Cut Sheet

Fluke Corporation
PO Box 9090, Everett, WA USA 98206
Fluke Europe B.V.
PO Box 1186, 5602 BD
Eindhoven, The Netherlands
For more information call:
In the U.S.A. [phone] or
Fax [phone]
In Europe/M-East/Africa [phone] or
Fax [phone]
In Canada (800)-36-FLUKE or
Fax [phone]
From other countries [phone] or
Fax [phone]
Web access: http://www.fluke.com
©2007 Fluke Corporation. All rights reserved.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Printed in U.S.A. 4/2007 2825353 A-EN-N Rev A
Fluke. Keeping your world
up and running.
®
1. In the US, a useful solenoid tester can measure
up to 480 V or more. Having the ability to mea-
sure higher voltages limits the tool’s ability to
detect voltages below 100 V, due to the poor
dynamic range of its magnetics. Try using one
on 24 V or 48 V control circuits, and you may as
well be using a stick of wood.
2. Solenoid-based testers can appear on the circuit
under test as a load and interfere with its oper-
ation. The T+ and T+PRO testers have higher
input impedance than traditional solenoid-type
testers, but not so high that they have problems
with ghost voltages.
3. The relatively high current draw of solenoid-
based testers means significantly more heat—
enough that the testers can quickly overheat
and even become damaged if you measure volt-
age too long. If you use a solenoid-based tester,
allow for half-minute cool-downs. The T+ and
T+PRO testers can measure voltage under 240 V
indefinitely.
4. Solenoid-based testers generally don’t comply
with the IEC 61010 electrical safety standard
due to excessive current draw, poor dielectric
withstand performance, and impulse destruction
from transients. When they fail, it can be cata-
strophic. Without IEC 61010 compliance, these
testers also miss compliance with NFPA 70E
(article 110.9) and other standards that require
environmental ratings.
5. Applying Ohm’s Law to the low-impedance
solenoid-based tester shows that you can eas-
ily carry a lethal current through the tester.
Wearing insulated gloves can reduce the shock
hazard, but you’ll also be risking an arc haz-
ard each time. Solid-state testers, on the other
hand, provide additional protection against this
type of occurance.
3 Fluke Corporation The NEW Fluke T+ and T+PRO Electrical Testers
Five reasons to give up
your old solenoid tester