If you are forced to solve an electronic or electronic problem at once, you must have it on your own to work with only the best multimeter.
While standard multimeters may be able to handle automotive or household chores quite well, this may not be the case if you are working with industrial equipment. With that in mind, we’ve put a lot of time and resources into giving you an in-depth review of one of the best industrial multimeters on the market – the Fluke 87V digital multimeter.
We will take a look at why this multimeter is worth every penny from the build quality and construction design as much as the performance can be considered in terms of performance. Above all, have been working for quite some time, we cannot expect less than the best from Fluke. Without further ado, let’s start with our review now, what do we do?
The First Impression
Being a digital multimeter, the Fluke 7 definitely got a big LCD display on the front face which I am sure will blow your mind. Just below the LCD display are some functional buttons – a total of 8 in two rows.
Dial just below these. It has got off positions starting from the extreme left and there are a total of 7. measuring stations. I believe that this is what you want to do in any industry. Below the dial is a banana input jack. There are one COM port and three more ports for use with the favorable investigation. In general, the labeling of these multimeters is clear.
The functional buttons above are clearly labelled which are labelled in various measuring stations as well as banana input plugs. After getting a glimpse of what you should expect from Fluke 87, move on to see how you can benefit from how you relate to building quality and performance.
The Build Quality And Design
Compared to other digital multimeters on the market today, I would like to say that the most exciting feature of this multimeter is the quality of the design. First of all, this multimeter is not too big to be uncomfortable in your hand or too small for you to be able to use it comfortably.
You can comfortably hold it in the palm of your hand without having to worry about it slipping out of your fist. To protect it from potential damage, each design is tested and verified to be able to withstand any drops, shocks and even reasonable levels of humidity. Another thing you should know about the design features is that this multimeter comes with a removable holster. It has got a built-in probe and LED storage.
Unlike other digital multimeters that require you to remove the entire back panel so that the battery can be replaced, this saves you all those problems. Although the rest of the multimeter is tightly sealed in the interest of durability, the Fluke 87 has an access door on the back that makes battery switching quick and easy.
Ultimate Accuracy
When it comes to the use of this multimeter, I would say that accuracy is probably one of the best compared to other industrial multimeters in the class. Being a true-RMS multimeter, you will not only have the advantage of using it for both sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal waveforms but you will also enjoy a high level of accuracy.
Because of this, you may be able to use it when solving home appliances problems. For accuracy, it needs to be mentioned that this multimeter is accurate with a voltage of 0.05 dc which is quite reliable. In addition to these, there is a selectable filter which is another factor that contributes to the high level of accuracy you get in this multimeter.
What’s more significant is that the Fluke 87v digital multimeter has an analog bar that allows measuring volatile or fast-changing signals. When it comes to frequency measurement, you will get accurate results on adjustable speed drives that can only be submitted to low pass filters.
The digital multimeter can measure frequencies up to 200kHz. In The Auto-Small and Manual, Small functions are interchangeable. Yet another feature that makes every penny worth this is being able to switch between auto range as well as manual range.
This makes the multimeter suitable for use as a first-timer, just like expert-level technicians. With the auto-ranging function, you don’t have to set the range manually; In fact, you will save both time and effort to do so, and you will get the same results. On the other hand, if you want to set this range manually, you can switch to the manual ranging function. This will give you the right results as well.
A Built-In Thermometer For Temperature Measurement
The manual and auto-ranging function will be able to give you a high level of versatility; there is an added feature that will definitely revitalize your mind – a built-in thermometer. Without carrying a separate instrument to measure the temperature level, the built-in thermometer will allow you to do it quickly.
With built-in thermometer from -200 degrees Celsius to 1090 degrees, Celsius / -328 degrees Fahrenheit to 1994 degrees Fahrenheit able to be able to measure. While you’re getting a built-in thermometer with this digital multimeter, you’ll also get an external temperature probe.
It measures from -40 degrees Celsius to 1090 degrees Celsius / -40 degrees Fahrenheit to -500 degrees Fahrenheit. Either way, whether it’s needed for your home maintenance or industrial use, the Fluke 87V digital multimeter is an excellent digital multimeter for similar use.
How Safe Is This Multimeter?
I’m betting that we can both agree that if a multimeter isn’t secure enough, it’s not worth your money, is it? That being said, let’s take a look at how the Fluke 87v digital multimeter performs on safety, what do we do?
To ensure it is genuinely an industry-grade multimeter, it has been built and is compatible with CAT III 1000V as well as CAT IV 600V protection ratings.
On the other hand, the CAT III 1000V rating represents this multimeter suitable for use in household appliances and for measuring main voltage, on the other hand, the CAT IV presents it suitable for industrial use. The latter will be helpful enough to protect you from over content as well. Cats IV also includes 600V safety test leads; Along with the alligator clips, you will get the 9-volt battery that comes with this multimeter.
