fluke 87 lcd screen made in china
Their flagship multimeter, the industry standard, idolized by many; there are lots of superlatives that fit with the Fluke 87V. In short, it is the go-to meter for electricians in industry, with guaranteed reliability, accuracy and robustness to make it one of the best multimeters on the market.
The 87-V (or version 5) is the top model of the revered 80 series, built like a brick and trustworthy enough for the pros to use. It is ideal for troubleshooting electrical and electronic systems, built to handle complex signals and currents up to 20A.
A True RMS meter, it is very accurate and has all the test ranges, including capacitance, an auto-touch feature and an excellent dual resolution, 20000-count display. In this Fluke 87V review we browse its inner workings, enviable features and what makes this Made in the USA diamond tick.
Although the Fluke 87 is regarded as an ‘industrial’ multimeter, it is also perfectly adept at handling lab-based electronics tasks or automotive repair work. It measures down to the micro-amps and nano-Farad capacitance ranges, with resolutions of 0.1µA and 0.01nF respectively. It can also accurately measure conductance (down to 60nS).
Although the Fluke 87 multimeter uses a 9V battery – where AAs might be preferred for price and capacity – it has quite a low current draw and will generally last for years.
Stated accuracy is sound. There is no bloat with the 87V. Some of the cheaper multimeter manufacturers will overstate levels of accuracy, only for their meters to suffer on the extra counts/digits.
Even their lower budget models that are put together in China are of a high build standard, but the design and build quality of the Fluke 87V is excellent. This is a Made in the USA product – approved by various agencies, including: UL, TÜV, CSA and VDE. It is constructed using rugged plastics that can handle industrial settings.
Along with a tough case and holster, the subtle design element on the facade has a raised case/recessed dial to better protect the screen and selector. To complement the case, everything is nicely portioned; from the well spaced buttons to the uncluttered selector dial and the protected jack inputs.
The display is an upgrade over previous versions of the Fluke 87, with sharper digits and a very nice bar graph. The dual display has a 6,000-count (updates four times a second) and a 20,000-count (updates three times a second) resolution – Hi Res. Even slight millivolt changes are registered accurately, while the 32-segment, analog-like bar graph updates at 40 times per second to give a nice overview in virtual real-time.
Higher resolutions are attainable in the world of measuring nirvana, but the 87V multimeter is the full package. If you want tighter resolution again, the Fluke 289, or a high end bench meter, would be a better option regards obtaining low drift voltage specs.
Response time in the Fluke 87V review overall is exceptional, especially on continuity detection, of which this brand is well known. In addition, battery life is preserved through a selectable sleep mode. Although it uses a 9V battery, it has around 400 hours of typical usage. Note that use of the backlight makes a big difference on battery drain, but it can sit unused for long periods of time and still hold charge.
Together with good specs and reliability, Fluke multimeters have a sound safety reputation. They bring the user maximum protection, both mechanically and electrically. The Fluke 87V itself is robust and durable with a strong rubber boot and tough case, which itself features a separate rubber banding.
The safety rating is up to 1000V for Category III and 600V for Category IV – the latter making it safe to use on three phase service supplies in industry. The two amperage circuits on the 87V are protected by high quality, ceramic HRC fuses. The 400mA input has a 440mA, 1000-volt rated fuse. The main 10A circuit, an 11A, 1000-volt rated fuse. Fuse model numbers can be found on the Fluke website.
While anyone can use the Fluke 87V – HVAC engineers, installation electricians, plant maintenance, electronics technicians, automotive trainees – it is best suited to industry. This is quite a heavy-duty meter, with more accuracy and advanced features than might be needed for some trades, or in the home. It is the preferred choice of professionals, where problems need to be solved fast.
This is one of the more expensive devices on the market and may be overkill for beginners, but you certainly get what you pay for and the Fluke 87V review has likely detailed the number one all-round multimeter in the industry. It boasts the hallmarks you’d want to see in a high-end test meter, such as accuracy, reliability, high resolution and solid build. It measures most ranges very well and will easily last for many years of service.
Alternatives: amateurs might want to try the more manageable and cheaper 110 series, such as the popular 115. For electronics-intensive work, the precision 287 and 289 have even tighter accuracy.
One of the primary reasons behind the higher cost of Fluke multimeters is the amount of safety they offer. Almost all of their models are rated to CAT III 600V or higher, which means that if they fail, they won’t injure the user. They are also among the most accurate and precise measuring devices on today’s market.
