Clamp Meters Serve Solar Installations with CAT III / 1500 V Safety Rating

Fluke released a clamp meter for measuring solar installation voltages at the latest standard of 1500 V, Claimed to be the first of its type, the clamp offers a high level of safety during use in congested solar combiner boxes. The Fluke 393 and 393 FC are true-rms solar clamp meters and meet the updated IEC/EN 61010-2-032:2019 safety standard for clamp meters. 

Because it can measure up to 1500 V DC compared to legacy instruments restricted to 1000 V DC, the Fluke 393 is well suited for use in utility scale, large industrial, and commercial scale solar farms. The clamp meter compliments Fluke’s existing instruments for solar applications, such as  Fluke 1577/1587 insulation multimeters and the IP67 rated Fluke 87V MAX multimeter. Features include an IP54 rating, the use of CAT III rated insulation at 1500 V, and insulated test leads rated to CAT III 1500 V, while the meters offer CAT IV protection to 600 V AC.

The Fluke 393 has a 25% thinner jaw than previous Fluke clamp meter models, easing the taking of measurements in restricted spaces, with a durable, rugged, and reliable jaw design while meeting CAT III requirements for creepage and clearance. The 393 FC can connect to Fluke Connect, eliminating the need for paper while allowing maintenance technicians and service staff to document values and share them with their team.

Up to 65,000 data points can be recorded and uploaded, and beside voltage and current measurements, the clamp meter also provides DC power measurement and data logging. An audio beep indicates correct PV polarity, with visual continuity indication to make continuity testing easier in low-light conditions, with a dual-line display for simultaneous measurements.

According to Hans-Dieter Schuessele of Fluke, “As the world’s first solar clamp meters to offer CAT III safety at 1500 V, the new 393 and 393 FC clamp meters set a new standard in solar installation testing. Designed to be supremely safe and easy to use, they are a major contribution to helping installers and maintenance staff get solar farms online rapidly and keep them producing renewable energy.”