One more thing to mention about the level of protection in this digital multimeter is that it has received audible warnings against misuse of input jacks. I believe this is one more reason why this multimeter is ideal for use by a power station specialist such as an entry-level user simply to solve electrical circuit problems in the house.
The Display
In addition to protection, the display is another thing that we should really take into account when buying a digital multimeter. In the case of the Fluke 87V digital multimeter, you will get quite an outstanding display. Being a large and easily readable LCD, you also have a 2-level backlight feature.
These two combined multimeters make it quite ideal for use even in light conditions. It is significantly easier to read than other multimeters. As a resolution, you get 6000 counts and 3-3 / 4 numbers. That’s not all, if you want to tune in a bit more to get more precise measurements, you can switch to 4,000 / 2-digit mode which works 20,000 times.
One of these will be outstanding enough for a particular industrial use and much more, not every multimeter out there gives you the luxury of being able to switch it like that. The display quality, combined with the real-RMS capabilities of this multimeter, undoubtedly makes it one of the best on the market.
Yet another notable feature about the display is that you will be able to see clearly the icon of various measurement activities related to what you have selected using the dial. Considering the display is a large, clean-looking and well-backlit feature, you’ll be able to create even the smallest details displayed readily.
Optional Magnetic Hanger
Sometimes, when using a digital multimeter, you may need to do something else for a moment and possibly grab both of your hands. In this case, you may be struggling to operate other multimeters, but the Fluke 87v digital multimeter comes with a magnetic hanger.
This allows you to safely set up the multimeter when not in use or alternatively, you can set it up so that it is easy to see if your hand has been occupied by something else.
I think we can both agree that it is very difficult for you to get this level of flexibility and convenience in other multimeters.
The Measurement Functions
Considering the Fluke 87V digital multimeter as an industrial multimeter, you may be able to handle a lot of measurements using it. For starters, if you can take voltage measurements for both AC and DC, it depends on where the rotational position is and it also goes for both AC and DC currents at the same time.
For current measurements, you can measure from 0 mA to 600 mA or from 0 to 10 amps. In addition to measuring current and voltage, you will also be able to measure resistance, continuity and capacitance. It is worth mentioning that all the mentioned functions are all operated in the same place with rotary and to switch the capacitance you have to press the yellow button in the first row and at the far right.
The 600Mv DC voltage range and temperature operated at the same station and you can switch between either. Until the end, you can conduct diode testing, duty cycles as well as frequency measurements.
Something to have in mind
When taking all these measures, the position of the black banana input plug never changes – it should always be in the COM port. For a favourable investigation, you should be careful when measuring various errors to avoid not only taking the wrong lesson but also to prevent damage to the multimeter.
Push Buttons
In addition to knowing what you can do with the rotary switch in a given position, it is also essential to understand what the various pushbuttons allow you to do. Let’s take a look at each of them.
The yellow button
Once you look at the stations around the rotary switch, you will probably notice that some of the stations have a yellow label for the given measurements and the rest have a white label. The function of the yellow button is to allow you to select the capacitance, temperature, low pass filter function and switch between AC and DC current.
All this depends on where the rotation switch is located. Considering whether the Auto Power Off feature enabled or disabled, you can press this button when powering to arbitrarily disable the multimeter by which the meter will read “POF”.
The min/max button
With a rotary switch in any position, you will be able to use this function conveniently. It starts recording the highest and lowest quality. It steps the display through MAX, MIN, and AVG (average) and then presents readings. To cancel this mode, all you have to do is press the button for one second.
Also, while strengthening the multimeter, it enables you to calibrate the multimeter. After you hold it as you get the Fluke87 VTV, the display will read “CAL” and you can easily calibrate your multimeter.
Range
With switching to any position, if you are in the manual ranging mode, you can switch between the available ranges for the selected function.
To return to auto-ranging, hold down the button for 1 second. You can use it to switch within Celsius and Fahrenheit temperatures and enable meter smoothing mode until you release it.
Auto hold
It captures or modifies the current text displayed with the switch at any location. When a new stable reading is identified, the meter beeps and the early readings are replaced with it.
If the rotary is at the frequency counter, it will end recording without deleting the recorded values, and if it is at the MIN Max recording, the multimeter will turn off and start the frequency counter. You will be able to turn on the multimeter as well as turn on all the LCD sections after pressing it.
The brightness button
This button only works to turn on the backlight. Holding it allows you to enter high-resolution mode or 19,999-count mode.
The continuity button
You can turn the continuity on or off with rotary, resistance or capacitance positions in the continuity. If the rotary is on the MIN Max recording, you will be able to switch between the Pick-250-s- and the standard 100mm response bar.
