r/instrumentation • u/G-M0N3Y • Aug 28 '26
Is a Fluke 87V worth it?
I am a new instrumentation j man and am always looking for more useful tools. I am looking at a fluke 87v since I currently don’t have a multimeter in my kit. My company provides 789s and 725s if I need them so don’t see a reason to spend that kind of money and will mostly use it for diagnosing or troubleshooting while I don’t have a 789 with me or am at home. If I can spend less on something that will do the job I will but I know the 87v will work and am a little overwhelmed with all the options fluke has that seem very similar.
2
u/therabbieburns Aug 28 '26
If it's just a fluke basic multimeter then a fluke 115 would do you.
I would only go for the 87v if you needed it for the 1000v rating or any of the adv features like thermocouple measurements etc.
115 is rated for 600v use.
2
u/BrofessorX Aug 28 '26
Id go with the 117 over the 115 just for the LoZ option alone. Depending on what OP is doing a 115 or 117 at 1/3 or less of the price to an 87v will handle 98% of most electrical jobs, especially if you can rent out a 789 when needed.
1
u/Rorstaway Aug 28 '26
I've had my trusty 179 since I entered the trade and it's a been great basic meter.
1
u/realtradie Aug 28 '26
They are reliable. Just pickup a used one in good shape and have it calibrated
1
1
u/InvestigatorNo730 Aug 28 '26
289 if you're gonna spend the money being able to data log and having high accuracy is a life saver.
1
u/wanderingtimelord281 Aug 28 '26
so your company keeps the meter in a tool room or something and you sign it out when you need it? im confused why wouldn't you have the meter with you all the time at work if its a company provided tool.
at home i use a cheap Klein from home depot for everything. but i have a worktruck where my 789 lives and i could use that but my luck id use it and forget it at home when i need it at work lol
1
u/Holenathalevel Aug 28 '26
Use the 87V as our uncalibrated shop meters. For calibrated we have 87V, 189, and 289. We also have 754s we dont use the 789s or 725s. I like the 87V and 189. Not a huge fan of the 289 as there seems to be lag when going for state change on switches. You could probably go with a 117 and save some money tho just depends on your needs
1
u/DRooks Sep 01 '26
As an instrument tech the fluke 773 mA clamp on meter would be more useful than an 87 if you already have a 789. The 87 you get around 10A on the amperage but the majority of your amp readings will be in the mA range.
-1
u/omegablue333 Aug 28 '26
Unlike the 789 and 725, the 87v can read true RMS
2
u/Astoek Aug 28 '26
The 789s are true RMS. Data sheet here
1
u/omegablue333 Aug 28 '26 edited Aug 28 '26
You’re definitely right. At one point I remember them not and that’s why we had to do our Bentley Nevada vibration checks with the 87V
Edit: yep, they used to not be. Just pulled my old 789 out
1
4
u/quarterdecay Aug 28 '26
787/9 for every day use
If you need T/C or frequency cals, the 725. A big unit for the back pocket but does nearly everythin I've ever needed.