A Fluke multimeter is a tiny portable instrument used to measure voltage, and current resistance, and to test diodes. It is a must-have for any electrical engineer, project manager, or power plant tech. However, the Fluke 87V is more expensive and bulky than the 179.
In fact, it is one of the most expensive digital multimeters on the market, which may have many people wondering whether to invest so much money in it.
Now the question is Fluke 87V VS 179: Which one is Better?
If you are also wondering about this and are still torn between the two Flukes, read this article to find out which one is better. This article will tell you about the differences between these two models and help you to decide which one is suitable for your purpose.
In this post, we’ll show you a Fluke 87V VS 179 comparison of powerful features, So that you can take more informed decisions to enjoy the benefits.
Fluke 87V Vs 179 Vs 289: Quick Comparision Table
In this post, we’ll explain the Fluke 87V VS 179 pricing, features, pros, and cons of each multimeter. Further, we’ll also show the comparison tables of Fluke 87V and Fluke 179 after my honest and real testing.
What is Fluke multimeter?
A multimeter is an electronic measuring instrument that allows the measurement of voltage, current, and electrical resistance. It uses a microprocessor to measure the parameters and display them on an LCD screen or print them on a thermal printer.
You can use it to check voltages and currents in electrical circuits, measure the resistance of components, and even find out if a component is faulty or not.
Fluke multimeters are best known for this reason they are portable, reliable, and easy to use.
Features of Fluke multimeter
Fluke multimeters come equipped with various features that make them stand out from the rest of the multimeters available on the market. Some of these features are listed below.
Fully automatic range selection: A lot of multimeters come with a range selector switch that is used to set the instrument to a specific range of measurement. However, Fluke comes with a fully automatic range selection feature that allows you to use any range without changing anything manually. This can be done by just turning the knob. The instrument will automatically switch ranges depending on what you need to measure.
Auto-ranges: The fluke multimeter features three auto-range selection modes that allow you to set it to different ranges of measurement depending on what is being measured. The first mode is for measuring voltage, the second is for current, and the third is for resistance. These modes are convenient because you don’t have to change anything manually to get the range you want.
Easy-to-read display and feedback indicators: The Fluke multimeter display shows you easily readable data in various categories.
Fluke 87V Multimeter Review
This multimeter is a desirable device because of its high performance, reliability, comfort features, and innovative design. It has a unique ability to measure both AC and DC voltage, resistance, and continuity in a single product. Its advanced circuit design makes the readings clear, precise, and reliable. The Fluke 87V is the most advanced multimeter from the Fluke family.
The Fluke 87V has many additional functions like temperature measurement, fast reaction time for high frequencies (up to 10MHz), measurement of pulse width modulation, etc. This device comes with a storage case to hold accessories like test leads and probes together in one place for easy access when needed.
What I Like/Dislike About Fluke 87V
Like:
- Lifetime warranty.
- Fast and responsive.
- Retains accuracy over time.
- True RMS waveform measurement.
- Dual resolution screen.
- Low pass filter for VFD work.
Dislike:
- Higher Side pricing.
- A little bit heavy for field operation.
Fluke 179 Multimeter Review
The Fluke 179 is a LED multimeter with a simple design, which is also very user-friendly. The front panel of the Fluke 179 has all the most commonly used functions to measure voltage and current, along with resistance and continuity.
Its backlight menu system makes it easy to navigate through the presets and make adjustments. The Fluke 179’s analog meter (VOM) lets you measure voltages in 1/10,000 of a volt range as low as 0.25 microvolts up to 1000 volts or about 675 amps.
What I Like/Dislike About Fluke 179
Like:
- Great accuracy.
- Fast and responsive.
- Nice backlit display.
- sturdy and lightweight.
- Low pass filter for VFD work.
- Both manual and auto hold.
Dislike:
- No significant downsides.
We will compare the Fluke 87V and 179 on several points
The first thing that you should consider when comparing these two multimeters is their measurement accuracy. The Fluke 87V vs 179 comparison shows that both meters offer a basic accuracy of 0.05% and a span error of less than 0.10%.
The next thing you need to consider is the number of input channels on both meters. The Fluke 87V also has 8 channels, and the Fluke 179 has 4 channels. It can be useful for engineers who are into troubleshooting or testing many things at once.
However, the 179 only has 4 channels, so you will have to purchase extra test leads in order to get access to all eight channels.
The difference in screen brightness is quite surprising! Both these multimeters have a low light level screen with a very dim display. You cannot see the display clearly even when you use a light source. The Fluke 179 is brighter than the 87V, and it makes it easier to see the display.
Both these multimeters have a non-toxic, environmentally friendly body. The 87V has a rubber sleeve on the front. It is easy to carry around and not easily scratched by other things. It is available in blue, red, and green color variants, which makes it look better with different operating conditions.
Fluke 87V VS 179: Which one should you choose?
The Fluke 87V is marginally better than the Fluke 179. The larger screen on the 87V makes it easier to read and organize your data, which may be important when working with multiple wires and terminals at once like in an electric circuit.
The two meters use different types of batteries but have similar battery life. Another thing that you need to consider is the price. You should consider how much you are willing to invest. If you need to purchase extra test leads, cables, or other accessories, then it will end up being more expensive than the 179.
However, if you only need a multimeter for routine work, then the Fluke 179 would be a good choice because of its lower price and better screen. There are many varieties of multimeters available on the market. It can be difficult to choose the right one.
Most of the new multimeters are much better than the older models in terms of performance, accuracy, and price. But it is not easy to compare them with each other because they have different features.
What is a True-RMS meter?
Fluke 87V VS 179: Conclusion
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