Fluke 87-5 Digital Multimeter

by Fluke

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Fluke 87-5 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 87-5 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 87-5 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 87-5 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 87-5 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 87-5 can be set up and viewed hands free.

Selectable Filter and True-RMS AC Voltage for Dependable Accuracy
Incredibly responsive and reliable, the Fluke 87-5 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 87-5 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 87-5 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 87-5 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 87-5 is backed by a lifetime warranty.

What's in the Box
Fluke 87-5; TL75 test leads; AC72 alligator clips; holster; nine-volt battery (installed); Getting Started manual; CD with detailed manual; and 80BK temperature probe.

Product Description

• Built-in thermometer conveniently allows you to take temperature readings without having to carry a separate instrument
• Large digital display, 6000 counts, 3-3/4-digits
• Measure up to 1000V AC and DC
• Auto and manual ranging for maximum flexibility

Industrial True RMS Multimeter with Temperature Measure up to 1000V AC and DC.  Built in thermometer lets you carry one less tool.  Withstands hazardous 8,000 volt spikes caused by load switching.  Analog bar graph for fast changing or unstable signals.

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Product Details

Data Sheet [668kb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B0002YFD1K
• Item model number: FLUKE 87-5
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,967 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #6 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Measuring & Layout Tools > Scanners & Testers > Moisture Meters
  • #16 in Home Improvement > Electrical > Tools & Testers > Multi Testers

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Top-Quality, June 12, 2009

By 

New England Yankee (Northern New England) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Fluke 87-5 Digital Multimeter (Tools & Home Improvement)

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.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars don't waste your money on Cheap meters!, June 27, 2007

By 

D. Rice "Woodworker" (Indiana) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fluke 87-5 Digital Multimeter (Tools & Home Improvement)

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.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nearly perfect multimeter, September 3, 2010

By 

M. Gozum (Eastern USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fluke 87-5 Digital Multimeter (Tools & Home Improvement)

The 87 has evolved little since 1989 yet it remains a preferred and widely used meter for professional electric and electronic work, over 20 years later. Its very rare to have any design in production for decades yet still command a top price despite competition from cheaper work a like multimeters. The 87 look, feel and functionality, remains often copied even today. While the 87 has changed backlighting, added 20,000 count precision, increased LCD annunciators, louder beeps, new button colors etc., it didn't markedly improve overall accuracy, reliability, build quality, safety, and ease of maintenance that gave the whole 80 series its reputation. You can still find 1-4 80 series meters on eBay commanding top prices [often as much or more than similar functioned new non-Fluke DMMs ] and often need just cleaning, to look near new.

I own a 20+ year old 85I, a 10 year old 85III and a 3 year old 87V. None of these has been adjusted since its original calibration and a recent comparison against a calibrated 6.5 digit bench meter showed all 3 still in factory spec. I'm not the only owner to notice this reliability, other long time owners know it too. Further, the specs are often 3-10x better at room temperature than given in the manual.

I've used the meters is high heat of summer or cold of winter, left in cars or bags, yet it measures true. The rubber case helps endure drops and shocks, resists splashing, dirt, grease, and mud, yet is easily cleaned with soap [ I throw it into the diswasher ]. The case also adds grip to prevent falling off table tops, and makes the meter easier to hold with heavy gloves.

The rotary switch is slightly recessed from the lower end of the case, reducing the chance of accidental operation should the meter fall or rub against other tools in a box.

The buttons are widely spaced, making correct selection with gloves more accurate.

The beeps are loud, and engage clearly to warn you of settings and possible misplacement of leads in wrong modes.

The casing is made of a very durable plastic, essentially unchanged since 1989, it holds its look and strength for over 20 years.

The case, inputs, rotary switch, and buttons are O ring or gasket sealed, and while not made to be waterproof, is at least splash resistant. The entire meter, including the PCB, can easily be user disassembled and cleaned, if needed.

The parts count on the PCB have been substantially reduced, so the 87V is slightly lighter than the 85. The measurement speed is noticeably faster, but the accuracy remains similar to the specs of the original 87I, which is similar to an 85III and 85I. The 85I is adjusted using trim pots, while the the 85III and 87V are close case adjustments, using memory chips to store correction factors. However, I've not had to do any adjustment since the meters were purchased, so long ago.

What is most striking about Fluke 87s is the fast cycling of a measurement that is often devoid of drift, making one have high confidence in the measurement reading. By comparison, I also use a Radio Shack ruggedized pocket DMM, made by reputable maker Sanwa, that can take a while for the last digit to settle. In 5 years the accuracy drifted over 5% off scale, and while easy to adjust I had to suspect it was off, and must regularly calibrate it against a Fluke. A frebbie DMM I leave in a car would read DC as well as my Fluke, but unexpectedly one day, it died. I now had no meter to use, and it was intended to make field repairs. Many other DMMs specify their accuracy misleadingly, quoting a low % of reading, but with high last digit drift rates that increase the % of reading inaccuracy many fold. Drifts create skepticism with measurement, so when my intuition says something isn't right it makes me reach for my Fluke to settle the issue, so in the end, why bother with the questionable readings and just get another Fluke, which I did.

So why 'nearly' perfect? Some gripes I have is that after 20 years, the meter still costs a lot. It has a small LCD screen compared to top DMMs brands, but its LCD remains very clear . No attempt was made to convert it easier to find AA batteries instead of less ubiquitous 9V batteries.

Conclusion:

Can one justify a DMM that cost 3x more than a competing meter of similar accuracy, at least by spec sheet? A lesser DMM will work most of the time but it can mislead or break when you least expect it, or not perform exactly as the spec sheet says. As a Fluke owner, I know 80 series meters performs over its spec sheet, require no special protective cases or care, will exceed 20 years, or more, of life working as good as when it was new. While Fluke states it requires annual calibration, in reality is hardly needs any. A new 87V has a "lifetime" warranty for original owners, and a used one on auction often sells close to a new one.