The Fluke 87 Multimeter is a versatile precision tool for use in the field, in laboratories, or in the home.  In this day and age, analog multimeters generally can’t compete with digital multimeters on cost and features. Consequently, most of the points made in this post assume the digital configuration. Basic multimeters measure voltage, resistance and current. The Fluke 87 device also measures temperature, frequency and amperage. Multimeters are often used to troubleshoot electronic problems by individually testing which components have stopped functioning or are functioning sub-optimally.

Fluke 87 Multimeter Applications

This state-of-the-art tool has a wide variety of applications which allows the electrician to test quickly and accurately unknown voltage levels and other vital information. The  Fluke 87-5  provides both auto and manual ranging for optimum flexibility. The Fluke 87 Multimeter is the world’s most popular  industrial handheld digital multimeter . It is the standard against which all other digital multimeters are judged, and is known as reliable and dependable. It is an integral part of many industrial and commercial safety programs.

The Fluke Corporation, started in 1948, is the world leader in the manufacture, distribution and service of electronic test tools and software. The Fluke 87 Multimeter is one of their most popular instruments for measuring a wide range of electric and electromechanical performance variables.

Digital multimeters (DMMs) have made measuring the working condition of any electrical appliance or device very easy. Unlike, their analog counterpart, digital multimeters can be operated by anyone with a little guidance. And the display readings are in numbers, whereas analog multimeters indicate the value with a needle over a scale.

The Fluke 87 True RMS Digital Multimeter is a “must-have” tool for many. Its features ensure maximum safety and efficiency. This unit can perform precise voltage, resistance, amperage and frequency measurements on virtually any electrical appliance, installation or line voltage up to 1000 Volts and spike voltage up to 8000 Volts.

The Fluke 87 Multimeter has improved testing functions, trouble-shooting characteristics, resolution and precision to diagnose and resolve performance issues on motor drives, in plant automation, power distribution and various electronics equipment. The Fluke 87 sets a new benchmark for digital multimeters, delivering accuracy, many features, ease-of-use, safety, extreme durability and reliability. It is extremely well-designed and built to last, with a brilliant record for durability and reliability. It has a large digit display with bright two-level backlight.

Most digital multimeters are accurate to 1% for DC ranges and 2% for AC ranges. The highly advanced Fluke 87-5 is accurate to .05% DC. By way of comparison, analogue multimeters are generally accurate only up to 2.5% or higher. True-RMS AC voltage and current provide accurate measurements on non-linear signals. True RMS responding multimeters like the Fluke 87 Multimeter Series 5 measure the “heating” potential of an applied voltage.  Unlike an “average responding” measurement, a True RMS measurement is used to determine the power dissipated in a resistor.  The dissipated power is exactly proportional to the square of the measured True RMS voltage, independent of the wave shape, This is critical for precise testing on non-linear signals. On te 87-5, a selectable filter also ensures accurate voltage. An input alert sounds an audible warning against incorrect use of the input jacks. The Fluke 87 Multimeter is a very capable tool, well suited to industrial and commercial use, though also perfect for use at home.

People who perform installation, repair and maintenance work on appliances, commercial washers and dryers, inverters, transformers, furnaces, heaters, air conditioners, etc., require safe working conditions. A substantial number of serious accidents occur when the worker does not know with certainty when the electricity is off. An easy and safe way to make sure the electricity is off is to use the Fluke 87 Multimeter.

The Fluke 87 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. 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, which generally provides up to 400 hours of use. Battery replacement does not cause loss of stored information. It comes with a soft case for storage when not in use.

The Fluke 87 Multimeter is probably the best multimeter in its price range. And the most expensive models can cost well over $500. This Series-5 digital multimeters (including the 87-8/E, 83-5, and 87 -5) have superior troubleshooting characteristics, measurement functions, power distribution, resolution and accuracy to troubleshoot more complications in electronics, electro-mechanical  accessories and equipment and plant automation devices. The Series 5 multimeters are similar to the classic Series-3, but with substantially more convenience, problem solving power, impact protection and safety. The Series 5 comes with a lifetime warranty.

Fluke 87 Multimeter – Some features:

The Fluke 87 Multimeter’s ideal operating temperature range is from -4 to +130 degrees Fahrenheit, although it can be safely stored from -40 to +160 degrees. While it functions in humidity up  to 90 percent, it should be stored in  70 percent humidity or less.

The Fluke 87 measures 1.25 x 3.41 x 7.35 inches and weighs 12.5 oz. The multimeter comes with a holster that also acts as a stand for the Fluke 87. This holster increases the size of the tool to 2.06 x 3.86 x 7.93 inches and the weight to 22 oz.

The Fluke 87 Multimeter measures a maximum of 1000 volts for both AC and DC. Maximum resolution when measuring voltage is .1 millivolts. The accuracy is +/- .05 percent for DC readings and +/-.7 percent for AC readings.

The Fluke 87 has a range of 1 nanofarad to 5 microfarads for capacitance readings and .5 Hertz to 200 kiloHertz for frequency readings.

The Fluke 87 Multimeter measures a maximum of 40 megawatts of resistance with an accuracy of plus or minus .2 percent. The maximum resolution for resistance readings is .1 watts.

The Fluke 87 Digital Multimeter measures a maximum current of 10 amps for both AC and DC. The maximum resolution when measuring current is .1 microamps. The accuracy is plus or minus .2 percent for DC readings and plus or minus 1. percent for AC readings.

The Fluke 87 Multimeter is often considered one of the best multimeters in the industry.  Fluke is a company that has been making electronic measurement devices since 1948. Fluke products are well known for their high quality construction and many useful features.

A built-in thermometer lets you carry one less tool.

Other relevant features include auto and manual ranging, built-in thermometer, optional magnetic holder, and removable holster with built-in probe and test-lead storage. The Fluke 87 Multimeter can withstand dangerous and unpredictable volt spikes up to 8000 V caused by load switching and faults on industrial circuits.