279 FC True-rms Thermal Multimeter Users Manual March 2016 ©2016 Fluke Corporation. All rights reserved. All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY Each Fluke product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service. The warranty period is three years and begins on the date of shipment. Parts, product repairs, and services are warranted for 90 days.
Table of Contents Title Page Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 How to Contact Fluke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
279 FC Users Manual Temperature Units. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Image Memory Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Device Information. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contents (cont.) Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Multimeter Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Lens Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
279 FC Users Manual iv
List of Tables Table 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Title Page Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Setup Menu Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Rotary Switch Positions . . .
279 FC Users Manual vi
List of Figures Figure 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Title Page Fluke Connect™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Hanging Strap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Battery Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
279 FC Users Manual viii
Introduction The 279 FC True-rms Thermal Multimeter (the Multimeter or Product) is a digital multimeter with an integrated thermal imaging camera. The Multimeter measures or tests: • AC voltage • AC current with the iFlex • DC voltage • Volts/Hertz ratio • Resistance • Capacitance • Continuity • Diodes • Frequency The Multimeter supports the Fluke Connect™ Wireless System (may not be available in all regions).
279 FC Users Manual How to Contact Fluke Safety Information To contact Fluke, call one of the following telephone numbers: • Technical Support USA: 1-800-44-FLUKE (1-800-443-5853) • Calibration/Repair USA: 1-888-99-FLUKE (1-888-993-5853) • Canada: 1-800-36-FLUKE (1-800-363-5853) • Europe: +31 402-675-200 • Japan: +81-3-6714-3114 • Singapore: +65-6799-5566 • Anywhere in the world: +1-425-446-5500 A Warning identifies conditions and procedures that are dangerous to the user.
True-rms Thermal Multimeter Safety Information • Examine the case before you use the Product. Look for cracks or missing plastic. Carefully look at the insulation around the terminals. • Do not use the Flexible Current Probe if it has damaged insulation, exposed metal, or if the wear indicator is visible. • Do not use test leads if they are damaged. Examine the test leads for damaged insulation, exposed metal, or if the wear indicator shows. Check test lead continuity.
279 FC Users Manual Symbols used on the Product and in this manual are explained in Table 1. Table 1. Symbols Symbol 4 Description Symbol Description W WARNING. RISK OF DANGER. Battery Consult user documentation. ) Certified by CSA Group to North American safety standards. X WARNING. HAZARDOUS VOLTAGE. Risk of electric shock. P Conforms to European Union directives. T Double Insulated Conforms to relevant Australian EMC standards.
True-rms Thermal Multimeter Fluke Connect™ Wireless System Fluke Connect™ Wireless System Set Up for Fluke Connect App The Multimeter supports the Fluke Connect™ Wireless System (may not be available in all regions). Fluke Connect™ uses low-power 802.15.4 wireless radio technology to wirelessly connect the Multimeter with an app on your smartphone or tablet. The wireless radio does not cause interference with meter measurements. The Fluke Connect app works with Apple and Android mobile products.
279 FC Users Manual 2. Press to activate the radio on the Multimeter. shows on the display. 3. On your smartphone, go to Settings > Bluetooth. Before You Start This section is information to know before you use the Multimeter. Verify that Bluetooth is turned on. 4. Go to the Fluke Connect App and in the list of connected Fluke tools, select 279 FC. You can now take, save, and share measurements with the app. Go to www.flukeconnect.com for more information about how to use the app.
True-rms Thermal Multimeter Before You Start On/Off Push to turn on or turn off the Multimeter. Hanging Strap 2 1 The Multimeter includes a hanging strap that allows you to hang your Multimeter so you can take measurements handsfree. See Figure 2. Display Information Hazardous Voltage 3 4 The hazardous voltage warning X shows on the display when the Multimeter detects a voltage ≥30 V. Test Lead Alert The display shows LEAD for a second when you turn the function switch to or from the position.
279 FC Users Manual Battery Charge XW Warning To prevent a possible electrical shock, fire, or personal injury: • • • Disconnect the battery charger and move the Product or battery to a cool, non-flammable location if the rechargeable battery becomes hot (>50 °C) during the charge period. Replace the rechargeable battery after 5 years of moderate use or 2 years of heavy use. Moderate use is defined as recharged twice a week. Heavy use is defined as discharged to cutoff and recharged daily.
True-rms Thermal Multimeter Before You Start Figure 3.
