Fluke 87V Industrial Multimeter

The Fluke 80 series is Fluke's "bread and butter" meter and the 87-V or "87 Five" is has been pretty much “THE standard in multimeters” since its introduction. It's an industry professional's tool that's jam packed with useful and accurate measurements that make it appealing to electricians and electronics professionals alike. Frankly there isn't too much this meter doesn't have. It's a 6000 count meter with a push button 20,000 ct hi-resolution mode. It measures Amps (up to 10), mA and uA, as well as capacitance, V and mV, temperature, frequency, resistance AND conductance, and of course it has a continuity buzzer as well as a diode check. As of this update in Aug 2015 there are several meters that have entered the market with a higher accuracy or at least higher resolution but none that I feel are a higher quality than the 87-V. That said I do feel that it’s time for Fluke to build its successor. The 87-V’s design is nearly 30 years old and technology has advanced meaning that it’s time to see a newer design.What sets the 87-V apart...This is a 6000 count display with 4 updates per second, plus a 33 segment bar graph with 40 updates per second. The bar graph I find extremely responsive and reliable. There is also a two stage back light. The screen is large and clear, the location of range switch and mode selectors is well thought out. The light works well in low and no light situations. This is a True-RMS meter as you would expect from Fluke (and any meter in this price range.) Lacking True-RMS isn't such a big deal if you're taking measurements from a clean / pure AC sine wave source, but if your measuring an AC source that’s distorted or not a sine wave at all (example: a modified sine wave inverter), your measurement can be off quite a bit. The 87-V features a CAT IV rating. It has a maximum working voltage of 600V in both AC and DC ranges at CAT IV with a CAT III rating to 1000V AC and DC.. The CAT ratings can be a bit ambiguous but I'll attempt to summarize CAT III and CAT IV. Basically with the CAT III safety range, you can work on most panel boards / switch gear and anything downstream of them (i.e. - feeders, outlets, hard wired equipment, and anything plugged into them.) CAT IV is the highest rating and it adds service drops and underground installations. So basically CAT III is the MINIMUM rating you want on your meter. DO NOT exceed the CAT rating of ANY meter because doing so, in a Murphy’s Law scenario could expose the user to a potentially fatal shock or a catastrophic failure of the meter. The voltage that accompanies the CAT rating isn't all that complicated. It's simply the maximum "working voltage” or "max line voltage" of the meter on that part of the electrical system. Maximum surge and destructive voltage can be a little harder to find if not posted in the literature. However I believe the 87-V features a max transient voltage is 8kV. The 87-V is built tough. No, not quite a tank (that’s where the 28-II comes in ;) ) but tough none the less. Fluke builds solid meters. The 87-V has a well thought out casing design that does well in protecting the two most vulnerable parts of a meter, the screen and the range switch. It feels good in the hand thanks to its 5 sided rubber holster. Also there are some terrific tear down videos on the web if you're interested in the guts of the device. The range switch is great both smooth to turn and positively clicks into place. It's sort of recessed a bit so it's shielded from face down impacts. As you would expect on a meter of this class/price the over current protection is excellent. Most people fail to realize just how much force 10A can carry. This meter uses high quality ceramic HRC fuses on both A and mA/uA circuits as well as all of the standard additional suppression devices to give the user maximum protection. The case is designed with a deep lip as well to protect against debris being blown out the sides in the event of a truly catastrophic failure. I have to say the AC Volts accuracy is decent at 0.7% + 2 counts at normal "mains voltages" and frequencies. But the DC Volts accuracy is the stat to truly right home about. +/- 0.05% + 1 ct... WOW! Not bad at all for a handheld unit!!! The resistance accuracy is quite good too. +/- 0.4% + 1 up to 600k ohms, and +/- 0.7% + 1 up to 6M ohms, lastly +/- 1% + 3 up to 50M. Next I have to say I love, love, LOVE AUTO Hold... Fluke's are not necessarily the only company with this technology, but they more or less brought it to the market. Basically it's a hold feature that waits for the probes complete a circuit and it automatically reads, stores, and displays that information. This is useful for technicians or anyone for that matter with the unfortunate handicap of only having two hands and no good place to hang their meter. As mentioned above this meter has a full Amperage range (divided into three groups A, mA, and uA.) With a highest finite resolution of 0.1uA and a +/- 1.0% + 2 (all AC Amps ranges) and a +/- 0.2% + 2 or 4 (all DC Amps ranges) this meter will show you (with greatest detail) what's