Fluke 5500A vs Fluke 5520A
This comparison evaluates the Fluke 5500A and the Fluke 5520A multi-product calibrators. Designed for calibration laboratories and test benches, both instruments serve as centralized standards for electrical instrument verification. They share a similar design chassis, identical external dimensions, and matching primary connectivity. However, the Fluke 5520A expands upon the output capabilities of the Fluke 5500A, offering wider current, resistance, and capacitance ranges, alongside higher maximum oscilloscope calibration bandwidths and dedicated options for power quality and pressure modules.
- Warm-up Time
- 30 minutes
- Dimensions (W×H×D)
- 432 × 178 × 473 mm
- Operating Temperature Range
- 0 to 50 °C
- Phase Resolution
- 0.01°
Specifications
| Specification | Fluke5500A | Fluke5520A |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Interfaces | RS-232; IEEE-488 (GPIB) | GPIB (IEEE-488), RS-232 |
| Physical | ||
| Power Supply | 100 / 120 / 220 / 240 V AC ±10%, 47 to 63 Hz | — |
| Operating Temperature(°C) | 0 to +50 °C | 0 °C to 50 °C |
| Dimensions (W×H×D)(mm) | 432 × 178 × 473 mm | 432 mm × 178 mm × 473 mm |
| Weight(kg) | 20 kg | — |
| General Specifications | ||
| Frequency Range | 0.01 Hz to 2.0 MHz | — |
| Output Capabilities | DC/AC voltage, DC/AC current, resistance, capacitance, simulated power (phase control), thermocouples, RTDs | — |
| Waveform Generation | Multiple waveforms and harmonics | — |
| DC Voltage Specifications | ||
| Output Ranges | 0 to ±1020 V | — |
| Temperature Calibration | ||
| Supported Types | Thermocouples and RTDs | — |
| Power and Energy (Simulated) | ||
| DC/AC Power Capabilities | Dual DC or AC outputs (two voltages, or voltage + current) with phase control | — |
| DC Power Range | 109 µW to 11 kW | — |
| AC Power Range | 109 µW to 11 kW | — |
| Oscilloscope Calibration Options | ||
| Leveled Sine Wave Bandwidth | Up to 600 MHz (with Oscilloscope Calibration option) | — |
| Supported Signals | Leveled sine wave, fast edge, time mark, amplitude signals | — |
| Safety and Compliance | ||
| Calibration Traceability | Traceable to nationally recognized standards (certificate included) | — |
| Environmental | ||
| Storage Temperature | -20 to +70 °C | — |
| Non-Operating Altitude | Up to 12,200 m (40,000 ft) | — |
| Shock and Vibration | MIL-T-28800E, Type III, Class 5 | — |
| Performance | ||
| Warm-up Time | 30 minutes (to meet full specifications) | — |
| Frequency Output Accuracy | — | ± 2.5 ppm |
| Performance Specifications | ||
| DC Voltage Output Range | 0 to ±1020 V | — |
| AC Voltage Output Range | 1 mV to 1020 V | — |
| DC Current Output Range | 0 to ±11 A | — |
| AC Current Output Range | 29 µA to 11 A | — |
| Resistance Output Range | 0 to 329.999 MΩ | — |
| Capacitance Output Range | 330 pF to 1.0999 mF | — |
| Phase Range | 0 to ±179.99° | — |
| Phase Resolution | 0.01° | — |
| Options & Upgrades | ||
| Oscilloscope Calibration | 300 MHz (Option SC300) or 600 MHz (Option SC600) | — |
| Power | ||
| Maximum Power Consumption | 600 VA | — |
| Power Consumption | — | 600 VA |
| Line Voltage Settings | — | 100 V / 120 V / 220 V / 240 V (± 10%) |
| Line Frequency Range | — | 47 Hz to 63 Hz |
| Compliance | ||
| Safety Standards | IEC 1010-1 (1990), ANSI/ISA S82.01-1994, CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 1010.1-92 | — |
| DC Voltage Function | ||
| DC Voltage Range Limits | — | 0 to ±1020 V |
| DC Voltage Best 1-Year Uncertainty | — | ±11 ppm of setting |
| DC Current Function | ||
| DC Current Range Limits | — | 0 to ±20.5 A |
| AC Voltage Function | ||
| AC Voltage Range Limits | — | 1 mV to 1020 V |
| AC Voltage Frequency Range | — | 10 Hz to 500 kHz |
| AC Voltage Waveforms | — | Sine, square, triangle, truncated sine |
| AC Current Function | ||
| AC Current Range Limits | — | 29 µA to 20.5 A |
| AC Current Frequency Range | — | 10 Hz to 30 kHz |
| Resistance Function | ||
| Resistance Range | — | 0 to 1100 MΩ |
