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Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter, For Advanced Troubleshooting, Measures 1000 V AC/DC, Peak Min/Max, Low Pass Filter, Includes TL75 Test Leads, AC175 Alligator Clips, 80BK Temp Probe
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Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
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Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Fluke |
Power Source | Alkaline |
Style | INDUSTRIAL TRUE RMS MULTIMETER |
Color | Yellow |
Item Weight | 650 Grams |
About this item
- Accurate frequency measurements on adjustable speed drives (ASD) due to Fluke-designed low-pass filter
- Captures intermittents as fast as 250 µS with Peak Capture
- Switchable high display resolution allows 6000 to 20,000 counts – lets you see small changes in displayed readings.CAT III 1000V, CAT IV 600V safety rated
- Measure up to 1000 VAC and DC; Operating Altitude: 2000 m
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Product details
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
- Product Dimensions : 9.49 x 16.5 x 3.5 inches; 1.43 Pounds
- Item model number : FLUKE 87-V
- National Stock Number : 6625-01-131-8586
- Batteries : 4 AA batteries required. (included)
- Date First Available : November 19, 2003
- Manufacturer : Fluke
- ASIN : B0002YFD1K
- Country of Origin : China
- Best Sellers Rank: #35,505 in Tools & Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Tools & Home Improvement)
- #72 in Multi Testers
- Customer Reviews:
WARNING:
Product Description
Product Description
Fluke Corporation is the world leader in the manufacture, distribution and service of electronic Test tools and software. Since its founding in 1948, Fluke has helped define and grow a unique technology market, providing testing and troubleshooting capabilities that have grown to mission critical status in manufacturing and service industries. From industrial electronic installation, maintenance and service, to precision measurement and quality control, Fluke tools help keep business and industry around the globe up and running.
Amazon.com
The Fluke 87-V Digital Multimeter is a versatile True-RMS meter that's perfect for professional or around-the-house use. This meter offers auto and manual ranging for maximum flexibility, and it also offers an annual bar graph for quick-changing or unstable signals. Classically designed, the Fluke 87-V has a removable holster with built-in probe and test-lead storage. For added convenience, it arrives ready to go with TL75 test leads and a nine-volt battery.
The Fluke 87-V
Digital Multimeter
At a Glance:
- Auto and manual ranging
- Removable holster with built-in probe and test-lead storage
- Built-in thermometer
- CAT IV 600-volt safety rated
- Includes TL75 test leads, alligator clips, and 9-volt battery
- Lifetime warranty
Fits in the palm of your hand.
Safe, Convenient Functions Enable Productivity
Designed for maximum productivity, the Fluke 87-V has more problem solving power, safety, convenience, and impact protection than the previous 80 Series models. This multimeter offers improved measurement functions, accuracy, and resolution, as well as trouble-shooting features to solve problems with motor drives, in-plant automation, power distribution, and electro-mechanical equipment.
Auto and Manual Ranging for Versatility
This unique multimeter provides both auto and manual ranging for optimum flexibility. And it's chock-full of helpful functions for accurate voltage and frequency measurements, even on adjustable-speed motor drives and other noisy equipment.
The Fluke 87-V also boasts a built-in thermometer that conveniently allows you to take temperature readings without having to use a separate instrument--no more carrying a thermometer to take readings inside a refrigerator or air conditioning unit.
When used with ToolPak, a convenient magnetic hanger (sold separately), the Fluke 87-V can be set up and viewed hands free.
Selectable Filter and True-RMS AC Voltage for Dependable Accuracy
Incredibly responsive and reliable, the Fluke 87-V is accurate to 0.05% DC. Also, True-RMS AC voltage and current provide accurate measurements on non-linear signals. Additionally, a selectable filter ensures accurate voltage, while an input alert provides an audible warning against incorrect use of the input jacks.
The Fluke 87-V measures up to 0 A, up to 20 A for 30 seconds, and 1,000-volt AC and DC. Also, it features an analog bar graph that allows for measurement of quick-changing or unstable signals. What's more, this meter measures frequency to 200 kHz, as well as resistance, continuity, and diode test.
The Fluke records Min/Max/Average and has a Min/Max alert that automatically captures variations. The Relative mode removes test lead interference from low-ohms measurements.
Easy-Read Display and Safe, Durable Design
The Fluke 87-V comes equipped with a large, backlit display that shows easy-read digits. An improved selectable sleep mode helps increase the life of the battery, while an access door makes for fast battery changes without breaking the calibration seal.