going on in just about any circuit up to 10A. This is a POWERFUL tool for persons doing electronics work and professionals trouble shooting control circuitry.Let’s talk resolution and accuracy….This meter has good numeric resolution, the screen being 6000 counts. In brief terms I will attempt to make the relationship with resolution, accuracy, and counts about as clear as mud for you. First we’ll talk about resolution… A 6000 count display will display three digits after the MOST significant digit up to that digit being a 6, after the most significant digit reaches 6, the meter drops to two digits after the most significant digit. In other words, it will display 5.999V but shortly after the reading crosses the 6V threshold the meter will display 6.01V on the screen. This is true at any range. So it drops a digit every factor of 10 up to 600.0 (i.e - 6.000, 60.00, 600.0, then up to 1000 in whole numbers) Now following that, the 87-V has a second mode. Holding the backlight button will put the meter in "hi-resolution" mode. What this means is that it will display 20,000 counts on the display while cutting the update speed to 2 updates per second. So in hi-res mode the 87-V will display 2.0000, 20.000, 200.00 and up to 1000.0 at the expense of a slower numeric update on screen. Now just because a meter CAN display these super accurate measurements, doesn’t mean it will, so next is accuracy & counts... "Not confused yet? You will be…" We'll use this meter's DC accuracy as our explanation and in its standard 6k count display mode. Basically, you look at the reading on the display; we'll imagine taking a reading from a precision voltage source of 1.000V. Next you add AND subtract 0.05 percent to get a range (in our example 0.9995V & 1.0005V) then you add and subtract 1 count. A "count" is the least significant digit displayed on screen. However the "5's" in the previous range won't be viewable on screen so the count will actually be applied to the next digit up (the least significant “viewable” digit.) So with our example, the farthest out our meter display should be is 0.998V and 1.002V. Let's talk about that same test in hi-res mode. Again the only drawback to this mode is it cuts the update speed from 4 updates to 2 updates per second. With this same test in Hi-Res mode the meter would be fed a base value of 1.0000V with a stated accuracy range between 1.0005 and 0.9995 and then adding in the 1 count would push the furthest out displayed readings to 1.0006 and 0.9994. That's a high degree of accuracy! Notice the actual measurement accuracy didn’t increase just the display’s accuracy. There is actually a ratio that is “supposed to be followed for screen resolution as compared to the accuracy of the meter though it seems many manufacturers don’t follow it anymore. Also the basic DC volts accuracy is traditionally the most accurate measurement mode, not all measurements on this instrument are nearly that accurate, but this is still impressive for a handheld unit. Also bear in mind that this is just the meter's quoted spec. In most cases this range can be plotted on a bell curve so the displayed reading will rarely deviate that far from the actual value. Many “out of the box” videos I’ve seen have the 87-V spot on or a count or two out.. One final thing, accuracy decreases as the meter ages. A 10 year old meter won’t be as accurate as a brand new model of the same series. They can be recalibrated but at a cost. Just forewarned, nothing lasts forever.What else is the 87V packing…I'm very pleased with the Relative / "Delta" button. This allows the meter to "Zero" at a given reading and show relative change. This would be quite useful when taking precision resistance measurements and needing factor out the resistance of the leads OR when using a plug-in amp probe. I love the continuity check on this machine, you will too! It's a fast and confident latched tonal system that give accurate continuity readings even in electronics work and at high speed for quick troubleshooting. The capacitance tester is pretty respectable. Accuracy isn't too bad for it (+/- 1% + 2 cts in all ranges) and its measurement range goes down to 0.01 nF. That's pretty darn good. The diode check is pretty decent too. It's ranged to 3V with 0.001V resolution and 2% + 1 accuracy. That said I’m not much of an authority on electronics diagnostics so a real electronics technician/designer may wish to chime in. The manual that comes with the 87-V is great. It's written in over a dozen languages but it's still simple and easy to understand while at the same time giving the user a lot of the key points and features about this meter. This also comes with a CD-Rom for more detailed info. And of course you should read this booklet start to finish before using your meter for the first time! The temperature measurement is a nice touch. The included temperature probe isn't the greatest quality, but it does work. The only thing I don't care for is the fact that it's a rigid wire. It will eventually wear out and break, but I still have to say I'm pleased to see both the feature and the probe