Fluke T130 - probe extensions not working In socket (schuko-e)? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: onesixright
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2018, 11:18:17 pm
content: Hi,I got a Fluke T130. Great tool for quick checking voltages.Now it comes with metal 4mm probe extensions that you can screw on the tip. I assume so you can easily stick them in a socket to check voltage.Now, for me (maybe it’s the face plate) these are locked, and only open if the plug has these round pins. Apparently the Fkuke tips arenot round enough, so testing a socket is a no go. You need to take off the face plate. BTW I’m in Czech Republic, using a central pin in the socket (ground), I think it’s called Schuko-E.Anyone else experienced this? I was looking for a different tip but can’t find them. Is it just unlucky a face plate I have, or something else going on?Thanks.Thanks!

author: TassiloH
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2018, 11:28:50 pm
content: An RCD ("Residual Current Device", or GFI - ground fault interrupter on the other side of the atlantic ocean) is a device in the breaker panel or sometimes integrated into an outlet.On the other side you seem to be talking about child proof wall outlets - receptacles - in general. Try poking both measurement leads into the two holes simultaneously - the Schuko childproof shutters typically open when something is pushed into both holes at the same time. Don't kill yourself in the process.

author: onesixright
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2018, 11:47:49 pm
content: Quote from: TassiloH on September 22, 2018, 11:28:50 pmSorry for the confusing, although living in CZ in Holland we say WCD (which is the wall socket). I updated the question.I tried with both but it really doesn’t open. I took the face plate off, to see how it actually works. But only thing I see is the the pins of a normal plug are much rounder. The tips of the fluke are actually flat and open, so the sharp tip is sticking 0,5mm out. On my extensions cord (has also the child protection) it kind of works, but I need to put a lot more pressure then when using a normal plug, to the point you think something will break

author: onesixright
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 22, 2018, 11:57:19 pm
content: Well with a bit of force and wiggling them around they (finally) get inBut to say it goes smooth (like a normal plug), hell no.Maybe some shitty face plates

author: threephase
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2018, 08:56:42 am
content: Yep, its all in the technique.I use the Fluke T110 and assuming that the probe tip setup is the same, if you look closely at the tips, you can see that the prongs stick out through them so you still have a little point instead of a round surface like the pins on a Schuko connector.If you press to hard those points dig into the shutters and make it harder for them to move.If I leave my T110 probes hooked together, as in the picture, they are the correct width apart to match the Schuko connector. I actually find that with light pressure and twisting, as though you are tightening and un-tightening a bolt, you can push the tester into the socket without too much issue.I am curious, if your 4mm adapters on your tester are actually 4mm? Mine are slightly bigger than standard 4mm and do not always go into a 4mm test socket.Kind regards

author: onesixright
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2018, 12:32:22 pm
content: Quote from: threephase on September 23, 2018, 08:56:42 amHi 3p,I noticed that they stick-out a tiny bit (see pictures), and that sharp point is not truly help-full. I also tried unscrewing not fully, but its then to loose IMO.I also use the probes "interconnected".My fluke pins are 4.2mm, the normal socket pins are 4.8mm.I took some pins out of a normal plug, and pushed them on. Now it worksmuch better. But does not feel safe (and if you push to far they tend to stick in). I assume that the way the vendor made the "child-lock" has something to do with it as-well.But it would be nice if Fluke would made some other probe versions that you can simply screw on and are good match (4.8mm) for the Schuko socket. I mean thats (among other things) where its for? To me this feels like a failI made a video, but not a clue where to upload it (its to big).Cheers.BTW, did you manage to disable to beep? I tried the 2 sec light button (in the manual), but nothing happens

author: onesixright
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2018, 01:10:32 pm
content: // updateIt happend I had some very old telephone plugs laying around. I don't think they use these any more nowadaysAnyway, they are a perfect fit as tips on the Fluke. Even the thread fits, fits like a glove! I pried them out with a bit of heat.They are nice round so they can open the 'child-lock' easily. No more problems checking the sockets!

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2018, 02:47:48 pm
content: Quote from: onesixright on September 22, 2018, 11:18:17 pmYou can use normal probes, the trick is usually that you have to push both probes in simultaneously.The face plates are designed so that just pushing on one hole won't open it.

author: onesixright
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2018, 03:34:27 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on September 23, 2018, 02:47:48 pmYou can't change the probes itself on the T130.The problem is, and that might be local, that the face-plates are designed in such a way they slide only up (easily) if the probes are rounded. The Fluke's are not, the extensions are actually flat, with a little hole, and the point of the probe is very sharp and protrudes ½ mm. Therefor it just get stuck in the face plate, no matter how hard you push. For it to open, itneeds to be rounded. Well, as I said at-least for the sockets I have. I also tried it on a extension cord, had same problem.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2018, 03:44:35 pm
content: The face plates are angled/sloping. If you angle the probes in the same direction they'll go in just fine.

author: onesixright
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2018, 04:12:00 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on September 23, 2018, 03:44:35 pmThanks. But thats a hit and miss. Checking a few dozen is cumbersome.As I said before, it probably has to do a lot the way the vendor made it. Mine are definitely not “easy”.Sent from my X using Tapatalk

author: threephase
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2018, 07:08:41 pm
content: If you have that many to test, would you not be better off getting hold of or making up an adapter lead? Even an adapter such as the one below that would plug safely into the socket and then you could use the meter without the probe adapters to make the measurement.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2018, 07:30:55 pm
content: Quote from: onesixright on September 23, 2018, 04:12:00 pmIf you have to check dozens then get a schuko-plug mains cable and attach some banana plugs to the other end. Connect the bananas to your meter then plug it in.Even better, get a dedicated plug tester.(or similar)

author: threephase
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 23, 2018, 09:30:42 pm
content: The adapter leads with the plug at one end and 4mm safety jack plugs at the other are great for use with hand held multi-meters, but unfortunately are not much use with the voltage probes we are using, as they do not have 4mm sockets, just permanently attached test probes.As long as you do not want to know the specific voltage, then I agree that the dedicated socket testers are by far the simplest and safest test methodology out there. Available for various common types of outlet, or by the one that matches the socket you test the most and then make up adapters to suit.