Fluke 715 Volt/mA Loop Calibrator
The Fluke 715 Volt/mA Loop Calibrator is designed for technicians and engineers who need to test both 4–20 mA process loops and DC voltage signals. Unlike a dedicated mA loop calibrator, the 715 combines current measurement, current sourcing, current simulation and voltage measurement/source functions in a single portable instrument.
This makes it particularly useful when working with process transmitters, PLC outputs and other instrumentation where both current and voltage signals need to be verified during commissioning or troubleshooting.
Precision 4–20 mA Loop Calibration
The Fluke 715 supports mA measurement, sourcing and simulation across a 0–24 mA range. Its 0.001 mA resolution and 0.01% + 2 counts accuracy provide the precision required for professional process loop calibration.
The instrument can also display the mA signal as a percentage of span, making it easier to verify transmitter outputs and process control signals.
Key Technical Parameters
mA measure/source/simulate: 0–24 mA
mA resolution: 0.001 mA
mA accuracy: 0.01% + 2 counts
Voltage measure/source: 0–20 V
Voltage resolution: 0.001 V
Voltage accuracy: 0.01% + 2 counts
mV measure/source: 0–200 mV
mV resolution: 0.01 mV
Loop power: 24 V DC
Operating temperature: -10 to +55 °C
Display: 5-digit LCD
Battery: 1 × 9 V alkaline
Weight: approximately 330 g
Dimensions: approximately 187 × 87 × 32 mm
Measure and Source Voltage Signals
One of the main advantages of the Fluke 715 is its ability to handle voltage as well as current.
The calibrator can measure and source DC voltage signals up to 20 V, as well as 0–200 mV signals. This makes it suitable for checking voltage outputs from PLCs, transmitters and other process-control equipment.
For technicians who regularly work with both mA and voltage instrumentation, this can reduce the need to carry separate calibration instruments.
Source and Simulate 4–20 mA
The Fluke 715 can source or simulate 4–20 mA signals, allowing technicians to generate known current values for testing process control systems.
The source mode can be used to test analog inputs and current-controlled devices, while simulate mode allows the instrument to act as a transmitter signal source within an externally powered loop. The mA output range extends from 0 to 24 mA, equivalent to -25% to 125% of the standard 4–20 mA span.
24 V Loop Power
The integrated 24 V DC loop supply allows the Fluke 715 to power compatible current loops while simultaneously measuring the resulting current.
The loop supply can drive up to 20 mA into 1000 Ω when the battery voltage is above 6.8 V, providing useful capacity for transmitter testing and commissioning.
Step and Linear Ramp Functions
For troubleshooting and calibration, the Fluke 715 provides both step and linear ramp output functions.
These functions allow technicians to change the output signal in controlled increments or continuously across a selected range, which is useful for checking the response of PLC/DCS inputs, transmitters and control equipment.
Configurable zero and span settings further simplify routine calibration work.
HART-Compatible Loop Testing
The Fluke 715 includes a 250 Ω HART resistor with loop power. This provides the required loop resistance for compatible HART communication setups when using an external HART communicator.
It is important to distinguish this from the Fluke 709H: the 715 provides the HART resistor, but it is not itself an integrated HART communicator with the advanced HART diagnostic functions of the 709H.
Compact Design for Field Calibration
The Fluke 715 uses a compact handheld design based on Fluke's rugged 80 Series meter format.
It weighs approximately 330 g and measures about 187 × 87 × 32 mm, making it practical for technicians who need to carry calibration equipment around process plants and instrumentation installations.
The instrument also features a removable battery door, protective holster with test-lead storage and compatibility with the Fluke ToolPak magnetic hanging system.
Reliable Operation in Industrial Environments
The Fluke 715 is designed for field use, with EMI tolerance, dust and splash resistance and a 1 m drop test specification.
Its operating temperature range is -10 to +55 °C, supporting common industrial maintenance and commissioning environments.
Typical Applications
The Fluke 715 is suitable for:
4–20 mA loop calibration
Pressure transmitter testing
Temperature transmitter testing
Flow transmitter testing
Level transmitter testing
PLC analog output testing
DCS I/O verification
Process transmitter calibration
Voltage signal testing
Control loop commissioning
Instrumentation troubleshooting
Fluke 715 vs. Fluke 709
The Fluke 709 is primarily a precision mA loop calibrator, while the Fluke 715 adds dedicated voltage measurement and sourcing capabilities.
Both instruments support 0–24 mA loop functions and precision calibration, but the 715 is a better fit when the application requires both current and voltage signal testing.
Fluke 715 vs. Fluke 772
The Fluke 772 is designed around process clamp measurement and active mA loop testing, including clamp-based current measurement without breaking the loop.
The Fluke 715, in contrast, is a conventional wired Volt/mA calibrator that focuses on precision current and voltage measurement/source/simulation. Therefore, the 715 is more appropriate when voltage calibration is part of the job, while the 772 is better suited to non-invasive loop troubleshooting.
FAQ
What is the Fluke 715 used for?
The Fluke 715 is used for 4–20 mA loop calibration, voltage signal testing, transmitter calibration and PLC/DCS process instrumentation troubleshooting.
Can the Fluke 715 measure 4–20 mA?
Yes. It measures 0–24 mA signals with 0.001 mA resolution and 0.01% + 2 counts accuracy.
Can the Fluke 715 source 4–20 mA?
Yes. The Fluke 715 can source and simulate 0–24 mA, covering the standard 4–20 mA process range.
Can the Fluke 715 measure voltage?
Yes. It can measure and source DC voltage from 0 to 20 V, with 0.001 V resolution. It also supports 0–200 mV measurement and sourcing.
Does the Fluke 715 provide 24 V loop power?
Yes. The Fluke 715 provides 24 V DC loop power and can measure the loop current simultaneously.
Does the Fluke 715 communicate with HART instruments?
The 715 includes a 250 Ω HART resistor with loop power, but it is not a full HART communicator. For integrated HART communication and diagnostics, the Fluke 709H is the more appropriate model.
