Fluke has developed FieldSense technology that takes the open-fork, current-measuring functionality of its existing T5 Electrical Tester and adds ac voltage measurements. Electricians can use Fluke tools to take simultaneous voltage and current measurements without test leads. Traditionally, troubleshooting electrical systems requires gaining access to metallic contact points so the test leads can make contact. And while pen-style non-contact voltage testers have been available for some time, these tools only detect voltage. They do not give the user a measured value. The latest T6 true-rms Electrical Testers are the first tools to use FieldSense technology.
Safety First
Contacting electrical conductors with test leads requires metal-to-metal contact, which carries the potential for arc flash or electrical shock. FieldSense technology eliminates that step.
FieldSense
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 then combined the two different physical phenomena— ac magnetic field sensing and ac electric field sensing—into one device. The result is Fluke's first tool that gives users a way to simultaneously measure voltage and current without metallic contact.
FieldSense user can:
•Be safer: Measure voltage to 1000 V ac through the open fork, without test leads. Workers spend less time in front of open distribution panels wearing full PPE.
•Be faster: No need to pull panel covers or remove wire nuts to find a conductor. Measurements can be made anywhere along the wire run.
•Be more efficient: Simultaneously measure ac voltage and current.
•Be everywhere: The 17.8 mm open fork can measure up to 200 A on 4/0 wires (120 mm2).
If you are ready to do some safe, efficient and accurate testing, more Fluke FieldSense Technology info is available.