Fluke 87V Digital Multimeter Review

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Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter, For Advanced Troubleshooting,...
  • 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

Discover the Fluke 87V Digital Multimeter, your go-to for tackling the toughest electrical challenges. Engineered to absorb spikes up to 8,000 volts from industrial circuit faults, this tool doesn’t just meet IEC and ANSI electrical safety standards—it exceeds them. Whether you’re in the field or on the factory floor, the 87V ensures you work with confidence and precision.

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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Contents

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.

At the heart of the Fluke 87V lies a meticulously crafted circuit board, boasting top-tier PCB components and solid traces for unmatched durability. A protective metal shield on the board’s rear safeguards both the device and its surroundings, ensuring your multimeter is both a reliable and responsible choice for any setting.

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.

Engineered for resilience, the Fluke 87V thrives in the face of extreme temperature swings. From the icy grip of -20°C to the searing heat of 52°C, this multimeter guarantees reliable performance across a spectrum of environments, ensuring no condition slows you down. Electricians can use this multimeter in snowstorms or in the hottest factories, and it will still deliver.

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Specifications

TYPERangeAccuracy
AC VoltageTo 1000V±(0.7%+2)
DC VoltageTo 1000V±(0.05%+1)
AC Current10A (20A for 30s)±(1.0%+2)
DC Current10A (20A for 30s)±(0.2%+2)
Resistanceto 50MΩ±(0.2%+1)
Frequencyto 200kHz±(0.005%+1)
Diode Test3V±(2.0%+1)

Fluke 87V vs 88V

While the Fluke 88V reigns as a top pick among HVAC professionals for its reliability and precision, automotive experts will find the Fluke 88V’s specialized features—an upgrade tailored to their unique needs—irresistibly compelling. 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:

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

In the arena of performance, the Fluke 87V outshines its competitors with a robust measuring range up to 1000 DC or VAC, empowering you with the precision needed for spot-on diagnostics of 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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Pros And Cons of Fluke 1587

What We Like
  • 1000 V AC/DC voltage
  • Rugged Build Quality
  • CAT IV-Rated
  • Separate Battery Component
  • Removable Holster
What We Don’t Like
  • Stiff test leads
  • Expensive
  • Manual is not included
Sale
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter, For Advanced Troubleshooting,...
  • 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

About Blake Sutton

Blake has worked as an electrician for over 10 years, receiving his Journeyman Electrician license in 1998. Looking to take his professional electrical career further, in 2008 he received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) from the University of Texas in Austin. Blake now works full time as an electrical engineer, specializing in power systems.