279 FC Users Manual Setup Menu Table 2. Setup Menu Functions The Setup Menu includes these functions: • on/off for the audible beeper • on/off for automatic backlight dimming • on/off for automatic power off (battery save) • unit selection for temperature measurements • image memory management • calibration procedure • information about your device All setup functions remain as set when you turn off and turn on the Multimeter. To open the Setup Menu, push .
True-rms Thermal Multimeter Before You Start Beeper Auto Off The beeper is for quick continuity tests without the need to watch the display. If on, the beeper sounds as long as a circuit is complete. To save battery power, you can set the Multimeter to automatically turn off after 20 minutes of no use. Auto Dim Push to brighten or dim the backlight. If on, the Auto Dim feature automatically dims the backlight after 2 minutes of no use. To set: 1. Push to open the Setup Menu. 2.
279 FC Users Manual Image Memory Management Calibration You can save up to 100 images. When 100 images are in memory, the Multimeter will prompt you to overwrite the first (oldest) image before you can continue to save. Or, you can go to the Setup Menu to delete all the images in memory. For information about the calibration of your Multimeter, see the 279 FC True-rms Thermal Multimeter Calibration Manual. To delete all images: 1. Push . 2. Push to highlight Image Memory. 3. Push 4.
True-rms Thermal Multimeter Before You Start Rotary Switch and Pushbuttons Inputs Table 3 is a list of the inputs for the Multimeter. Use the rotary switch to select a function on the Multimeter. The position of the rotary switch can have more than one function. These functions are labeled with text in different colors. Push (the yellow button) to toggle the Multimeter between the functions. For example, frequency, capacitance, and diode tests are functions that you set with the yellow button. Table 3.
279 FC Users Manual Table 4. Rotary Switch Positions Function AC voltage measurement from 0.060 V to 1000 V. Push Push 3 4 5 6 2 1 7 to measure frequency from 2 Hz to 999.9 Hz. again to measure Volts/Hertz. DC voltage from 0.001 V to 1000 V. Push to measure frequency from 2 Hz to 999.9 Hz. DC voltage measurements from 0.1 mV to 600 mV. Push to measure ac voltage from 6 mV to 600 mV.[1] Resistance measurements from 0.1 Ω to 50 MΩ. Push to measure capacitance from 1 nF to 9999 μF.
True-rms Thermal Multimeter Before You Start Table 5. Pushbuttons Button Switch Position Not related to switch position Function Turn on and turn off the Multimeter. Set the Multimeter to manual range and scroll through each range. Push and hold for 1 second to set the Multimeter to auto range. Start the MIN MAX record function. Steps the display through MAX, MIN, AVG (average), and input signal measurement. Push and hold for 1 second to stop MIN MAX record.
279 FC Users Manual IR Camera Mode 2. Push to cancel the capture or image. to save the XW Warning To prevent personal injury, see emissivity information for actual temperatures. Reflective objects result in lower than actual temperature measurements. These objects pose a burn hazard. The IR Camera mode uses the ironbow palette. The display shows a center point marker for the temperature measurement. Temperature units of measurement are selected in the Setup Menu.
True-rms Thermal Multimeter Basic Measurements Basic Measurements XW Warning To prevent possible electrical shock, fire, or personal injury, disconnect power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before you measure resistance, continuity, capacitance, or a diode junction. This section is about how to make basic measurements with the Multimeter. When you connect the test leads to the circuit or device, always: Basic measurements and tests: • AC and DC Voltage Measurements. See Figure 4.
279 FC Users Manual Volts VoltsAC AC Volts VoltsDC DC iFlex Millivolts MillivoltsDC DC iFlex Figure 4.
True-rms Thermal Multimeter Basic Measurements Volts/Hertz Ratio The Multimeter can show the ratio of volts to frequency of the ac signal. See Figure 6. When the Multimeter is set to the Volts/Hz function, the voltage range is set to manual. If the voltage increases to a value larger than the range, the Multimeter shows OL in the display. If the voltage drops to less than 5 % of the range, the value shown in the display can be invalid.
279 FC Users Manual Resistance Measurements XW Warning To prevent possible electrical shock, fire, or personal injury, disconnect power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before you measure resistance, continuity, capacitance, or a diode junction. The Multimeter sends a small current through the circuit for resistance measurements. Because the current flows through all possible paths between the probes, the resistance measured is the total resistance of all paths between the probes. See Figure 7.
