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Multimeter for access control
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After trying out various meters I eventually settled on three to choose from.

Fluke 325 Fluke 376FC Fluke 381

All three are amazing and have their pros and cons. I wanted to mention something about the 376FC vs 381 that I haven’t seen anyone mention when I look up comparisons.

The 376FC fails to maintain a solid connection when it’s on the other side of a wall. Even through a wooden door. I love its ability to log measurements but I can’t get past the poor connection. One other annoyance is the display has atrocious viewing angles.

The 381 has amazing range for the wireless display but lacks the ability to log and record measurements like the 376FC does. The display is magnetic and has insane range. The major downside of this meter is the overall size.

In comes the 325. It’s more accurate than the 381 and 376 and more compact in size. The trade off being no magnet, no display, and no logging capabilities. For access control, it’s a fabulous meter that doesn’t go through as many batteries.

I ultimately keep the 376 in my bag because it makes recording measurements to prove a diagnosis much nicer than taking a photo of the meter itself. The magnet strap is also convenient.

For those that want to bring up non clamp meters, keep in mind that solenoid activated panic bars often have high in-rush current. I personally don’t want to have to worry about a fuse.

Just my two cents. See the photo for size comparisons.

Image
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I have the 381 for specific things and what frustrates me the most is that it seems to eat batteries. I have a Fluke 117 that seems to do everything I need. The clamp-on current meter is something I have used maybe once or twice in the entire time I have owned the 381.

What do use the logging feature for? In all of my time in the field I don't think I've ever wished for that feature. Mostly for me, it's just verifying voltages, checking for shorts, and measuring resistance.

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1 year ago