Fluke’s infrared thermometers make building and automotive maintenance a whole lot easier. They’re perfect for troubleshooting pumps, transformers, motors, and ducts in hard-to-reach places. Let’s compare the 62 Max to the 64 Max to see which one is best for the job you do.
Fluke 62 Max
Fluke is known for accuracy. The 62 Max thermometer arrives calibrated and ready to use – just pop in the AA battery. (Yes, you’ll need a flathead screwdriver.)
As expected, the readings don’t fluctuate even if the same spot is measured multiple times. The laser technology ensures accuracy up to +/- 1.5% or +/- 1.5°C. (The accuracy goes down a bit when it’s below 0°C.)
The 62 Max has a 10:1 spot ratio. This allows the user to stand 10 feet away and measure a one-foot circle. Compare that to the 64 Max which has double the range at 20:1. In both cases, the targeting laser centers on the spot. Fluke’s instruction manual reminds the user that measuring closer is better so that the temperature isn’t averaged out over the area.
Another difference between the 62 Max and the 64 Max is the temperature ranges they measure. The 62 Max has a slightly smaller range between -30°C to 500°C (or -22°F to 932°F). But it displays the minimum, maximum, average, and difference between measurements. Plus, the response time is less than 500 ms.
As for the design of the thermometer, it’s been updated to feel better in the hand. It’s lightweight enough to clip onto a belt and it’s been drop-tested to withstand a 3m fall onto concrete.
Moreover, it’s IP54-rated to resist dust and splashing water. It’s so energy-efficient that it can run up to 10 hours even with the backlight and laser on.
More benefits:
- Backlit display
- 3-year warranty
- Available with NIST certificate
- Weighs 9 ounces
- Battery included
Fluke 64 Max
Why might you choose the 64 Max instead of the 62 Max? One reason is that the 64 Max is more precise and has a wider temperature range. It’s accurate up to 1°C or 1% of the reading (whichever is greater). Meanwhile, it can measure from -30°C to 600°C or -22°F to 1112°F. The accuracy only goes down when it gets below freezing. However, it’s speedy, needing less than 500 ms per reading.
Next, it has a 20:1 distance to spot ratio allowing the user to measure a 1-foot radius from a distance of 20 feet. That’s double the range of the 62 Max.
While both thermometers have backlit displays, the 64 Max has a built-in flashlight. Furthermore, it can record 99 data points and log data even if the user isn’t present. The Auto Capture feature measures the temperature at the set time. It’s also possible to set up high and low alarms in case temperatures exceed the desired limits. Later, it’s easy to review the average, minimum, and maximum measurements.
Fluke even allows the user to adjust the emissivity. The default value is 0.95 which is perfect for measuring asphalt or opaque plastic. But if you’re checking water or hot food, the setting should be 0.93.
Similar to Fluke’s other industrial thermometer, this one is rated IP54 against dust and water and can handle a 3-meter drop. But it offers 30 hours of battery life on a single AA alkaline, which is triple the runtime of the 62 Max.
More benefits:
- Holding the SEL button for 3 seconds opens a menu to change settings like the time, date, Celsius or Fahrenheit, backlight, and targeting laser on/off
- 3-year warranty
- Weighs 9 ounces
- Battery included
Recommendation
Both industrial infrared thermometers are ready to go right out of the box. They even come with a battery included.
The Fluke 62 Max is excellent for general-purpose work. It’s accurate, compact, and sturdy. What’s more, it’s straightforward to use and covered by a 3-year warranty.
Nevertheless, the 64 Max is more precise and it has a wider temperature range. Not only can it log measurements unattended, but it also features high and low-temperature alarms. The 64 Max can be used from a greater distance and has a flashlight, too. Lastly, it gets more mileage out of every battery.
Click here to purchase Fluke 62 Max on Amazon.com
Click here to purchase Fluke 64 Max on Amazon.com