If Hz is in the duty cycle position, you can toggle the multimeter to trigger a positive or negative operation. As you increase the power of the multimeter, you will disable all beeper functions.
Relative mode
This button easily saves texts that currently displayed as a reference for other subsequent readers. Protected text is subtracted from other following texts.
As you get the multimeter, you will enable zoom mode for the bar graph until the button is released.
Hz% button
With rotary in any position, pressing this button enables frequency measurement and starts the frequency counter.
Pressing it once more will allow you to enter duty mode. You will enable high impedance mode if you are using the MV function as well as strengthening the multimeter.
Sleep Mode For Battery Saving
This digital multimeter comes with a 9-volt battery. Although this may take you some time, there is an included advanced selectable slip mode. With this feature, if the multimeters are left idle for 30 minutes, the battery will be switched on automatically.
Considering most of the other digital multimeters you give them a window of 10 minutes of automatic power off which can be rather inconvenient for some, the 30 minutes you get on this multimeter is quite time-consuming.
Fluke 179 vs 87-V Review
If you are in the market for a multimeter, there may be a strong demand for fluke products such as the Fluke 179 ESFP True RMS multimeter or the Fluke 87-V digital multimeter. Everett, a wash-based company, was founded in 1948 and is now considered a global leader in the production, distribution and service of electronic testing equipment and software. All of its multimeter products are designed and manufactured in the United States.
The multimeter is a handheld electronic measuring instrument that transmits voltage, current and resistance. Analog models use a pointer that moves over a printed scale, while digitals display values measured in digits. In different ways, the products are the same.
Both the Fluke 179 and Fluke 87-V are digital models and have been tested for safe use in CAT IV 600 V / CAT III 1000 V environments. Both measure 10.6 x 6.3 x 3.6 inches and include a built-in thermometer, eliminating the need for separate units for temperature measurement. have been engineered to work well in a chaotic environment. And both support lifetime warranty.
Fluke 179 ESFP True RMS Multimeter with Backlight and Temp
The Fluke 179 is a digital multimeter and can be used to solve a plant and equipment problem. The tool features True RMS AC voltage and current, allowing more accurate measurements at nonlinear loads. Its large digital display featured an analog bar graph and backlit for work in dark areas.
Features of the Fluke 179 ESFP
- Record average, minimum and maximum values to help solve problems.
- Comes with a 9V battery installed.
- The case can be calibrated through the front panel without opening.
- Featuring an ergonomic case with an integrated protective holder.
Fluke 87-V Digital Multimeter
Fluke’s flagship product, the Fluke 87-V is an industrial digital multimeter featuring auto and manual for maximum flexibility, as well as analog bar graphs for unstable or rapidly changing signals. It can measure up to 20 seconds at 10 seconds.
The filter can be adjusted for the correct voltage and an input warning sounds an alarm if the wrong input jack is used. It weighs two pounds and measures 10.3 x 6.2 x 3.5 inches – suitable for use in small spaces, such as if you work on HVAC units.
Features of the Fluke 87-V
- Peak Minimum / Maximum allows you to capture the mediator as 250 µ S quickly.
- Dual-display resolution makes it easy to see small changes in readings.
- Reduces the risk associated with power surges and spikes and can withstand up to 8,000V.
- They are designed and tested individually for compliance with ANSI / ISA S82.01, Second Edition and EN61010-1.
Comparison
Despite the surface uniformity, the products differ in several important ways. The Fluke 179 ESFP is slightly lighter, weighing 1.7 pounds to 2 pounds of the 87-V. It comes with a magnetic hanger for hands-free operation as well as a battery, thermocouple probe, integrated holster and case end test lead.
At the same time, most components have to be purchased separately for the 87-V. On the other hand, many users feel that the crew of the ship with 179 ESFP can be made of lightweight plastic and feel flexible. The 87-V temperature may be less accurate to temperatures below freezing and cell phones cannot suffer interference, which is not known in the risk areas for 179 ESFP.
Meanwhile, the 179 ESFP lacks some of the features found in the high-end 87-V, such as dual display resolution and a sharp reduction in power. It is designed for extensive size use so that it may be less flexible for smaller projects than the 87-V. In conclusion, both products are great for their price points and will serve most engineers and electronics for several years. However, due to the lightweight and the included battery, case and holster, the Fluke 179 ESFP could be a better purchase.
Final verdict
At the end of our Fluke 87v digital multimeter review, we must see that this multimeter is worth every penny. Its level of versatility is not comparable and it goes in terms of appropriateness as well as protection and durability. In addition to the interior design, the accessories you are getting will allow you to handle quite a few.
If you are looking for an all-around digital multimeter that you can use quite a bit to do something, I would recommend the Fluke87. In terms of budget, I would say that it is definitely worth every penny and since you owe it to yourself to get the most important place for your buck, so you should do it.