Another factor that puts Fluke devices above the competition is their robust build. These devices can withstand a lot of physical abuse and typically come with dust and water resistance. This turns them into perfect gadgets for handymen who often work in harsh conditions.
Even though they come with lots of modes and options, these products are incredibly easy to operate with. They have intuitive controls and allow even the most inexperienced individuals to easily figure out how they work. In other words, Fluke multimeters can be used by both professionals and electronics hobbyists.
When it comes to disadvantages of Fluke multimeters, the biggest one is undoubtedly the poor quality of their displays. Don’t get us wrong – the screens on these devices work just as advertised, and will successfully display all the information you need. It’s just that they sometimes come with minor flaws that prevent us from giving a certain Fluke device a perfect score.
Sometimes, the screen will be too small, making it harder to read the numbers. In other instances, the display won’t have backlighting or will have one that doesn’t stay on for long enough. We also bumped into a couple of models whose displays tended to lose contrast under certain angles.
Even though these are just minor nuisances, they can still be quite annoying at times. In our opinion, the engineers at Fluke should work on equipping their future products with the displays of better quality.
When it comes to Fluke’s 170 Series of multimeters, the 179 model is undoubtedly at the top – it comes with extra functions and sports a high level of accuracy. It’s one of the best choices for troubleshooting around the house and in industry, as it is suited for both amateurs and professionals.
As the name suggests, this model comes in a kit, together with all the probes you might need and an ergonomic case with an integrated protective holster. Just like many other Fluke gadgets, the 179 is also backed by the company’s lifetime warranty.
As far as we’re concerned, this is the best multimeter that Fluke has ever made – it is more than capable to complete every job in all the loud, messy, and high energy places you might work at. For that matter, it certainly deserves to get our Editor’s Choice award.
Having the right tools for the job at hand is of essential importance. For that matter, we’ve decided to take a closer look at yet another tool combo from Fluke – the 117/323 kit. As the name suggests, the package consists of two tools – the versatile 117 multimeter and the general-purpose 232 clamp meter.
We’ve already talked a lot about Fluke 117 – it’s one of the best devices of this type that the company has produced so far. As a True RMS device, this gadget effortlessly provides accurate readings and tests – it can display the values with 0.5% accuracy. Its outstanding construction quality shows that it was built to last, while the handy backlight and the auto shut-off functions only add to unit’s impressive number of features.
This model is actually a revamped version of the acclaimed 15B DMM, and one of the least expensive devices of this type from Fluke. Built primarily for China users, the model can now be bought in almost all other parts of the world. Even though it comes with limited features, it still looks and feels just like the other devices made by this company – it has the trademark shape, color, as well as the recognizable dial.
This model sports all the features that its older cousin had, along with a faster response time on auto ranging and continuity measuring, a better range of capacitance, as well as the brighter screen. Although it isn’t really suitable for the high-quality professional level testing, the 15b+ certainly isn’t a knock-off – this is still a genuine Fluke gadget.
Next up is the Fluke 88V, a modern successor of the original 88 Series which is now defunct. Just like we expected, this model is as elaborate and impressive as its ancestors were years ago. It sports a high level of accuracy, remarkable ruggedness, as well as superb functionality.
Since it’s one of the best models in the range, the Fluke 88V showcases a myriad of different functions. It’s a fast performer – the unit is incredibly responsive when it comes to continuity checking and auto-ranging. Accuracy and speed are assured, and we also have to mention an excellent battery life (over 400 hours with regular use).
Next up is the Fluke 88V, a modern successor of the original 88 Series which is now defunct. Just like we expected, this model is as elaborate and impressive as its ancestors were years ago. It sports a high level of accuracy, remarkable ruggedness, as well as superb functionality.
Since it’s one of the best models in the range, the Fluke 88V showcases a myriad of different functions. It’s a fast performer – the unit is incredibly responsive when it comes to continuity checking and auto-ranging. Accuracy and speed are assured, and we also have to mention an excellent battery life (over 400 hours with regular use).
Although it is not as elaborate as the pricier models are, the Fluke 113 certainly serves a purpose. Due to the fact that it has just a couple of simple ranges across small range positions, it’s one of the most user-friendly multimeters that Fluke has ever made. However, it is still accurate enough to be a reliable tool when it comes to measuring things like capacitance, continuity, resistance, and AC/DC voltage.
The user-friendliness of this model did not have an adverse effect on its build quality. The 113 is as sturdy and durable as any device made by Fluke, and that’s always a big plus in our book. It has a separate battery compartment, an integral holster, and a raised dial selector switch that you can operate just with your thumb.