True-rms Thermal Multimeter Basic Measurements Capacitance Measurements XW Warning To prevent possible electrical shock, fire, or personal injury, disconnect power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before you measure resistance, continuity, capacitance, or a diode junction. The Multimeter makes a capacitance measurement by charging a capacitor with a known current, measures the resulting voltage, then calculates the capacitance. See Figure 8. iFlex Figure 8.
279 FC Users Manual Continuity Test XW Warning To prevent possible electrical shock, fire, or personal injury, disconnect power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before you measure resistance, continuity, capacitance, or a diode junction. The continuity test uses a beeper that sounds when a closed circuit is sensed. The beeper lets you do continuity tests without the necessity to look at the display. See Figure 9. iFlex OL shows on the display when the circuit is open. Figure 9.
True-rms Thermal Multimeter Basic Measurements AC Current Measurements To measure: 1. Connect the iFlex Current Probe to the input on the Multimeter. See Figure 10. 2. Do not measure ac current in circuits carrying more than 1000 V or 2500 A with the Flexible Current Probe. Center the conductor perpendicularly inside the flexible probe area. If this is not possible, an additional measurement error of ±2 % of reading can occur. 3.
279 FC Users Manual AC Current Current Frequency Hz iFlex iFlex Figure 10.
True-rms Thermal Multimeter Basic Measurements Diode Test XW Warning To prevent possible electrical shock, fire, or personal injury, disconnect power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before you measure resistance, continuity, capacitance, or a diode junction. In a circuit, a good diode has a forward-bias measurement of 0.5 V to 0.8 V. A reverse-bias measurement includes the resistance of other pathways between the probes. A short beep sounds if the diode is good (<0.85 V).
279 FC Users Manual Reverse Bias Reverse Bias Forward Bias Good Diode Good Diode Good Diode Good Diode Bad Bad Diode Diode iFlex Bad Diode Bad Diode OPEN OPEN 1 BEEP BEEP and Shorted and Shorted Figure 11.
True-rms Thermal Multimeter Basic Measurements Frequency Measurements Hints for frequency measurements: A frequency measurement is a count of the number of times an ac voltage or current signal passes through a threshold point each second. • If a measurement shows 0 Hz or is not stable, the input signal can be below or near a trigger level. A lower range increases the sensitivity of the Multimeter and can usually repair these problems.
279 FC Users Manual AC/DC Voltage Voltage Frequency Frequency AC/DC AC Current Frequency AC Current Frequency iFlex Hz iFlex iFlex HzAC Figure 12.
True-rms Thermal Multimeter Measurement Features Measurement Features To start a MIN MAX AVG record session: This section is about the Multimeter features you can use for measurements. 1. Auto range is disabled while in a MIN MAX AVG record session. MIN MAX AVG Record Mode The MIN MAX AVG record mode records the minimum and maximum input values, and calculates a running average of all measurements. The Multimeter beeps when it senses a new high value or new low value.
279 FC Users Manual 5. To exit and erase the MIN, MAX, and AVG values, push for 1 second or turn the rotary switch. 6. To see the other recorded values (minimum and average), push . Each push of steps through the recorded value for MAX, MIN, or AVG. When no label shows in this display location, the display shows the live input signal measurement. Note Auto Off (battery save) is disabled in MIN MAX AVG record mode.
True-rms Thermal Multimeter Measurement Features Auto Range and Manual Range AC Zero Input Behavior of True-rms Meters The Multimeter has auto range and manual range. Average responding meters can accurately measure only pure sinewaves. A true-rms meter can accurately measure distorted waveform signals. A minimum input voltage is necessary for true-rms converters to make a correct measurement. Because of this minimum input, true-rms meter measurements are only specified for 1 % to 100 % of range.
279 FC Users Manual SmartView® Software Firmware Updates Firmware updates are available through SmartView desktop software installed on your PC. To download firmware: 1. Open SmartView® on the PC. To download Smartview: 2. Connect a USB 2.0 (High Speed) cable to the Multimeter. ® 1. Go to http://www.fluke.com/downloads/smartview. Follow the prompts to find the SmartView that supports your Product.
True-rms Thermal Multimeter Maintenance Maintenance IR Image Management ® You can manage your IR images through SmartView desktop software installed on your PC. Use SmartView to download and delete the IR images from the Multimeter. To download or delete IR images: 1. Open SmartView® on the PC. 2. Connect a USB 2.0 (High Speed) cable to the Multimeter. Plug in the large (USB “A”) connector of the cable to your PC and the small (USB “Micro B”) connector to the Multimeter. 3.
