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Fluke 87-5 Digital Multimeter

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Fluke 87-5 (87V) True RMS Digital Multimeter New features for maximum productivity! Unique function for accurate voltage and frequency measurements on adjustable speed motor drives and other electrically noisy equipment. Built-in thermometer conveniently allows you to take temperature readings without having to carry a separate instrument. Optional magnetic hanger for easy set-up and viewing while freeing your hands for other tasks. Large digit display with bright, two-level backlight makes the 80- Series V significantly easier to read than older models.

Features: True-rms ac voltage and current for accurate measurements on non linear signals. Selectable filter for accurate voltage and frequency measurements on motor drives. 0.05 % dc accuracy. 6000 counts, 3-3/4 digits. 4-1/2 digit mode for precise measurements (20,000 counts). Measure up to 1000 V ac and dc. Measure up to 10 A, 20 A for up to 30 seconds. Built in thermometer lets you carry one less tool (TC probe included). Frequency to 200 kHz and % duty cycle. Resistance, continuity and diode test. 10,000 µF capacitance range for components and motor caps. Min/Max-Average recording with Min/Max Alert to capture variations automatically. Peak capture to record transients as fast as 250 µs. Relative mode to remove test lead interference from low ohms measurements. Auto and manual ranging for maximum flexibility. Touch Hold to capture stable readings avoiding noisy signals. Large display digits and two-level bright white backlight for increased visibility. Analog bargraph for fast changing or unstable signals. Input Alert provides audible warning against wrong use of input jacks. Improved selectable sleep mode for long battery life. Access door for fast battery changes without breaking the calibration seal. “Classic” design with new removable holster with built in test lead and probe storage. Lifetime warranty.

Fluke 87-5 Digital Multimeter Features

Auto and manual ranging for maximum flexibility
Analog bar graph for fast changing or unstable signals
Measure up to 10 A, 20 A for up to 30 seconds
Selectable filter for accurate voltage
Input Alert provides audible warning against wrong use of input jacks

Fluke 87-5 Digital Multimeter Reviews

don’t waste your money on Cheap meters!
I have been in the RV repair industry for a long time and one thing is for sure, I cannot do my job without a top quality meter. I have in the past bought Snap-On, Mac, Matco,ect, but have never been as pleased with a meter as I have with this one. Beyond the normal functions of a meter, I love this one for its temp probe, no more are the days of carrying a therometer to take readings inside fride, a/c/ unit, all I do is plug it into the meter put the probe inside and shut the door within 30 seconds I have a very accurate reading. But probably the most important thing about this merter is the “true RMS” readings I get, this is very important when working with power converters and inverters..This meter is very well protected also with fuses (fuses are pricey though) have not blown one yet but I would recommend purchasing a set to keep on hand.

Best Multimeter I’ve owned
I’ve used a couple of cheap multimeters in the past. Once I ordered my new tube amp, the manufacturer recommended not to use a cheap multimeter, and get a Fluke 87-5 as this would give accurate readings.

Well, after spending that much on the tube amp, I had to get the Fluke. Upon receiving it, build quality was excellent. Manual was also pretty good. Although, the manual presupposes that you know how to work a multimeter unit already. I had to slowly figure it out as I am no engineer.

Bottom line, this is a great product! I only wish it were readily available in the Philippines. The price of this here in Manila is double srp in the US.

Absolutely Top-Quality
First, Fluke itself: Fluke makes best-quality meters. In fact, they are overwhelmingly regarded as the best meters available. That’s not to say there aren’t other very good brands (e.g., Agilent, Hioki), or that 2nd tier brands (e.g., Extech, Meterman) don’t have their place – they do. But Fluke meters in general offer the combination of best specifications, best build, and best protection (for you as well as the meter). The thing is, you will pay top dollar.

The 87 is a very tough meter in very widespread use in the field. The 80 series meters, like the 70 series that preceeded them, have a reputation for holding their accuracy and lasting for decades. They are well-fused and well-shielded, tightly-sealed, and stories of Fluke meters surviving falls, high voltages and currents, weather, and a myriad of other challenges are legion.

Look carefully at specs and responsiveness. The 87 is exceptionally responsive. Continuity detection, for example, is extraordinarily fast, to the point where it’s hard NOT to trigger the beep when testing by touching the probes, no matter how quickly and briefly you try to touch them together. Compare that to other meters with lesser response characteristics and it will dawn on you how easy it is to miss an intermittent. Basic accuracy is very good in the 80 series and also limited to +1 or +2 digits in most ranges. Compare that to many others where it’s often +4, or even more, plus the 87 can be put into 20,000 count mode, and relative mode can be used to get more accuracy as well where you need it.

Finally, the 80 series carries a lifetime warranty. Considering Amazon’s aggressive pricing on these meters, the premium over a lesser meter like, say, the Fluke 117 (which carries only a 3-year warranty) is low enough that it makes sense to upgrade to the better meter.

FYI – the Pelican 1200 case is an excellent fit for this meter, as long as you don’t need to carry a lot of accessories. Pelican 1200 Case w/Foam (Black) Probably the most rugged case you can buy.