Fluke is a well-known brand that produces high-quality digital multimeters (DMMs) for professional electricians and technicians.
The Fluke 87 and 87v are two of their most popular DMMs, but which one is the better option?
In this article, we will compare the Fluke 87 vs 87v in terms of features, performance, accuracy, and overall value for money.
Digital Multimeters (DMMs)
DMMs are essential tools for electricians and technicians who work with electrical circuits. They are used to measure various electrical parameters such as voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, and frequency.
Fluke is a well-known brand that produces high-quality DMMs that are reliable, accurate, and durable.
The Fluke 87 and 87v are two of their most popular models, but they have some key differences that we will explore in this article.
Fluke 87 Overview
The Fluke 87 is a true RMS DMM that was introduced in the 1980s. It has a reputation for being a rugged and reliable instrument that can withstand harsh working conditions.
The Fluke 87 is designed to measure voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, and frequency. It has a large backlit display that shows the readings and alerts users to potential problems with the circuit.
Fluke 87v Overview
The Fluke 87v is an upgraded version of the Fluke 87 that was introduced in the 1990s. It has all the features of the Fluke 87, plus some additional features that make it more versatile and user-friendly.
The Fluke 87v is also a true RMS DMM that can measure voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, and frequency. It has a larger display than the Fluke 87 and more advanced safety features.
Comparison of Features
Display
The Fluke 87 has a 3.5 digit display with a maximum resolution of 0.1 millivolts.
The Fluke 87v has a larger 4.5 digit display with a maximum resolution of 0.01 millivolts. The larger display of the Fluke 87v makes it easier to read the readings, especially in low-light conditions.
Voltage and Current Ranges
Both the Fluke 87 and 87v have similar voltage and current ranges. They can measure AC and DC voltage up to 1000 volts and AC and DC current up to 10 amps.
However, the Fluke 87v has a wider frequency range than the Fluke 87, which can be useful for measuring high-frequency signals.
Accuracy
The Fluke 87 and 87v are both accurate instruments, but the Fluke 87v has a higher accuracy than the Fluke 87.
The Fluke 87 has a basic accuracy of ±0.05% and the Fluke 87v has a basic accuracy of ±0.025%.
Auto Ranging and Manual Ranging
The Fluke 87 and 87v both have auto ranging and manual ranging modes. The auto ranging mode automatically selects the appropriate range for the measurement, while the manual ranging mode allows the user to select the range manually.
The Fluke 87v has a faster auto ranging mode than the Fluke 87, which can save time when making measurements.
Safety Features
Both the Fluke 87 and 87v have safety features that protect the user and the instrument from damage. They both have overload protection, input warning signals, and a built-in fuse.
However, the Fluke 87v has additional safety features such as a low pass filter and a voltage detector that can detect live wires without making contact.
Performance Comparison
Both the Fluke 87 and 87v have excellent performance and can accurately measure various electrical parameters.
However, the Fluke 87v has a faster measurement speed than the Fluke 87, which can be useful when working with high-speed circuits.
The Fluke 87v also has a larger input impedance than the Fluke 87, which can reduce the effect of circuit loading.
Accuracy Comparison
Accuracy is an essential factor when choosing a DMM.
The Fluke 87v has a higher accuracy than the Fluke 87, which makes it more suitable for high-precision measurements.
However, both instruments have an accuracy that is sufficient for most applications.
Value for Money Comparison
The Fluke 87 and 87v are both premium DMMs that come with a premium price tag.
The Fluke 87 is less expensive than the Fluke 87v, but it has fewer features and a lower accuracy.
The Fluke 87v, on the other hand, has more features and a higher accuracy, but it is more expensive than the Fluke 87.
The value for money depends on the specific needs of the user.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Fluke 87 and 87v are both excellent DMMs that are suitable for professional electricians and technicians.
They have some key differences in terms of features, performance, accuracy, and value for money.
The Fluke 87v is a more advanced instrument with more features and a higher accuracy, but it is also more expensive than the Fluke 87.
The choice between the two depends on the specific needs of the user.
FAQs
- Can the Fluke 87 and 87v measure capacitance? Yes, both the Fluke 87 and 87v can measure capacitance.
- What is the difference between true RMS and average responding multimeters? True RMS multimeters can accurately measure AC voltage and current even when the waveform is not a perfect sine wave. Average responding multimeters can only measure AC voltage and current accurately when the waveform is a perfect sine wave.
- Can the Fluke 87v measure temperature? No, the Fluke 87v does not have a temperature measurement function.
- Is the Fluke 87v worth the extra cost compared to the Fluke 87? It depends on the specific needs of the user. If high accuracy and advanced features are required, then the Fluke 87v is worth the extra cost. If basic measurements are sufficient, then the Fluke 87 is a more cost-effective option.
- Can the Fluke 87 and 87v be used for automotive diagnostics? Yes, both the Fluke 87 and 87v can be used for automotive diagnostics, but they may not have all the functions required for this application.