Fluke 115/ 87V...

[dogdad]

Ok...homeowner here looking to get a multimeter for around the house. I know I want a Fluke, just not sure what model to get. I've read nothing but good about the 87V model and around the $325 plus area...I've also read good reviews on the 115 model for $125 , a basic electrician's model (?). I'll be using this meter for anything around my home that I can check without calling a contractor if possible.
So what can the Fluke 87V do the 115 can't? I don't mind spending the money if it is worth it.....thanks in advance

 

[ddawg16]

Unless you want to measure temperature and need the extra resolution, the 115 is an excellent choice for home use.

Here is a decent comparison of the two
http://www.tequipment.net/Fluke-115-vs-87v/

I have a 179....and I've never used the temp function

 

[Stuff]

If it matters to you I think that the 115 is made in China where the 87V is still made in the USA.

 

[dogdad]

If it matters to you I think that the 115 is made in China where the 87V is still made in the USA.

Thanks..was wondering about that..really don't want the chinese manufactured...also see the 115 has a 3 yr warranty vs lifetime on the 87v.

 

[ddawg16]

It's a Fluke design assembled in China.....

 

[Smoker]

Apple products are very high quality. And made in China. Its all in the design... where do you think the components for the "made in USA" one come from?

I wouldn't get too hung up on made in China issues.

BTW I've used Fluke products professionally for probably 20 odd years (789 is my current unit) and they are top quality, good choice.

 

[Jess]

I will add my support for Fluke products. Although I had the use of the expensive models over the years, I have always owned the cheaper ones. One thing about digital, is they do have some limitations and I keep a Simpson analog for troubleshooting DC faults. An inexpensive analog meter will do most anything a hobbyist will need or be capable of.

 

[zmotorsports]

Personally I am a huge fan of the Fluke 87 model but this is coming from an industrial maintenance background and needed the higher voltage capabilities as well as other features. Being for a homeowner and that not being necessary the 115 would be a good choice especially for the price.

Mike.

 

[dogdad]

Apple products are very high quality. And made in China. Its all in the design... where do you think the components for the "made in USA" one come from?

I wouldn't get too hung up on made in China issues.

BTW I've used Fluke products professionally for probably 20 odd years (789 is my current unit) and they are top quality, good choice.

Good point...however, with Fluke, one has a choice of manufacturing country ,,,,Apple doesn't.

 

[gregtwojeeps]

Used this old Fluke for years and beat it like a drum. Still works great and does everything I need for me and cheap too.

 

[dogdog]

Good point...however, with Fluke, one has a choice of manufacturing country ,,,,Apple doesn't.

Choose it for the function, price and needs. For what you are specifying, the 115 is fine... I have a 20+ year older Craftman which is rumor to be a fluke, and it is still working fine for me on things I needed to do from electronics to troubleshooting electrical stuff. If you are so hung up on the COO, then by all means get the 87-5.... after all the specs are better.... I wouldn't get too hung up on the limited lifetime warranty, thing.... it's actually only 10 years for the 87-5 vs 3 years for the 115. Unless you are doing something really stupid with it.... both meters will last you more than 10 years.

 

[dogdog]

this is part of their fine prints on warranty.... so it's not lifetime warranty....
http://www.transcat.com/media/pdf/80vUserManual.pdf


"....
For ten years from the date of purchase, this warranty also covers
the LCD. Thereafter, for the lifetime of the DMM, Fluke will replace the LCD
for a fee based on the current component acquisition costs. "....

 

[Big Daddy Chop Shop]

My "first response meter" was always a Fluke 325 or a variant. Good all- around meters, but I always needed an amp clamp too. They are the berries. Often carried an 87 also. I trusted my life to them daily. For me, its Fluke or nothing.

I still have a 325 (or 326 or close) and an 87.

 

[rodsnratfinks]

I have an 87V for the microamperes and occasionally, duty cycle. I have a 73III for the auto/home projects. Honestly, it would be foolhardy to pay for an 87 if you do not need the extra features. It's a great meter, but I've never been disappointed with any Fluke meter. Everyone I know who use a meter for general or automotive use has a 115/117 or an older Fluke and have had zero problems with them. You might want to check out the 77IV or 177/179 series, if you want to avoid the 11x series because of COO. I was going to buy the 177 before I found my 87V cheap.

Sent by an army of nefarious gnomes bent on world conquest.

 

[bikerx500]

I'm new to the site and have very limited knowledge on multimeters but from what I have seen the fluke 17b seems to be a huge bang for buck meter

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

 

[DHCrocks]

the fluke 80 series has a relative function which can come in handy. You secure the probes and get a reading then press the relative button, it will zero out the reading. then it will show you the differential reading. For example you're testing voltage and want to know how much it is fluctuating, you can easily see how much up/down it is in relation to your reference setting.

