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Products => Test Equipment => Topic started by: BravoV on November 12, 2013, 04:57:38 am

Title: Fluke DMM alligator clip revisions
Post by: BravoV on November 12, 2013, 04:57:38 am
I'm not sure if this is old news, just want to share that I just figured out that the standard alligator clips accesory that came with my Fluke 287 date code April 2013 is different than the same clips that came with other 287 with date code on early 2012.

Newer one are bit longer and has the new plastic cover at the outer jaws, not a big deal though, but definitely a nice revision and appreciate the level of attentions paid to the details.  :-+

Attached photo below should be self explanatory.
Title: Re: Fluke DMM alligator clip revisions
Post by: Kryoclasm on November 12, 2013, 05:04:15 am
Call them Alien clips?


(http://static1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20121201172634/avp/images/4/48/Runner_2.PNG)
Title: Re: Fluke DMM alligator clip revisions
Post by: BravoV on November 12, 2013, 05:23:34 am
Call them Alien clips?

Spot on !  :clap: 

Congratz, I guess that you've just invented a new name for it, never heard of it in the electronic test & measurement world.  >:D
Title: Re: Fluke DMM alligator clip revisions
Post by: alm on November 12, 2013, 05:49:18 am
Looks like they made the change to comply with the new limitations on exposed metal for CAT III/IV probes in the third edition of IEC/EN 61010 (see also the TL-175 and revision to the TL-71). If they would still be sold today, the old alligator clips would most likely be limited to CAT II.
Title: Re: Fluke DMM alligator clip revisions
Post by: AndyC_772 on November 12, 2013, 07:33:22 am
My 289 came with the newer design - purchased Aug 2012.
Title: Re: Fluke DMM alligator clip revisions
Post by: smoothtalker on November 12, 2013, 10:17:02 am
for my TL75 is the 1212 number on the test leads the date code?
Title: Re: Fluke DMM alligator clip revisions
Post by: retiredcaps on November 12, 2013, 06:09:24 pm
for my TL75 is the 1212 number on the test leads the date code?
Yes.
Title: Re: Fluke DMM alligator clip revisions
Post by: BravoV on November 13, 2013, 05:25:12 am
Looks like they made the change to comply with the new limitations on exposed metal for CAT III/IV probes in the third edition of IEC/EN 61010 (see also the TL-175 and revision to the TL-71). If they would still be sold today, the old alligator clips would most likely be limited to CAT II.

Small changes yet good one, have to admit when every times I snugged in the alligator clips at tight spaces or dark/hard to reach spot, when the dmm in current mode, there was a bit worry the exposed metal might touch something and ... bang.  |O


My 289 came with the newer design - purchased Aug 2012.

What is the manufactured date ? If you haven't calibrated it since the purchase or the cal counter still at 1, the cal date at the meter info is the date from factory.

Looks like Fluke changed it somewhere in 2012.
Title: Re: Fluke DMM alligator clip revisions
Post by: mzacharias on November 13, 2013, 12:42:11 pm
Looks like the new standard practice. Safer but less usable. Protect the idiots from themselves.
Title: Re: Fluke DMM alligator clip revisions
Post by: AndyC_772 on November 13, 2013, 12:50:20 pm
My meter's cal date was 9th Jan 2012.