Many consider the Fluke 87V Multimeter to be the premier comprehensive diagnostic and maintenance tool in its class. Therefore, its price is also high. The first Fluke 87V meters were introduced in the late 1980's and we chose the latest version for testing in some commercial workplaces. The first was the complete renovation of an old industrial building for a new business.
advantage
- Broad functional range for industrial, HVAC and general electrical applications
- Low pass filter for VFD operation
- 250 µS intermittent peak capture function
- Dual resolution: 6,000 counts, 3-3/4 digits or 20,000 counts, 4-1/2 digits
- True RMS Waveform Measurements
- EN 61010-1 3rd edition to 1000 V CAT III and 600 V CAT IV safety rated, can handle 8000V spikes
- Large display and backlight with two brightness levels
- Holster withstands 1 meter drop, includes stand and probe storage
- Extra power-up options
- Includes TL75 lead wire, AC175 alligator clip and 80BK temperature probe
- sound alarm
- lifetime warranty
shortcoming
- no obvious disadvantages
recommend
There's a reason the 87V is considered the gold standard for digital multimeters: it's very accurate, has a feature set that covers many electrical applications, and is built to last. If you haven't used one of the latest versions of it in the past few years, chances are you'll discover new, useful features within a week or two. It's certainly expensive, but it's not unheard of to come across a Pro using the same 87V from a decade or more ago! Given its performance, safety rating and durability, this is really no surprise.
Fluke 87V Multimeter Performance
New Meter Resolution
What features do multimeters need ? The Fluke 87V Industrial Multimeter likely has them. That's why industrial, HVAC, and general electrical professionals can rely on it for nearly every measurement task in the electrotechnical world.
All professionals can benefit from the Fluke 87V Multimeter's impressive dual-resolution accuracy. The first is 6,000 count 3-3/4 digit resolution updated every 4 seconds. The second is 19,999 counts, updated every 3 seconds (greater than 10Hz). The 32-segment bar graph updates every 40 seconds, giving you even more insight because your eyes can't really perceive numbers updating so quickly.
Industrial electricians use low-pass filters for VFD work to bypass noise in the carrier signal. With all these features and the included temperature probe, the Fluke 87V Industrial Multimeter remains popular among HVAC professionals.
meter reader
We really like the large size of the Fluke 87V Multimeter. It measures 7.9 x 3.8 x 2.16 inches, has a clean interface and feels comfortable in the hand. The removable holster (which we never remove) comes with a stand for bench work. It also includes a probe holder that doubles as storage space when you're done with the day's work.
Does your current DMM have a backlight? Well, as if to show off, the 87V has two different brightness levels. Of course, you'll also get beep alerts, including one to prevent using an incorrect input jack. You'll notice in the pictures that we didn't put the screen protector on. It's barely noticeable and does a good job of protecting against scratches.
The Fluke 87V allows the user to select auto or manual ranging. As you'd expect from this top-of-the-line meter, you get true rms functionality. No matter which gauge you choose, you'll be fine with this function.
Hidden Features and Modes of the Fluke 87V Meter
In addition to the extensive functionality of the Fluke 87V Multimeter, there are "hidden" power options that can disable or change some of these features. Fortunately, a little Internet sleuth found Fluke's explanations of each function. For example, pressing and holding the yellow button and turning the meter on disables the 30-minute automatic shutdown. Likewise, holding down the range key while powering up allows for smoothing. This lets the meter take multiple measurements before displaying a reading. You can disable the beep by pressing and holding the continuity key. Relative measurements are displayed while the REL Δ button is held down. This zooms in on the bar graph or shows signal differences.
So what is missing? not many. Of course, if we wanted to be nitpicky, we'd like this top-of-the-line gauge to include a magnetic strap/hanger. They can be purchased on Fluke's website for almost $50, which seems a bit pricey. The 87V test leads are good quality, but not Fluke's best. Including one or two of these things (even at a slightly higher price) does make it a complete package. Still, there is nothing to complain about the Fluke 87V Multimeter for industrial and commercial applications.
You can buy a Fluke 87V multimeter for about $429.99 on the company's website, online, or through a dealer. It's not always easy to compare with complex instruments like this, but here's a look at the high-end industrial instrumentation realm.
- Extech EX530: $165.73
- Amprobe HD160C: $284.80
- Fluke 87V: $386.99
- Keysight U1272A: $486.03
the bottom line
The latest version of the Fluke 87V Multimeter is the best choice for electricians in all trades: General, Industrial and HVAC. It has traditionally been very durable, accurate and safe – that hasn't changed. That's why you'll find pros still using the 87V they bought a decade or more ago. We also can't complain about the magnets/straps and Fluke's high-end probes. All in all, it's hard to argue that the 87V isn't still the king of the DMM space.
Fluke 87V Industrial Multimeter Specifications
- DC voltage ±(0.05% + 1)
- Maximum voltage 1000 V
- Maximum resolution 10 µV
- AC voltage ±(0.7% + 2) true RMS
- Maximum voltage 1000 V
- AC bandwidth 20 kHz with low pass filter; 3 dB @ 1 Hz
- Maximum resolution 0.1 mV
- DC current ±(0.2% + 2)
- 10 A max (20 A for 30 seconds max)
- Maximum resolution 0.01 µA
- AC current ±(1.0% + 2) true RMS
- 10 A max (20 A for 30 seconds max)
- Maximum resolution 0.1 µA
- Resistance ±(0.2% + 1)
- Maximum resistance 50 MΩ
- Maximum resolution 0.1Ω
- Capacitance ±(1% + 2)
- Maximum capacitance 9,999 µF
- Maximum resolution 0.01 nF
- Frequency ±(0.005% + 1)
- Maximum frequency 200 kHz
- Maximum resolution 0.01 Hz
- Temperature measurement (without probe)
- –200.0 °C – 1090 °C
- –328.0°F – 1994.0°F
- 80 BK temperature probe
- –40.0 °C – 260 °C
- –40.0 °F – 500 °F, 2.2 °C or 2%, whichever is greater
- Conductivity ±(1.0% + 10)
- Maximum conductance 60.00 nS
- Maximum resolution 0.01 nS
- Diode ±(2% + 1)
- range 3 volts
- Resolution 1 mV
- Duty Cycle Range ±(0.2% + 0.1% per kHz)
- Overvoltage category: EN 61010–1 to 1000 V CAT III, 600V CAT IV
- Agency Approvals: CE, CSA, RCM
- Dimensions (with holster): 7.9 x 3.85 x 2 inches (201 x 98 x 52mm)
- Weight: 12.5 oz (355 g)
- Weight (with holster): 22 oz (624 g)
- Digital display: 6000 counts, updated 4 times per second, 19,999 counts in high-resolution mode
- Analog display: 32 segments, update 40/sec
- Frequency: 19,999 counts, 3 updates per second at > 10 Hz
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Alkaline battery life (without backlight): ~400 hours (typical)
- Shock: 1 m drop according to IEC 61010–1:2001
- Vibration: For Class 2 instruments, per MIL–PRF–28800
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