The Fluke 87-V is also safe--it's independently tested to comply with the second edition of ANSI/ISA S82.01 and EN61010-1. Also, CAT IV 600V/CAT III 1000V rated, this handy meter can withstand impulses in excess of 8,000 volts and can reduce risks related to surges and spikes. Additionally, its tightly sealed design helps protect against damage, even when the unit is dropped.
The Fluke 87-V is backed by a lifetime warranty.
What's in the Box
Fluke 87-V; TL75 test leads; AC72 alligator clips; holster; nine-volt battery (installed); Getting Started manual; Manual Fully downloadable off of the Fluke website; and 80BK temperature probe.
From the Manufacturer
Fluke Digital Multimeter has auto and manual ranging for maximum flexibility and has annual bar graph for fast changing or unstable signals. It measure up to 10 A, 20 A for up to 30 seconds as well as up to 1000V AC and DC.
Important information
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From the manufacturer
Fluke 87V Digital Multimeter
Fluke. Rugged. Reliable. Accurate.
Fluke Digital Multimeters (DMM’s) are on more tool belts, finding more problems, than any other comparable test tools. Each design is tested to the extreme: drop, shock, humidity, you name it. Every Fluke Digital Multimeter gives you what you need: accurate measurements; consistent, reliable performance; and attention to safety.
Fluke 87V Industrial Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Multimeter, heavy duty test leads, alligator clips, test probes, strap and case
The Fluke 87V Industrial Multimeter provides the resolution and accuracy to efficiently troubleshoot motor drives, plant automation, and electromechanical equipment - even in loud, high-energy, and high-altitude locations. The 87V is designed so you can work more efficiently. The 87V lets you identify complex electrical problems fast. It supports accurate measurements on VFDs using a low-pass filter.
- Built-in thermometer conveniently allows you to take temperature readings with the provided thermocouple
- True-rms ac voltage and current for accurate measurements on non linear signals
- Measure up to 1000 V AC and DC
Key Feature
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AccuracyUnique function for accurate voltage and frequency measurements on adjustable speed motor drives and other electrically noisy equipment |
DisplayLarge digital display with bright, two-level backlight makes the 87V significantly easier to read than older models |
ApplicationsWorking on VSDs/VFDs: Take accurate voltage, current and frequency measurements on the output side of the drive at either the drive itself or at the motor terminals. Industrial troubleshooting: All of the resolution and accuracy you need to solve more problems on motor drives, in-plant automation, power distribution, and electro-mechanical equipment. Checking power quality: Capture glitches and spikes as short as 250 μs. Identify irregular signals. |
AccessoriesOptional magnetic hanger for easy set-up and viewing while freeing your hands for other tasks |
Fluke 87V Digital Multimeter | Fluke 87V Max Digital Multimeter | Fluke 1587FC Insulation Multimeter | Fluke 3000FC Multimeter | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Customer Reviews |
4.8 out of 5 stars
753
|
4.7 out of 5 stars
209
|
4.8 out of 5 stars
181
|
4.5 out of 5 stars
78
|
CAT Rating | CAT III 1000V / CAT IV 600V | CAT III 1000V/ CAT IV 600V | CAT II 1000v / CAT IV 600V | |
True-rms Readings | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Voltage AC/DC | 1000V | 1000V | 1000V | 1000V |
Current AC/DC | 10A | 10 A | 400mA | 400mA |
Resistance | 50 MΩ | 50 MΩ | 50 MΩ | 50 MΩ |
Capacitance | 10,000 μF | 10,000 μF | 10,000 μF | 10,000 μF |
Temperature | –200 °C to 1090 °C | –200 °C to 1090 °C | (+) 537 °C | (with t3000 FC) |
Additional Measurement Capabilities | Frequency, Continuity/diode test, Motor drive (VFDs) measurement, Duty cycle, Microamps, Analog bar graph, Relative reference | Frequency, Continuity/diode test, Motor drive (VFDs) measurement, Duty cycle, Analog bar graph | Frequency, Pi/DAR timed ratio tests, Continuity/diode test, Motor drive (ASD) measurements, Microamps, Relative reference | Frequency, Continuity/diode test |
Ingress Protection | IP 30 | IP 67 | IP 40 | IP 54 |
What's in the box
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Checking if my electrical cords are working with Fluke87V
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Testing which battery to keep with this Fluke87V
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, accuracy, ease of use, features and appearance of the tools. For example they mention it's a premium quality piece of equipment, the controls are easy to read and the features are great. That said some are happy with the value, and display. That being said some have mixed opinions on temperature accuracy.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the tool. They mention that it is a premium quality piece of equipment, with excellent physical construction. They appreciate the reliability and robustness of the meter, and say that it's good for decades at a time. Overall, customers are happy with the performance of the product and recommend it to others.
