Fieldpiece SC680 Review: Wireless Clamp Meter for HVAC
Reader-supported: we may earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Top pickFieldpiece SC680Check price
The Fieldpiece SC680 is a 600 A AC/DC swivel-head clamp meter that talks to Fieldpiece’s Job Link app. It is built for the work where a basic residential clamp runs out of room: commercial rooftop units, variable-speed drives and jobs where you write up readings for a customer.
Specs at a glance
Best for: Commercial and VFD-heavy techs who want one wireless clamp that also logs to the Job Link app.
- 600 A AC/DC swivel clamp with inrush
- True-RMS with low-pass filter for VAC and Hz (VFD work)
- Power (kW) measurement; phase rotation test
- Dual Type K temperature inputs; resistance to 50 Mohm; NCV
- CAT IV 600 V / CAT III 1000 V
Why it stands out
- Swivel jaw, AC/DC amps with inrush
- Low-pass filter for accurate readings on VFD outputs
- Two temperature inputs for delta-T
- High safety rating: CAT IV 600 V / CAT III 1000 V
Keep in mind
- About 100 h battery life on a 9 V, less with wireless and backlight
- Heavy at about 480 g and long at 301 mm
What the SC680 does well
- Swivel jaw with AC and DC amps. The head swivels, which helps in tight panels, and the clamp reads AC and DC current up to 600 A.
- Inrush capture. Comparing a compressor or motor’s starting current with its nameplate locked-rotor amps helps diagnose hard starting.
- VFD-friendly True-RMS. Fieldpiece lists a low-pass filter for volts AC and frequency, which steadies readings on variable-speed outputs.
- Power measurement. The SC680 reads kW and has a phase rotation test, which a lighter residential clamp does not.
- Two temperature inputs. Two Type K inputs make delta-T across a coil a single-instrument reading.
- High safety rating. CAT IV 600 V / CAT III 1000 V is a step above most HVAC clamps.
Where it falls short
- Weight and size. Fieldpiece lists about 480 g and 301 mm. That is a lot to carry on a ladder compared with a 265 g Fluke 323.
- Battery. One 9 V gives about 100 hours with wireless and the backlight off, and less with them on.
- Price and size. It costs more than the residential clamps and is more instrument than a basic service call needs. If you only check amps and capacitors, a smaller clamp such as the UEi DL389B does the job for less.
- It needs your phone for logging. The wireless features rely on the Job Link app.
Who should buy it
Commercial HVAC techs, controls techs and anyone who services variable-speed equipment and wants a single clamp with a high CAT rating. Residential techs who mostly check amps and capacitors will be served at lower cost and weight by the UEi DL389B or the Fieldpiece SC440.
SC680 alternatives
- Klein CL810: Klein’s current 600 A AC/DC clamp with DC microamps and 6,000 uF capacitance. Search Amazon for the CL810.
- Fieldpiece SC480: a 600 A wireless clamp with DC microamps, capacitance, a low-ohm range for motor windings and power measurement. Fieldpiece describes it as the lower-priced sibling of the SC680.
- Fluke 325: a compact 400 A AC/DC clamp with temperature and capacitance to 1,000 uF.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Fieldpiece SC680 measure DC amps?
Yes. Fieldpiece lists 600 A AC/DC on the swivel jaw, along with inrush capture.
Can the SC680 test a flame sensor?
Yes. Fieldpiece lists a 1,000 uA DC range with 0.1 uA resolution.
What safety rating does the SC680 have?
CAT IV 600 V and CAT III 1000 V, according to Fieldpiece.
Does the SC680 work with the Job Link app?
Yes. It sends readings wirelessly to the Job Link System app on your phone or tablet.
Keep reading
Sources
Specifications and product details were checked against these sources:
