New technology called FieldSense allows open-fork, current-measuring meters to take simultaneous voltage and current measurements — not just detection — without test leads.
Developed by Fluke, the new T6 true-rms Electrical Testers, the first tools to use FieldSense technology, are now available at local distributors and retailers.
While the technology in the T5 detects an ac magnetic field to derive an ac current measurement, FieldSense Technology detects the ac electric field. The T6 creates a reference signal, which is carried to earth ground through capacitive coupling. When the open fork of the tester is placed over a live conductor, the ac electric field interacts with the reference signal. The resulting composite waveform is detected by an electronic sensor built into the tester. After amplification, digital signal processing, and calculations, voltage and frequency measurements are derived.
Fluke engineers combined the two different physical phenomena— ac magnetic field sensing and ac electric field sensing—into one device.
With FieldSense Technology, electricians can be safer: Measure voltage to 1,000 Vac through the open fork, without test leads. Workers spend less time in front of open distribution panels wearing full PPE. There is no need to pull panel covers or remove wire nuts to find a conductor. Measurements can be made anywhere along the wire run. The 17.8-mm open fork can measure up to 200 A on 4/0 wires (120 mm2).
Fluke Corp., P.O. Box 9090, Everett, WA 98206, (800) 44-FLUKE (800-443-5853), fax (425) 446-5116, www.fluke.com/t6.
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