Fluke 87V Review
Fluke 87V Review For HVAC Professionals
The Fluke 87v is one of their Top of the line multimeters, viewed by many as the industry standard. Industrial electricians have for some time now, viewed the 87V as their go-to meter. But what about for the HVAC professional? Fluke has a long history of being one of the best digital multimeter manufactures due to their reliability, durability, and accuracy. The 87V checks all of those boxes and is one of the best multimeters on the market today.
The Fluke 80 series of multimeters is comprised of the 83V, 87V, and the 88V
The 83V is similar to the 87v, boasting most of same features, but it lacks accuracy in temperature, display resolution, as well as not being a true RMS meter. Often considered the cheaper little brother to the 87V.
The 88V is largely regarded as an automotive multimeter, gaining additional ranges and functions related to the automotive industry, such as RPM, Pulse Width and Peak Min/Max measurements.
The 87V is the Top of the line model in the iconic 80 series. It is one of Flukes best selling multimeters, often the go-to model of industry professionals. Great for troubleshooting sensitive electrical components/systems, and built tough enough to be trusted as one of the best multimeters on the market.
Key Features for HVAC Professionals
Temperature measurements –328.0 °F – 1994.0 °F
True RMS AC voltage/current (What is True RMS)
Measurements up to 1000v AC and DC
Resistance up to 50 M Ohms
Continuity and Diode Testing
Capacitance up to 10,000µF
Measures 10A continuous, 20A for 30s
Microamp readings for Flame Sensors
Milliamp readings ( Great for 4-20 mA signals )
Auto and Manual ranging
Accurate measurements on VFDs using a low-pass filter
DC accuracy to 0.05%
Large backlit display
Dual display resolution – 6000-count / 20000-count
Probe leads warning if the leads are put into the incorrect terminals for the measurement being made
Analog bar graph for fast changing signals
Safety rating – CAT-III (to 1000V), CAT-IV (to 600V)
Min/Max/Average
Lifetime warranty
What is In the Box?
Fluke 87V Industrial multimeter
9V battery
Test leads TL75
Alligator Clips AC175
Rubber holster with Tilt Leg and Lead Storage
Temperature probe (80BK)
Instruction manual ( Online Manual HERE )
Review of the Fluke 87V Features
The Fluke 80 series has been around for almost 30 years and are still one of the top tiered lineages for precision electrical troubleshooting. Even tho the Fluke 87V is labeled as an “industrial digital multimeter” it has no problem being used as a home use meter, electronics repair, lab use, or even the HVAC field.
The addition of the low pass filter is an amazing feature for HVAC techs working in todays industry. The low pass filter allows the meter to reject all of the high frequency noise generated by the drive controller. There are a few different methods that you can use in order to determine motor speed or motor frequency depending on which clamp you are using with your 87V. More info from Fluke is linked here. (Multimeter measurements on adjustable speed drives utilizing the new Fluke 87V DMM)
Having one meter that has the ability to measure both micro-amps as well as milliamps is not found in many other multimeters. The ability to measure micro-amps with resolutions of 0.1µA make it easy for the HVAC professional to check flame rectification for both preventative maintenance and troubleshooting.
The ablity to read milliamp signals is a must have feature for any technician working in the commercial world. Many building automation or Control systems will use 4-20 milliamps signals in order to control the equipment. Not having a meter that is able to read this signals will make your job that much more difficult.
Built in temperature is a must have feature for any HVAC techs multimeter. Although many are going the way of digital pressure / temperature probes. Having the ablity to take readings on larger piping systems using a bead or touch probe are a great feature to have.
If you are not used to having a meter with multiple input jacks, the added safety feature of the probe lead warning is a must. The 87v does allow you to take inline readings of up to 20 amps (30 seconds) but if you were to forget your leads in the amp jack of the meter and proceed to check line voltage, you would most likely create a dead short blowing the internal fuse as well as possbily damaging the meter or injuring yourself. Thankfully, Fluke has added the lead warning feature which will audibly beep and display LEAD on the display letting you know that your leads are in the incorrect position for the measurement selection you have made.
