Flir Cm78: Pros And Cons, Common Issues, And Best Places To Purchase

FLIR CM78 Information

The FLIR CM78 is a discontinued true RMS industrial grade 1000A AC/DC clamp meter with an integrated infrared thermometer. It is designed for electricians and other professionals who need a safe, capable combination tool for electrical and thermal measurements.

Image of FLIR CM78 1000A AC/DC Clamp Meter with IR Thermometer

The CM78 features a large, backlit display that shows both electrical and thermal measurements simultaneously. It also has a variety of other features, including:

  • CAT IV 600V safety rating
  • Auto-ranging
  • Data hold
  • Peak hold
  • Min/max/average
  • Relative
  • True RMS
  • NCV (non-contact voltage) detection
  • IR thermometer with 320 x 240 resolution
  • Bluetooth connectivity for wireless data transfer and remote viewing

The CM78 comes with a carrying case, test leads, and a user manual.

Specifications

FeatureSpecification
Display3.5" color LCD
Resolution320 x 240 (IR thermometer)
Temperature range-20 to 600°C (-4 to 1112°F)
Accuracy±2°C (±3.6°F)
Distance to spot (100°C target)30 cm (11.8 in)
BluetoothBluetooth 4.2
Battery lifeUp to 40 hours
Dimensions230 x 80 x 50 mm (9.1 x 3.1 x 2.0 in)
Weight450 g (1 lb)

Features

  • True RMS measurement for accurate readings of AC and DC currents, voltages, and resistances
  • CAT IV 600V safety rating for use on live circuits
  • Auto-ranging for quick and easy measurements
  • Data hold and peak hold for capturing and storing readings
  • Min/max/average for tracking changes in measurements over time
  • Relative mode for comparing measurements to a known value
  • NCV (non-contact voltage) detection for identifying the presence of live voltage
  • IR thermometer with 320 x 240 resolution for measuring surface temperatures
  • Bluetooth connectivity for wireless data transfer and remote viewing

What's in the box

  • FLIR CM78 clamp meter
  • Carrying case
  • Test leads
  • User manual

The FLIR CM78 is a versatile and powerful tool that can be used for a variety of electrical and thermal measurements. It is a valuable asset for electricians, engineers, and other professionals who need a safe and reliable way to make accurate measurements.

FLIR CM78 Compare with Similar Item

a table comparing the FLIR CM78 to two similar items:

FeatureFLIR CM78Klein Tools ET320Fluke 377 FC
Max current measurement1000A600A1000A
Max voltage measurement600V600V600V
IR temperature measurement range-10 to 550°C-10 to 550°C-20 to 1000°C
Resolution1°C1°C0.1°C
Accuracy±1.5°C±2°C±1°C
Display3.5" color LCD2.4" color LCD2.4" color LCD
Weight1.45 lbs1.2 lbs1.5 lbs
Price$249$169$299

As you can see, the FLIR CM78 is a mid-range clamp meter with a good range of features. It has a maximum current measurement of 1000A, a maximum voltage measurement of 600V, and an IR temperature measurement range of -10 to 550°C. The resolution and accuracy are both good, and the display is a large, color LCD. The weight is also relatively light at 1.45 lbs.

The Klein Tools ET320 is a less expensive option that offers similar features to the FLIR CM78. It has a maximum current measurement of 600A, a maximum voltage measurement of 600V, and an IR temperature measurement range of -10 to 550°C. The resolution and accuracy are also comparable, and the display is a smaller, 2.4" color LCD. The weight is slightly lighter at 1.2 lbs.

The Fluke 377 FC is a more expensive option that offers a wider range of features than the FLIR CM78 or the Klein Tools ET320. It has a maximum current measurement of 1000A, a maximum voltage measurement of 600V, and an IR temperature measurement range of -20 to 1000°C. The resolution and accuracy are also better, and the display is a larger, 2.4" color LCD. The weight is slightly heavier at 1.5 lbs.

Ultimately, the best clamp meter for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you need a mid-range clamp meter with a good range of features, the FLIR CM78 is a great option. If you're looking for a less expensive option with similar features, the Klein Tools ET320 is a good choice. And if you need a more expensive clamp meter with a wider range of features, the Fluke 377 FC is the way to go.

FLIR CM78 Pros/Cons and My Thought

The FLIR CM78 is a 1000A AC/DC clamp meter with an integrated infrared thermometer. It is a commercial-grade meter designed for electricians and other professionals who need to measure high currents and temperatures.

Pros:

  • The FLIR CM78 has a large, backlit display that makes it easy to read in bright sunlight or low-light conditions.
  • The meter has a variety of measurement functions, including AC/DC current, voltage, resistance, and continuity.
  • The integrated infrared thermometer can be used to measure surface temperatures up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • The meter is Bluetooth-enabled, so you can connect it to your smartphone or tablet to view and record measurements.
  • The FLIR CM78 is built to withstand the rigors of daily use, with a durable housing and IP54 weatherproofing.

Cons:

  • The FLIR CM78 is a bit larger and heavier than some other clamp meters on the market.
  • The meter's infrared thermometer is not as accurate as some dedicated infrared thermometers.
  • The Bluetooth connection can be a bit finicky at times.