It is also useful for measuring very small units. if you ever touched your leads together in resistance mode you can see how there is a small amount of resistance from the probe wires, it never goes to zero ohms. with the relative function you press the leads together and press the button, it will zero out the reading so the leads are taken out of the equation and you are now reading the actual resistance of whatever component you are measuring.

 

[dogdad]

Went with the Fluke 87v from an authorized dealer online....plus Fluke has freebie's depending on amount spent. ..thanks for the input

 

[DodgeMech]

what about a 12e/15b? they are made in china, and only for china, but seem to be as skookum as any other fluke...and are pretty cheap...gotta go "third party" to buy them, and i don't think ya get a warranty...but hell, it's a fluke

 

[Big Daddy Chop Shop]

what about a 12e/15b? they are made in china, and only for china, but seem to be as skookum as any other fluke...and are pretty cheap...gotta go "third party" to buy them, and i don't think ya get a warranty...but hell, it's a fluke

If I am going to trust my life to something, price is NOT my first consideration. There is a reason its for China, and there could be (and likely are) many reasons. regardless, this equipment can save your life......or cost it.

 

[My Old Tools]

I bought a new in the box 87V on the auction site for $225. It has already paid for itself diagnosing bad capacitors.

 

[DodgeMech]

If I am going to trust my life to something, price is NOT my first consideration. There is a reason its for China, and there could be (and likely are) many reasons. regardless, this equipment can save your life......or cost it.

he's a home gamer...how would anything he's around kill him? 120 ac bites a little, but it ain't life or death...now yes, i agree...if you're in the field, on 480 3 phase stuff, by all means, buy the best meter made...but at the house? a 100 dollar skookum fluke ain't gonna hurt anyone

this guy tore into one, says it's actually pretty well made...he bought it thinking it was a knockoff, but it turned out to be an actual fluke, just one meant for "emerging markets", and not here, hence why the price is so low

 

[James87]

If you scroll to the bottom of this page, I have a comparison chart set up for all the Fluke 110 series (just for future reference): http://www.themultimeterguide.com/fluke-114-vs-115-vs-116-vs-117/

I see you have gone with the 87V though, so that is a great choice! You will not be disappointed (I own one myself), and the lifetime warranty gives me great piece of mind.

 

[dogdad]

So since I bought a Fluke..I get my choice of one of the following in level one promo.....I'm thinking the yellow storage box or the strap...any thoughts?
http://content.fluke.com/Promotions/promo-multi/reliable-power-of-fluke/usen.html

 

[TractorJeff]

Strap with a Magnet to stick it to the Panel so you don't have to hold it and manipulate to Probes with one hand in a Panel!

 

[dogdad]

Soooo. I sent in the required forms to redeem the promo item...got the strap with the magnet...or I should say requested it..and it was approved...but only have to wait ...ill let you read their response:

Great news—we have reviewed your free gift redemption submittal and it qualifies under the promotion terms and conditions. Your gift will ship within the next ten to twelve weeks. You will receive an email with tracking information once your gift ships.
Yep.. In 2 to 3 months.....lol..

 

[softailgarage]

If your going to use one for automotive as well, go with the 117.

 

[dclassical]

You will like the strap with the magnet! I chose the storage box because I already had the strap.

 

[ddawg16]

You will like the strap with the magnet! I chose the storage box because I already had the strap.

That magnet is the best thing since Sushi.....

 

[dogdad]

You will like the strap with the magnet! I chose the storage box because I already had the strap.

The box was my other choice,, but think I can get a smaller box for storage..saving shelve room. The box looks big, but nice.

 

[dclassical]

I just got the yellow box today and it is nice and well built (can't post pictures now). I am not sure what I will do with it to be honest, but I am sure I will find some use!

 

[dogdad]

I just got the yellow box today and it is nice and well built (can't post pictures now). I am not sure what I will do with it to be honest, but I am sure I will find some use!

Glad I didn't get the box and got the magnetic strap...as I can get a yellow pelican case with foam for less then they want for the yellow box...

 

[exmaxima1]

I have an 87V for the microamperes and occasionally, duty cycle. I have a 73III for the auto/home projects. Honestly, it would be foolhardy to pay for an 87 if you do not need the extra features. It's a great meter, but I've never been disappointed with any Fluke meter. Everyone I know who use a meter for general or automotive use has a 115/117 or an older Fluke and have had zero problems with them. You might want to check out the 77IV or 177/179 series, if you want to avoid the 11x series because of COO. I was going to buy the 177 before I found my 87V cheap.

Sent by an army of nefarious gnomes bent on world conquest.

+1
I have an 87, but use my 75 much more often. I especially like the aural tone when testing transistors and diodes. Most average users would be thrilled with a 73/75/77 Fluke, and it costs quite a bit less.