included with the base model meter. I like the inverse function included with the resistance test. It actually measures “conductance”. I doubt I'll ever use it, but I think it's nice. This meter includes a low pass filter to be used on the AC Volts measurement. I'm honestly not qualified to discuss the principle, but I’ll try. Harmonics are a common problem in data centers and around large motor driven industrial equipment. Basically is a physics principle that says when 60Hz AC current is “changed” to a different frequency it generates a harmonic, i.e. - a frequency that is some multiple of the original. For instance if a technician is taking voltage readings from a VFD (a device that regulates voltage and frequency for large AC motors to give them variable speed) the low pass filter will help the meter yield an accurate RMS voltage measurement if there are mixed frequencies over 1khz in the machine. Also it would likely help in areas where large DC converters are being used there by generating noise. This could also be useful in the telecom industry where RF noise could travel on power lines and inside equipment. Again I might be leaving out key information but this is a general explanation. Speaking of frequency measurement, the 87-V will measure to 50kHz. One more feature the 87-V includes the traditional min/max/avg button. This button will let you see the minimum, maximum, and average values (as recorded over time) once you hit it. After it begins recording, using the min/max button will cycle through the readings and show you those values and of course take you back to the present measurement as well.Areas that have room for improvement...I would've liked to have seen a LoZ (low impedance) range on this unit. That is personally very useful to me. However I think it is also very useful in industry and the unit itself would be an even more invaluable asset if it was included. This range is used for testing circuits that have a small amount of induced current such as in parallel runs of wire AKA "Ghost Voltages." There is an adaptor you can buy made by fluke that gives you this ability. It's the SV225 Stray Voltage Eliminator. However this adaptor sells for around $50-60 which is a bit much for a plug in adaptor that more or less bridges a 3K ohm resistor between the leads. Next up the battery compartment. The 87-V still uses the old school 9V “flying lead” (a short length of wire soldered to the board with a battery connector at the end. I would love to see a revision made that has board soldiered tabs and a proper method to secure the battery. As it is now, this an Achilles heel of the 87-V. Accessories? I just bought the base meter, however I think that if the cost difference isn't too crazy or unless you find some unbelievable sale on just the meter, you should invest in one of the kits that Fluke offers. That way you're not piecing together accessories that personally I think should come included with the meter. The first of which is a case. One of my major complaints about Fluke is their lack of cases being included with many of their instruments. How much does one really cost? Honestly... But instead they have us spending another 10 or 20 bucks for one. Next is the probes included. They are the TL75s. Now there is nothing wrong with these probes, they are CAT IV 600V and CAT III 1000V rated, their length is standard, and their comfortable enough. However, for a meter that sells even online for $300-400, I would've hoped that they would’ve included the new TL175’s (recent replacements for the TL71’s.) These are Fluke's premium silicone rubber leads. And what really gets me is the cost difference. Here on Amazon, TL75’s run about $10-20, and TL175’s run about $25... That's just Fluke trying to save a buck in my opinion. For an instrument that is supposed to set the standard, I would think they'd include the set of leads that matches that standard. You could say I’m just being picky, but I’d like to see them offer a bit more value. Incidentally what you receive with the base meter is the 87-V, the TL75’s, a pair of banana clips, and the manuals. Lastly I mentioned that this design first appeared on the market in the 90’s. It’s still a great meter. However some day they will choose to replace it, when that happens I’d like to see a screen resolution of 60,000 – 100,000 counts. If they included this and the features I’ve already mentioned they’ll have a market killer on their hands. There literally would be no reason to buy anything else in a DMM. Just in case you wondering mine is a Rev 13 or 14 (can’t remember which) which shows they are continually improving the 87-V so saying you’re getting 90’s technology is a bit of a farce.So assuming you've stuck with me and read all of this, you might be thinking, sounds like a good meter... But $350? Really?! WHY?! When you get to this tier of quality, they don't spare many expenses. One place they don't spare any expense is in the area of proofing and testing. They send their meters to the people at CE, CSA, and UL as well as other major ratings and standards organizations. Some people