"...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..." Read more
"...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...." Read more
"Great product, great price, great service." Read more
"...The relative function, expanded display resolution, and temperature probe are all helpful in pinning down intermittents...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the accuracy of the product. They mention that it is the most accurate meter they have ever used, and the accuracy is legendary. They also say that it gives a very accurate reading of the hertz on each leg of power. The 87-V is a great multimeter with excellent accuracy and safety features. It is useful when taking precision resistance measurements and is well within the published specs.
"...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..." Read more
"...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+..." Read more
"...I've tested all functions except low/high current. Tested well within published specs when compared to 2 other DMM's, a function generator, tray of..." Read more
"...It is incredibly responsive and accurate as well as being really easy to use and, for me, the size is fine...." Read more
Customers generally like the value of the product. They say that the price was worth it, the seller is a great person, and the product is reliable for a good price.
"...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...." Read more
"Great product, great price, great service." Read more
"...It's now my go-to DMM, whether on the job or at home. For me, the price was worth it...." Read more
"...The Bad:It's expensive and lacks some basics that should be included for the price. That is the reason for 3 stars...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the features of the tool. They mention that the features are great, it adds lots of functions, and the modern safety protections built in are astounding.
"...Between its high degree of accuracy, its feature set, its safety rating, and its durability; this meter becomes the preferred choice for many..." Read more
"...However, there are some pretty sophisticated features in this meter and there were a few things that I learned about it in the operational course...." Read more
"...I have not been disappointed yet. Features are great. As with other reviewers dealing with Fluke themselves... well not so great...." Read more
"The Good:This is a great meter. It has every function and feature I need for amp builds and the 87-V will meet the needs of hobbyists and..." Read more
Customers are happy with the ease of use of the meter. They say that it is very easy to use and under stand how to, it's simple and easy to understand while at, and all of the controls are easy to read. They also mention that downloading the PDF was simple.
"...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..." Read more
"...It is incredibly responsive and accurate as well as being really easy to use and, for me, the size is fine...." Read more
"...All of the controls are easy to read that the meter will TELL you BEFORE you mess something up if you have the leads in the wrong spot for the..." Read more
"...as the picture on the cardboard box would depict but downloading the PDF was simple...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the meter. They mention it's very nice, new, and jam-packed with useful and accurate measurements. Some say it'd be a great purchase and that it meets or exceeds all of their needs. Overall, customers are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.
"...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..." Read more
"Purchased an expensive Fluke Meter with additional accessories. All items are perfect...." Read more
"...my Fluke meters over the years is that they have been so intuitively well designed and solidly built...." Read more
"...accurate meter and don't mind spending the money, this meter is more than adequate, and I would recommend it...." Read more
Customers like the display of the tools. They say it is very clear, crisp, and generous. The display is easy to read at a glance, and has good numeric resolution. The screen is 6000 counts.
"...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...." Read more
"...Display is generous, and easy to read at a glance. Backlight is better than most. Rubber buttons are uncluttered, and easy to find with gloves on...." Read more
"...The display I feel is very clear and crisp. It just feels incredibly well built...." Read more
"...other (newer) models with more features are too big, and the display is not as readable. The 87v is _AMAZING_ in these aspects...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the temperature accuracy of the tool. Some mention that the included temperature probe is a nice function, while others say that it's not accurate and the quality of the probe is not the greatest. Some say that the tool is awesome and can measure frequency, capacitance and temperature, while other say that its almost unusable in cold weather.
"...The temperature measurement is a nice touch. The included temperature probe isn't the greatest quality, but it does work...." Read more
"...Temp readings will be off unless the plug end of thermocouple has settled to ambient temp (has the cold junction of the thermocouple) and meter..." Read more
"...The included temperature probe is a nice function to have if needed - in my case it would be for checking heat pump output, refrigerator temps,..." Read more
"This is a high quality multimeter. It comes with a thermocouple and reads temperature as a bonus. Accurate and designed with safety in mind...." Read more
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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.
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.