True RMS is a must have for any multimeter intended to be the main work horse in any commercial techs tool bag. Thankfully the Fluke 87V checks that box as well.
One of my favorite features of this meter is the automatic Touch Hold. This feature will keep readings on display for a few seconds even after removing the probes. Very useful if you are in awkward position that does not allow you to see the display while taking a reading.
The Min/Max, Average, and Relative modes are also a very useful feature for smoothing out fluctuating signals as well as holding readings in place that you were not able to witness first hand. Think Resetting a breaker in an electrical room, while leaving your amp clamp on the compressor on the roof.
The display of the Fluke 87V is great. I really like the dual brightness feature of the backlight. One press for light on, twice for extra brightness.
The ability to use this meter with an additional amp clamp to take current readings over the 10 amp continuous rating, make this a complete package for me. If you are looking for an amp clamp to use with your 87V. Check prices on Amazon HERE
I have heard that some people do not like that the meter uses a 9v Battery and would prefer AA’s but I have never found that to be a major con or concern. The 9v batteries are rated to 400 hours without backlight. The 9V battiers have lasted plenty long, I have had no issues.
Build Quality and Design
The Fluke 87V is designed and built in the United States and comes with a lifetime warranty. For me personally, this is a huge selling point. I try to buy Made in USA products whenever possible.
The meter is a bit larger than its little brothers the 116 and 117 and feels like it is built like a tank with its IP30 enclosure rating. The meter itself fits inside the iconic yellow rubberized holster included with the meter, giving it extra protection.
If you feel like you are a little harder on your tools and are going to need a little more protection, take a look at the Fluke 87V max which boasts an IP67 Rating. The IP67 rating is totally protected against dust, and Protected from immersion between 15 centimeters and 1 meter in depth.
The 87V also receives high marks in safety with its 1000 V CAT III, 600V CAT IV ratings as well as receiving agency approvals from CE, CSA, RCM. Both Circuits on the Fluke 87V are fuse protected. The 400mA input has a 440mA, 1000-volt rated fuse, and the main 10A circuit uses an 11A, 1000-volt rated fuse.
Specifications and Accuracy
Voltage DC Maximum voltage 1000V Accuracy±(0.05% + 1) Maximum resolution10 µV
Voltage AC Maximum voltage 1000V Accuracy±(0.7% + 2) True RMSAC bandwidth20 kHz with low pass filter; 3 dB @ 1 kHz Maximum resolution0.1 mV
Current DC Maximum amps 10 A (20 A for 30 seconds maximum)Amps accuracy±(0.2% + 2)Maximum resolution0.01 µA
Current AC Maximum amps 10 A (20 A for 30 seconds maximum)Amps accuracy±(1.0% + 2) True RMS Maximum resolution0.1 µA Resistance
Maximum resistance 50 MΩAccuracy±(0.2% + 1)Maximum resolution0.1 Ω Capacitance
Maximum capacitance 9,999 µF accuracy±(1% + 2)Maximum resolution0.01 nF Frequency
Maximum frequency200 kHz Accuracy±(0.005% + 1)Maximum resolution0.01 Hz Duty cycle
Maximum duty cycle 99.9%Accuracy±(0.2% per kHz + 0.1%)Maximum resolution0.1%Temperature measurement–200.0 °C – 1090 °C
–328.0 °F – 1994.0 °F
excluding probe80 BK temperature probe–40.0 °C – 260 °C
–40.0 °F – 500 °F, 2.2 °C or 2% whichever is greater Conductance
Maximum conductance60.00 nS Accuracy±(1.0% + 10)Maximum resolution0.01 nS Diode
Range 3V Resolution1 mV Accuracy±(2% + 1)
Duty cycle range Accuracy Within ±(0.2% per kHz + 0.1%)Environmental Specifications Operating temperature–20 °C to + 55 °C Storage temperature–40 °C to + 60 °C Humidity (without condensation)0% – 90% (0 °C – 35 °C)
0% – 70% (35 °C – 55 °C)Operating Altitude2000 m Safety Specifications Overvoltage category EN 61010–1 to 1000 V CAT III, 600V CAT IV Agency approvals CE, CSA, RCM Mechanical and General SpecificationsSize201 x 98 x 52 mm (with holster)Weight355 g
624 g – with holsterDisplay
Digital 6000 counts updates 4/sec.
