Fluke 883A Voltage - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: C-47
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2022, 12:51:37 am
content: I obtained a Fluke 883A some years ago and now just getting ready to use it, input voltage is listed as 115v and has the USA plug, but looking at the unit transformer it appears it can be wired for 230v which would be preferable for Oz, looking at the photo this appears to be pins 2 & 3. Would anyone who has a unit setup for 230v confirm this is correct as I don't want to let the smoke out. Thanks, Alan.

author: Romualds
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2022, 10:57:03 pm
content: Looks that for 230V setup, pins 2 and 3 have to be connected together and 230V applied to pins 1 and 4. In that case two 115V windings will be tied in series as it needed for 230V.

author: C-47
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2022, 08:52:15 am
content: Thanks Romualds for the response, pins 2 - 3 are tied together currently. Plan is to power it up on 115 volts first and see if it works and measure the transformer output voltage, that way hopefully minimise any damage. I found the main input slow blow fuse intermittent internal contact (depends on which way its held) so have some 100ma replacements on the way, hope I don't need too many at $8 each. Thanks.

author: sahko123
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2022, 08:29:04 pm
content: You can confirm what the windings are using a basic multimeter to just measure the resistance. If you find two primary windings then they'll probably be the same or close enough in resistance and when connected together theyll let you use 230v

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2022, 08:36:09 pm
content: Do you have a schematic for this instrument? I can't tell offhand just by looking at this what the correct answer would be, but you can't afford to get it wrong. Given its age, it might not be two 115V windings in parallel for low voltage and series for high--it might be something weird. If there's not schematic available, I'd recommend you proceed carefully, starting by tracing the wires, disconnecting the existing jumper(s) and measuring some winding resistances.

author: C-47
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2022, 11:45:28 pm
content: Thank you all for input, partial schematic only, but attached is the power supply end.Agree, don't want to completely wreck it through haste, but as it was obtained, quote "in working condition" that may have referred to when it was "new", the joys of buying used, but probably would have had to mortgage the house if bought new.

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2022, 12:19:55 am
content: Ok, now that makes sense. If 2-3 only are jumpered and the line comes in at 1 and 4, which as best I can see in your picture is appears to be the case, you are set for 230VAC.

author: C-47
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2022, 02:00:11 am
content: Thanks bdunham7, once the fuses arrive will give it a go.

author: C-47
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2022, 02:07:17 am
content: Update:Thanks to all for their input, received the correct fuses and powered it up initially on 115v and measured the transformer output voltage which was about 30% low, then onto 230v and no smoke appeared, let it stabilise for about an hour and took a measurement, its fairly close, will let it settle a bit more before any tweaking as have a voltage reference on its way. Thanks.