| Resistance Output Mode | — | Continuously variable |
| Capacitance Function | ||
| Capacitance Range | — | 0.19 nF to 110 mF |
| Capacitance Output Mode | — | Continuously variable |
| Power and Phase Function | ||
| Phase Resolution | — | 0.01° |
| Dual Output Capabilities | — | Two simultaneous voltage outputs or voltage and current |
| Frequency and Duty Cycle | ||
| Frequency Output Range | — | 0.01 Hz to 2.0 MHz |
| Oscilloscope Calibration Option | ||
| Oscilloscope Calibration Bandwidth Options | — | Up to 300 MHz, 600 MHz, or 1.1 GHz (by option) |
| Power Quality Option | ||
| Power Quality Option Model | — | 5520A-PQ |
| Pressure and Humidity Measurement | ||
| Pressure Module Compatibility | — | Fluke 700 Series |
| General & Environmental Specifications | ||
| Calibration Software Compatibility | — | MET/CAL Plus |
| Warm-up Time | — | 30 minutes |
| Recommended Calibration Interval | — | 1 year (12 months) |
| Storage Temperature Range | — | -20 °C to 70 °C |
| Operating Altitude Limit | — | 3,050 m (10,000 ft) |
| Safety Compliance | — | Designed to comply with IEC 1010-1 |
| Temperature | ||
| Thermocouple Simulation Resolution | — | 0.01 °C / 0.01 °F |
| RTD Simulation Resolution | — | 0.01 °C / 0.01 °F |
| Safety & Isolation | ||
| Maximum Guard-to-Earth Voltage | — | 20 V peak |
Electrical Sourcing Differences
While both calibrators cover core electrical parameters, their sourcing ranges vary significantly.
- Voltage: Both systems share a DC and AC voltage limit of 0 to ±1020 V (starting from 1 mV for AC voltage).
- Current: The Fluke 5500A delivers a DC current range of 0 to ±11 A and an AC current range of 29 µA to 11 A. The Fluke 5520A expands this range, providing up to 20.5 A for both DC and AC outputs.
- Resistance: The Fluke 5500A sources resistance from 0 to 329.999 MΩ. The Fluke 5520A provides a wider continuously variable range of 0 to 1100 MΩ.
- Capacitance: The Fluke 5500A has a capacitance range of 330 pF to 1.0999 mF, while the Fluke 5520A operates over a continuously variable range from 0.19 nF to 110 mF.
Oscilloscope and Functional Calibration Options
Both instruments offer optional internal hardware packages for oscilloscope calibration, but they target different bandwidth thresholds. The Fluke 5500A can be configured with either a 300 MHz option (SC300) or a 600 MHz option (SC600). The Fluke 5520A offers bandwidth packages up to 300 MHz, 600 MHz, or 1.1 GHz.
Additionally, the Fluke 5520A supports features not available on the Fluke 5500A, including compatibility with Fluke 700 Series pressure modules and compatibility with MET/CAL Plus calibration software. For power quality applications, a specialized version of the higher-end unit, the Fluke 5520A-PQ, is available.
Shared Physical and Operating Standards
The physical chassis and operational footprint of both units are virtually identical. Each model has dimensions of 432 × 178 × 473 mm, requires a 30-minute warm-up period to meet its full specifications, and operates within a temperature range of 0 °C to 50 °C. Both units feature maximum power consumption ratings of 600 VA and can handle line voltage settings from 100 V to 240 V AC (±10%) at frequencies of 47 Hz to 63 Hz. Sourced signals can be controlled via standard GPIB (IEEE-488) or RS-232 interfaces.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary current capability difference between these two calibrators?
- The Fluke 5500A has a maximum current output limit of 11 A for both AC and DC, whereas the Fluke 5520A extends this limit up to 20.5 A.
- Which model supports pressure calibration modules?
- The Fluke 5520A supports external Fluke 700 Series pressure modules, a capability not specified for the Fluke 5500A.
- Are the resistance output modes different on these units?
- Yes. The Fluke 5500A sources discrete resistance values up to 329.999 MΩ, while the Fluke 5520A offers a continuously variable resistance output mode up to 1100 MΩ.