Fluke 87V Digital Multimeter Review

The Fluke 87V Digital Multimeter (also known as the 87-V or 87-5) is the optimal tool for general electrician work. It’s designed to withstand 8,000 volts spike caused by faults and load switching on industrial circuits. This multimeter is compliant with IEC and second edition ANSI electrical safety standards.

The Fluke 87V is a great mid-range multimeter that can be used by apprentice and professional electricians. This multimeter has both a manual and auto ranging feature for maximum precision and flexibility. Other features include a 10,000 µF capacitance range, improved sleep mode, Touch Hold technology that a magnetic hanger for easy viewing while freeing up your hands for more difficult tasks.

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Key Features

• Measurements up to 1000 DC and VAC
• Built-in thermometer
• 4 ½ digits mode for more measurement precision
• Selectable filter for accurate frequency and voltage measurements
• Peak Min/Max -can capture electrical intermittents up to  250 µS.

What’s Included

• Holster
• 808K Temperature Probe
• 9V Battery
• AC 175 alligator clips
• TL75 Test Leads

In-depth Review of the Fluke 87V Review

RMS Technology is a powerful feature found in high-end multimeters. If you want to rely on the meter to give you accurate readings then ensure that it has the True RMS Technology enabled with it.

This feature gives you an extra layer of safety, accuracy, and precision. So if you’re a professional electrician or expert that wants to receive the most accurate readings, then get the Fluke 87V as it comes equipped with True RMS Technology.

This multimeter comes equipped with a systematically designed circuit board. It has PCB components and solid traces of the highest quality. There is a metal shield placed on the back of the board to help protect the immediate environment and the electronics.

It’s still resistant to water, dirt and oil with the addition of the deep grove placed on the case’s inner and case binding. There are jack inputs that have an O-ring gasket. This makes the device more splash resistant while being able to withstand the dry and hot, humid, and cold environments.

Some users take this feature for granted, but its very important if you want to preserve your multimeter’s longevity. Also, if you forget to shut off your multimeter, it can lead to unexpected issues or unresponsive behavior. Fortunately, the Fluke 87V has an automatic shutoff feature that activates 15 minutes after being inactive. These convenient add-ons really cement the Fluke 87V as one of the best fluke multimeters for electricians.

The Fluke 87V is designed to resist temperature changes. Users can use this multimeter in multiple extreme environments without failure. It can withstand temperatures from -20 Celsius to 52 Celsius. Electricians can use this multimeter in snowstorms or in the hottest factories, and it will still deliver.

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Specifications

TYPE	Range	Accuracy
AC Voltage	To 1000V	±(0.7%+2)
DC Voltage	To 1000V	±(0.05%+1)
AC Current	10A (20A for 30s)	±(1.0%+2)
DC Current	10A (20A for 30s)	±(0.2%+2)
Resistance	to 50MΩ	±(0.2%+1)
Frequency	to 200kHz	±(0.005%+1)
Diode Test	3V	±(2.0%+1)

Fluke 87V vs 88V

The Fluke 87V is one of Fluke’s best selling multimeters and is probably regarded by many as the de facto, go-to model of choice for the HVAC professional. But for those in the automotive repair world, the Fluke 88V is an upgrade worth considering. The Fluke 88V is regarded as the best handheld vehicle repair multimeter in the business and carries the baton for the previous Fluke 88. The main features you get in the Fluke 88V that aren’t in the Fluke 87V are:

1. RPM measurement
2. Pulse Width measurement
3. Peak Min/Max measurements

Aside from that, the Fluke 88V and 87V are pretty much the same. Both have an IP30 rating, are True RMS meters, can measure temperature, and all that other good stuff mentioned in the rest of the review. When considering a Fluke 87V vs a Fluke 88V, it mainly comes down to whether you need the above 3 features. You can check the price of the Fluke 88-V here.

Fluke 87V vs 179

The Fluke 179 is a lower-end version of the Fluke 87V. When comparing the Fluke 87V vs the Fluke 179, here are the features that the Fluke 179 is missing:

1. Reduced DC voltage measurement accuracy (the Fluke 87V has 0.05% DC accuracy vs 0.09% on the 179)
2. No peak hold functionality
3. No low pass filter
4. Reduced display accuracy resolution (on the 179 you have 3-3/4 digits while on the 87-5 you have 4-1/2 possible in the meter’s high resolution mode)

If you need these features or are looking for a more premium multimeter product to last a lifetime, then the Fluke 87-V is for you. But if you’re just looking for a multimeter with more basic functionality (and won’t be taking DC readings too often), then the Fluke 179 is a viable alternative.

Related Multimeters Reviews

Reviews of some other great multimeters have been included below:

• Fluke 289 True RMS Multimeter Review
• Fluke 15B Plus Digital Multimeter Review
• Fluke 17B Plus Digital Multimeter Review
• Fluke 1587 FC Insulation Tester Multimeter Review
• Fluke 1507 Insulation Resistance Tester Review
• Craftsman 3482141 Multimeter Review

Build Quality

The Fluke 87V multimeter was designed to withstand different conditions that electricians tend to experience. It’s shock-resistant and can be used for years without showing a reduction in quality. Its also shock resistant so it can be used in the shop with no issue.

Display and Labels

The Fluke 87V is a multimeter that allows users to switch their display modes without turning off the multimeter or changing the range modes; which was a minor issue in previous Fluke models. 

With a display resolution of 6,000 to 20,000 counts, users have the ability to view small readings. This multimeter is CAT III 1000V and CAT V 600V safety rated, meaning that it has been individually tested to provide the highest level of performance.

Function and Performance

When in use, the Fluke 87V performs better than its competition. For example, it has a measuring range up to 1000 DC or VAC. Thus, giving you enough power to get accurate readings on electrical equipment.

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Protection

The Fluke 87V comes from a brand with a reputation for being safe and reliable. All Fluke 87V multimeters are independently tested for quality and safety in CAT IV 600V and CAT III 1000V environments.

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