will disagree with me here but most companies build a meter to a price. From the day the team meets to start putting ideas on paper, they have a price in mind and seldom deviate from it. Fluke on the other hand trades on reputation and the knowledge that if they build it for a "market" or a particular use, make it as safe, accurate, and reliable as possible, "they will come." Sure...I'm sure they have a price in mind, but it certainly doesn't suffer from the handicap of having to be met no matter what. Honestly the Fluke 87-V is thought of in many circles as the industry standard. This reputation came from quality and usability, not from Fluke fans or snobs. Between its high degree of accuracy, its feature set, its safety rating, and its durability; this meter becomes the preferred choice for many different users in many different industries. Although, it might be a bit overkill for the average DIYer, this meter is definitely enticing for users that need or demand high accuracy and don't mind paying for it. So my final advice is this. If you think that $300-400 is too much for a test instrument for you and the feature set is too advanced, then sure by all means pass. However, there is NO substitute for quality. And what if you need something with this accuracy and feature set? Many cheaper meters claim to have similar specs, however something gets sacrificed to get there. Accuracy out of the box may be good but will it hold? How long will that instrument last? How safe is it? When it comes to electricity, if you buy cheap, you may not live long enough to buy twice! Honestly $300-400 is a bargain if you're just going have to replace that “cheaper alternative” in a couple of years. As for me, there are a few meters that compete on fairly equal footing with the 87-V but its still my favorite. I have a Gossen Metrawatt Metrahit Extra and an Ideal 61-486 which have many of the same features of the 87-V with higher screen resolutions. BUT I just keep coming back to the 87-V. It’s my favorite “go to” meter. From feel to interface, from trust to dependability, I just like it and still think it’s the best meter in its class.

This was a great multimeter works perfect!

I have used the 87v with electronic devices for a few years, and it's fantastic. The other (newer) models with more features are too big, and the display is not as readable. The 87v is _AMAZING_ in these aspects. It is accurate, rated for a range of voltages, and with the backlight on, I can read the display from 12+ feet away. It lasts for years too, and is widely used by a lot of people.If you're planning on using this for digital electronics, like microcontrollers, it should satisfy most of your portable hand-held needs. It's definitely my go-to device. The accuracy is perfect for everything that I would not want an oscilloscope for. If I'm checking voltages, resistance, and capacitance (I honestly almost never check current), the tolerance of the 87v is perfect. I've wanted a great hand-held oscilloscope, but I haven't found one that I like, so the choices are between a hand-held tool that's not great at anything, or the 87v which is a fantastic multimeter and a second bench-top scope. I also prefer it over a cheaper multimeter because I know that the 87v will be accurate, so I'm not wasting my time on a bad tool.If you're coming from cheaper multimeters, one nice feature about it is that it automatically adjusts voltage for you. That means you can check out the voltage of a 1.2v 5mA reference, and then move the power clip to a 24v 5A power supply, and it won't blow a fuse like the cheaper ones. I have heard stories about some places giving students or techs low cost multimeters, and having them blow a fuse because they didn't use the right voltage settings. It still has fuses that blow for incorrect amperage (or too much though), which you definitely want too!It's also a safe tool to use. It has two fuses, one 400mA and one 10A, and they will blow if you put too much in. I've done some work on high current devices, and decided to test the multimeter before killing myself using it on a 32A circuit. Power was off (this cannot do 32A measure, it's only rated up to 10A), but I wanted to make sure that if for some reason the current was on, the meter would blow a fuse and not blow up. The meter blew a fuse as expected. Worked fine on replacement. I also got a cheap $20 multimeter to compare and that exploded.The construction is also sturdy and reliable. It's got a nice feel, it's not too heavy, and I can hold it in one hand, or flip the stand up. There's a nice rubber shell that provides a lot of safety if dropped, and it's raised above the screen so the screen won't impact a floor first. A lot of people have dropped these, and they are still completely fine. They last for many years... like a decade or more.The price-point on amazon is also fantastic. These multimeters regularly go for $400-$500, so seeing it from $350-$400 is a great deal. Even if it were not on sale, I'd still pay the top price for it. I've used a ton of multimeters, and this is always the one that I go to first.