19,999 counts in high–resolution modeAnalog32 segments, updates 40/secFrequency19,999 counts, updates 3/sec at > 10 Hz
Warranty Lifetime Battery Life
Alkaline~400 hours typical, without backlightShock1 Meter drop per IEC 61010–1:2001VibrationPer MIL–PRF–28800 for a Class 2 instrument
BUTTONS
Orange selection button: This will toggle the selection on the dial if applicable. I.E Temperature or mV.
MIN/MAX: Records the lowest and highest reading of a value
RANGE: Allows you to manually select between auto/manual and the respective ranges
Auto HOLD: Automatically preserves and displays the highest value
Hi Res Mode / Backlight: Switch between 6000 and 20000 count display resolution. Also turns on backlight
Continuity: Enable the audible beep while on the resistance selection
REL: Relative mode for zeroing
Hz / %: Frequency and Duty Cycle
JACK SOCKETS
The four jack inputs are slightly recessed for extre protection. All of them are clearly marked for their category and max amperage ratings.
A (amps)
mA/µA (milliamps/micro-amps)
COM (common)
°/V/Ω/diode (main terminal)
POWER FEATURES / DIAGNOSTICS
Auto off: 30 minutes – to disable: hold down yellow function button and power on with dial same time. To re-enable, turn back off and on.
Disable beeper: hold Continuity button and power on same time.
Calibration mode: hold MIN/MAX while powering on to AC volts. Avoid pressing anything else but press AutoHOLD for calibration count. Count from factory: 0001.
Smoothing: press Range while turning power on to smooth an edgy signal.
High impedance mode: hold Hz while powering on – for testing sensitive electronics.
Bar graph REL: hold REL while turning power on, press REL to center bar graph – improved sensitivity.
Fuse checker: switch onto Resistance, using red probe only in its ‘home’ (main) terminal, test amps and milliamps jacks – ‘OL’ would indicate blown fuse.
Diagnostic screen check: hold AutoHOLD while powering on to light up every digit and icon.
Button check: switch to AC volts, then push each button for a beep.
Who Should buy it?
While anyone can use the Fluke 87V – HVAC technicians, General Contractors, Facilities Maintenance, Electronics Technicians, Automotive Techs, Engineers are the fields that will get the most use of this digital multimeter. This multimer is boasts many advanced features with more accuracy than most will need for home use or other building trades. The Fluke 87V will best serve those with a strong understanding of its capabilities, and will use it to its full potential.
Fluke 87V Pros and Cons
PROS
Reliable and durable
Accurate and stable
Fast and responsive
Retains accuracy over time
CAT IV 600v - rated
Feature Rich
Dual resolution screen
Two screen backlight settings
Great battery life
Separate battery compartment
Removable included holster
Test lead storage
Lifetime warranty
CONS
Somewhat Large and Heavy
Expensive
No separate fuse compartment
Does not Inlude Tpak Magnet
Included Leads Could be Better
Conclusion
There is no denying that the Fluke 87V is an expensive multimeter, but we have all heard “you get what you pay for”. This meter will must likely be overkill for most homeowners and beginners, but for HVAC technicians that will be using it day in and day out, it is well worth the money. This is a high end meter that will last you for years to come. If you are just looking to get into the trade, spend the money once and get a high quality multimeter that will last, and if you are already a veteran to the trade looking to upgrade. Just do yourself a favor and grab yourself a Fluke 87V.
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