |
| Continuity | <=30 Ω |
| True RMS | Yes |
| Voltage | 600 Volts |
| Current | 600 Amps |
| Highest Safety Rating | CAT IV |
| Size | 9.06 x 3.30 x 1.39 inches |
| Batteries | 2 x AA |
| Capacitance | 1000 μF |
| Resistance | 60.00 kΩ |
| Backlight | Yes |
| Frequency | No |
| Temperature Testing | 14 - 752 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Microamps | 200 µA |
| Warranty | Warranty Three years |
What Do Users Say About the Fluke Clamp Meter 902 FC?
For me, the Fluke Multi Clamp Meter 902FC is a robust professional-grade circuitry tester that has the features to deal with the majority of HVAC and general electrical issues.
However, while a serious tool enthusiast, I’m not an air-con or ventilation engineer — hence, I may have under or overestimated this machine. So, in order to ensure a completely comprehensive 902FC review — I sought the opinions of owners of this machine.
Generally speaking, the testimonials provided were positive and mirrored my own feelings. These guys praised the temperature testing facility, overwhelmingly welcomed the flame-sensor investigative microamps, and applauded the CAT IV safety certification.
That said, some users did raise some valuable negative points. Often mentioned were the relatively low upper-temperature limit, the inability to check frequency, and the lack of inrush current detection.
But, all owners concurred that the 902FC from Fluke was an accurate, durable, and fuss-free clamp meter that would suit the light-to-medium intensity HVACR pro.
Alternatives to the Fluke HVAC 902 FC
Feeling that the 902 FC clamp meter from Fluke isn’t quite the machine you’re looking for? Naturally, this tool will not be ideal for all users — so, to satisfy your circuit testing demands, I’ve put together three possible alternatives below.
Fieldpiece SC680
Like the Fluke, it offers wireless communication, microamps testing, CAT IV safety rating, and TRMS tech. However, it also boasts dual-heat scrutinization, inrush current detection, and a low-pass filter — all omitted from the 902 FC.
- Harder on your bottom line than the Fluke.
- Hold feature, not included on the 902FC.
- Measures to 2372 degrees Fahrenheit, contrasting with the Fluke’s 752 degrees.
Fieldpiece SC440
The SC440 is designed with the pro ventilation and air-con contractor in mind — but delivers a maximum 932 degrees Fahrenheit testing limit as opposed to the relatively small 752 degrees of the Fluke. However, like the 920 FC, it also includes TRMS tech, microamps, and continuity detection.
- Significantly easier on your pocket than the 902 FC.
- Features inrush current detection, not a capability of the Fluke.
- CAT III certified, in contrast with the CAT III and IV of the FC902
Klein CL800
For a consumer-focused machine, the CL800 is impressively high-specced — boasting temperature testing, CAT IV certification, TRMS tech, and a low-impedance mode. Admittedly, it lacks the wireless comms and microamp feature of the 902FC, but comes in at a more wallet-friendly price point.
- Auto-ranging, not included on the Fluke.
- Tests to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, as opposed to the 752 degrees of the 902 FC.
- Like the Fluke, it arrives with a battery, carry case, thermoprobe, and leads.
Conclusion
Microamps testing capability allows the heating contractor to investigate troublesome flame sensors — while an included thermoprobe permits the scrutiny of flue temperatures. CAT III and IV safety ratings make the unit suitable for industrial environments, and TRMS ensures readout accuracy.
Admittedly, it’s not going to be welcomed by all users. DIYers and general electricians may find many features are redundant, while hardcore air-con and heating engineers could be disappointed by the restrictive upper-temperature limit and lack of inrush current detection.
However, if you’re a light-to-medium HVAC specialist, the Fluke 902 FC may suit your demands.
Fluke-902 FC 902 FC True-RMS HVAC Clamp Meter FAQs
Q: Where Can I Buy the Fluke TRMS Clamp Meter 902 FC?
The Fluke 902 Clamp Meter FC is an HVAC-targeting electrical tester that includes Bluetooth technology, temperature testing, and an accurate TRMS system. You can get your hands on this machine by clicking here.
Q: What Batteries Does the Fluke FC902 Clamp Meter Use?
The 902 FC Clamp Meter from Fluke requires 2 x AA batteries in order to operate. Pleasingly, these two power cells are included with the unit purchase, meaning you can use the tool immediately after opening the box.
Q: Where Can I Find the Fluke 902 Manual User Guide?
The official Fluke Corporation website hosts a whole plethora of user guides and instructions for its electrical testing tools. For rapid access to the Fluke 902 manual.
Q: Are Fluke Clamp Meters Any Good?
Yes. Fluke is considered the premier manufacturer of electrical testing equipment worldwide. Its clamp meters are renowned for their reliability, ease of use, extensive warranties, and a premium price point.
Q: Is the Fluke 902 FC TRMS Clamp Meter Made in the USA?
No. While the Fluke Corporation has its headquarters in Everett, Washington, USA — this model is manufactured in China.
Q: What Is the Fluke Multi Clamp Meter 902 FC Price?
Designed for HVACR pros, the Fluke Clamp 902 FC is a premium machine for air-con and heating engineers. To check out the current cost of the Fluke Clamp 902.
Q: Can the Fluke 902FC Measure Temperature?
Yes. The 902 FC True-RMS HVAC Clamp Meter arrives complete with a detachable thermoprobe sensor. This permits you to analyze temperatures from 14 degrees to 752 degrees Fahrenheit.
Furthermore, by pressing a front-mounted button, you can rapidly switch from Fahrenheit to Celsius.
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