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HVAC Forums => Tools & Equipment => Topic started by: Brad.B. on August 17, 2018, 06:29:27 AM

Title: Fieldpiece SC440 clamp meter - uA function
Post by: Brad.B. on August 17, 2018, 06:29:27 AM
Hello all:

I'm a G2 student almost done and bought this meter because it does everything including uA, except for large DC clamp amps.  Before I got it I was using my B&K Precision multimeter (not clamp) which had a uA range.  In lab class we hooked up a spark ignition module and using a propane torch we got flame and measured uA after the sparking was done (the type that the spark electrode becomes the flame rectification electrode).

Well, with my multimeter, it was getting spooked by the 15kV that was pushing the sparks across the gap, blinking and doing wierd things on the display.  The Fieldpiece though handled it ok.  Anyone use fieldpiece on both spark and the current flame rods?  I believe flame rods only use a couple hundred volts to conduct through the flame.  15kV can jump board traces if not designed right.

I have an email in to Fieldpiece but still waiting for reply.

Title: Re: Fieldpiece SC440 clamp meter - uA function
Post by: harshal on August 21, 2018, 07:05:29 PM
Never check the spark,why would you need to check the spark in real work environment, I sometimes check micro amps on the flame rod when needed.For the spark I do visual.
Title: Re: Fieldpiece SC440 clamp meter - uA function
Post by: Brad.B. on August 21, 2018, 08:24:00 PM
It's not the spark I"m checking, but the uA signal after the spark, that keeps monitoring the presence of the flame.
Title: Re: Fieldpiece SC440 clamp meter - uA function
Post by: Porcupinepuffer on November 10, 2018, 07:52:22 AM
If you're checking for the flame rectification after the spark, you're best bet is to have the meter OFF when the high voltage sparks are happening. I don't think any meter will be happy seeing those jolts of high voltage slamming into it.
I use a fieldpiece sc640. Does everything. Has a ton of functions and is extremely accurate.