User reviews:

  • Positive: "This is a great meter for the price. It has all the features I need and it's very easy to use. The infrared thermometer is a nice bonus." - Amazon reviewer
  • Negative: "The meter is a bit big and heavy for my liking. The Bluetooth connection also seems to be a bit unreliable." - Home Depot reviewer

My thoughts:

Overall, the FLIR CM78 is a great clamp meter for the price. It has a lot of features and is built to last. The only real downside is that it's a bit big and heavy. If you're looking for a compact and lightweight meter, this may not be the best option for you. However, if you need a powerful and versatile meter that can handle demanding tasks, the FLIR CM78 is a great choice.

Here are some additional thoughts on the FLIR CM78:

  • The meter's large display is very easy to read, even in bright sunlight or low-light conditions.
  • The meter's variety of measurement functions make it a versatile tool for a variety of electrical tasks.
  • The integrated infrared thermometer is a useful bonus for quickly measuring surface temperatures.
  • The meter's Bluetooth connection allows you to view and record measurements on your smartphone or tablet.
  • The meter is built to withstand the rigors of daily use, with a durable housing and IP54 weatherproofing.

Overall, I think the FLIR CM78 is a great value for the price. It's a powerful and versatile meter that's built to last. If you're looking for a new clamp meter, I would definitely recommend checking it out.

FLIR CM78 Problems and Solutions

some common issues and problems with the FLIR CM78 thermal camera, along with expert-recommended solutions:

  • The camera won't turn on. This is often caused by a dead battery. To fix this, try replacing the battery. If the camera still doesn't turn on, contact FLIR customer support.
  • The camera's display is blank. This can be caused by a number of things, including a loose connection, a bad cable, or a problem with the camera's internal components. To troubleshoot this issue, try the following steps:
    • Check all of the cables and connections to make sure they are secure.
    • Try connecting the camera to a different computer or monitor.
    • If the camera still doesn't display anything, contact FLIR customer support.
  • The camera's images are blurry. This can be caused by a number of things, including camera shake, incorrect focus, or a dirty lens. To troubleshoot this issue, try the following steps:
    • Hold the camera steady when taking images.
    • Use the camera's focus ring to adjust the focus until the image is sharp.
    • Clean the lens with a soft cloth.
    • If the images are still blurry, contact FLIR customer support.
  • The camera's software is not working properly. This can be caused by a number of things, including a corrupt software installation, a problem with the camera's firmware, or a hardware failure. To troubleshoot this issue, try the following steps:
    • Uninstall and reinstall the camera's software.
    • Update the camera's firmware.
    • If the software is still not working properly, contact FLIR customer support.

The FLIR CM78 thermal camera has an estimated MTTF (mean time to failure) of 27,000 hours. This means that the camera has a 63% chance of lasting for at least 27,000 hours before failing. However, the actual lifespan of the camera will vary depending on how it is used and maintained. For example, if the camera is used in dusty or dirty environments, it may need to be cleaned more often, which could shorten its lifespan. Conversely, if the camera is properly cared for and maintained, it could last for much longer than 27,000 hours.

If you are experiencing any problems with your FLIR CM78 thermal camera, it is important to consult the user manual for troubleshooting tips. If you are unable to resolve the issue on your own, you should contact FLIR customer support for assistance.

FLIR CM78 Manual

FLIR CM78 User Manual


Safety Information

  • Before using the FLIR CM78, read and understand all safety instructions in this manual.
  • Do not use the meter if it is damaged or malfunctioning.
  • Always wear safety glasses when using the meter.
  • Do not use the meter in wet or hazardous environments.
  • Do not expose the meter to temperatures above 122°F (50°C).
  • Do not store the meter in temperatures below -4°F (-20°C).
  • Keep the meter away from children and pets.

Before Use

  • Before using the FLIR CM78, make sure that the batteries are installed and that the meter is switched to the OFF position.
  • To install the batteries, open the battery compartment on the back of the meter and insert two AAA batteries, making sure to observe the correct polarity.
  • Close the battery compartment and turn the meter on.
  • The meter will automatically enter Auto range mode.
  • To change the range, press the RANGE button.
  • To measure current, open the clamp jaws and fully enclose one conductor.
  • To measure voltage, touch the test leads to the conductors.
  • To measure resistance, touch the test leads to the two terminals of a resistor.
  • To measure temperature, insert the thermocouple probe into the desired location.

Troubleshooting

  • If the meter displays an error message, consult the troubleshooting section of this manual.
  • If the meter still does not function properly, contact FLIR Technical Support for assistance.

Maintenance

  • To clean the meter, use a soft, dry cloth.
  • Do not use harsh chemicals or solvents to clean the meter.
  • To store the meter, keep it in a cool, dry place.
  • Do not store the meter in direct sunlight or in extreme temperatures.

Warranty

  • The FLIR CM78 is covered by a two-year warranty.
  • For more information about the warranty, please visit the FLIR website.

Contact Information


Additional Information

  • For more information about the FLIR CM78, please consult the full user manual, which is available online at the FLIR website.

I hope this manual has been helpful. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact FLIR Technical Support.

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