279 FC Users Manual Multimeter Care Clean the holster with a damp cloth and weak detergent. Do not use a solvent or cleaners with abrasives. Dirt or moisture in the terminals can cause incorrect measurements. For lens care you will need a cleansing liquid such as a commercial lens cleaning liquid with alcohol, ethyl alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth or tissue. A pressurized air can is used to remove loose particulates. To clean the lens: 1.
True-rms Thermal Multimeter Parts and Accessories Table 6. Accessories and Replacement Parts Item Description Fluke Part or Model Number Battery Door Assembly (includes tilt stand) 4693466 Test Lead Set TL175 Alligator Clip, Black Alligator Clip, Red AC175 279 FC Quick Reference Guide 4694103 279 FC Safety Information 4717467 9-inch Hanger Strap TPAK80-4-8001 Hanging Clip TPAK80-2003 USB A to USB mini-B Cable 1671807 Soft Carry Case 3087338 7.
279 FC Users Manual 4 5 1 3 2 6 11 8 10 9 Figure 13.
True-rms Thermal Multimeter Specifications Specifications Maximum Voltage between any Terminal and Earth Ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1000 V Temperature Operating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -10 °C to +50 °C Storage (without battery). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -20 °C to +60 °C Display (LCD) Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
279 FC Users Manual Safety General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IEC 61010-1: Pollution Degree 2 Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IEC 61010-2-032: CAT IV 600 V / CAT III 1000 V IEC 61010-2-033: CAT IV 600 V / CAT III 1000 V Li-ion Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IEC 62133 Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) International . . .
True-rms Thermal Multimeter Detailed Specifications Detailed Specifications For all specifications: Accuracy is specified for 1 year after calibration, at operating temperatures of 18 °C to 28 °C, with relative humidity at 0 % to 90 %. Accuracy specifications take the form of ±([% of Reading] + [Number of least significant digits]). AC Voltage Measurements Range[1] Measurement[2][3][4] Resolution 45 Hz to 65 Hz 600.0 mV 0.1 mV 6.000 V 0.001 V 60.00 V 0.01 V 600.0 V 0.
279 FC Users Manual DC Voltage, Continuity, Resistance, Diode Test, and Capacitance Measurements Function Diode Test Range Resolution Measurement 600.0 mV 0.1 mV 0.09 % + 2 6.000 V 0.001 V 60.00 V 0.01 V 600.0 V 0.1 V 1000 V 1V 0.15 % + 2 600 Ω 1Ω Meter beeps at <25 Ω, beeper detects opens or shorts of 600 μs or longer. 600.0 Ω 0.1 Ω 0.5 % + 2 6.000 kΩ 0.001 kΩ 60.00 kΩ 0.01 kΩ 600.0 kΩ 0.1 kΩ 6.000 MΩ 0.001 MΩ 0.09 % + 2 0.5 % + 1 50.00 MΩ 0.01 MΩ 1.
True-rms Thermal Multimeter Detailed Specifications AC Current with iFlex i2500 Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0 A ac to 2500 A ac Resolution 1.0 A to 999.9 A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.1 A 1000 A to 2500 A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 A Measurement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
279 FC Users Manual Input Characteristics Overload Protection Function Input Impedance (nominal) Common Mode Rejection Ratio Normal Mode Rejection (1 kΩ unbalance) 1100 V rms >10 MΩ <100 pF >120 dB at dc, 50 Hz or 60 Hz 1100 V rms >10 MΩ <100 pF >60 dB, dc to 60 Hz 1100 V rms >10 MΩ <100 pF >120 dB at dc, 50 Hz or 60 Hz Open Circuit Test Voltage >60 dB at 50 Hz or 60 Hz >60 dB at 50 Hz or 60 Hz Full Scale Voltage Typical Short Circuit Current To 6 MΩ 50 MΩ <0.
True-rms Thermal Multimeter Detailed Specifications Infrared Camera Temperature Temperature Measurement Range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -10 °C to +200 °C Temperature Measurement Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ±5 °C or ±5 %, whichever is greater, at 25 °C Temperature Coefficient . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . add 0.2 °C or 0.2 %, whichever is greater, for each °C from 25 °C Emissivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
279 FC Users Manual 44