The display of this unit, however, isn’t that impressive. It’s a 6000-count, 3 5/6 digits screen whose backlight stays on for just 40 seconds. The shown info isn’t very sharp and the display itself is pretty small, although that’s precisely what we expected at this price tag.
The Fluke 113 is as quick as the top-rated devices of this type, though – it quickly updates the required info. The battery life, on the other hand, is pretty decent, as the unit provides the user with around 300 hours of regular use. Of course, frequent use of backlight can significantly reduce this number.
One of the best things about Fluke measuring devices is that even the Chinese-made models come with a superb amount of input protection. The Fluke 113 has a CAT-III (600V) rating and can easily handle over-voltage up to 6000 V.
When it comes to the screen, the Fluke 101 has a reasonably quick and sharp display with a 6000-count resolution. However, the display also introduces the biggest downside of this DMM – it doesn’t have a backlight at all. The screen displays all the required data, but you won’t be able to see any of it when you’re working in total darkness (unless you decide to use a flashlight, of course).
Suitable for amateurs and tradesmen, the Fluke 101 is capable of making accurate measurements when used for general purpose electronics. For the price that it comes at, it’s a great deal.
When it comes to the screen, the Fluke 101 has a reasonably quick and sharp display with a 6000-count resolution. However, the display also introduces the biggest downside of this DMM – it doesn’t have a backlight at all. The screen displays all the required data, but you won’t be able to see any of it when you’re working in total darkness (unless you decide to use a flashlight, of course).
Suitable for amateurs and tradesmen, the Fluke 101 is capable of making accurate measurements when used for general purpose electronics. For the price that it comes at, it’s a great deal.
When it comes to affordable measuring devices, the Fluke 115 is definitely a good contender for the top place. It’s on the lower end of the company’s digital multimeters, but it’s still highly accurate, user-friendly, and can easily fit in the palm of your hand. Its accuracy and build quality are the precisely the factors that gave it the status of a best-seller.
Just like we expected, the Fluke 115 has a rotary input selector dial, right below the display. The dial is relatively small and therefore allows easy operation with the thumb. The low weight and the compact construction make it easy to carry this unit in the pocket or on the belt.
The 6,000-count screen of this device shows clear icons, a responsive graph, and easy to read digits. However, it’s not of the best quality – it can be hard to read the info at certain angles, and the backlight doesn’t stay long enough. But it still serves the purpose and shows all the relevant data you’ll need for making measurements.
Portable, rugged, and accurate, the Fluke 115 is a fantastic general purpose gadget. It is more than suitable for use in the home, on the terrain, and in the light industry, and is an excellent choice for both the beginner electricians and experienced technicians (as a secondary meter). We recommend it!
When it comes to Fluke’s 70 Series, the 77-IV model is undoubtedly one of the better-priced units. With its easy on the eye looks, rugged construction, and solid functionality, this DMM works quite well for most of everyday measuring tasks. It’s an ideal choice for auto engineers and electricians.
Like most devices of this type manufactured by Fluke, the 77-IV also has an outstanding build quality both inside and out. It has an ergonomic over-molded body that provides the user with an excellent grip. The unit’s case also sports integrated probe lead holders on the back, as well as the tilting bail for the bench measuring. Design wise; we have only words of praise –it’s one of the company’s best-looking devices so far.
The Fluke 77-IV is, in our opinion, a very versatile device. It is basic enough to deal with simple household wiring faults, but also elaborate enough to help with troubleshooting in industrial environments. What more could one want?
When it comes to Fluke’s 70 Series, the 77-IV model is undoubtedly one of the better-priced units. With its easy on the eye looks, rugged construction, and solid functionality, this DMM works quite well for most of everyday measuring tasks. It’s an ideal choice for auto engineers and electricians.
Like most devices of this type manufactured by Fluke, the 77-IV also has an outstanding build quality both inside and out. It has an ergonomic over-molded body that provides the user with an excellent grip. The unit’s case also sports integrated probe lead holders on the back, as well as the tilting bail for the bench measuring. Design wise; we have only words of praise – it’s one of the company’s best-looking devices so far.
The Fluke 77-IV is, in our opinion, a very versatile device. It is basic enough to deal with simple household wiring faults, but also elaborate enough to help with troubleshooting in industrial environments. What more could one want?
This particular model is one of Fluke’s most reliable models yet. Easy to use, compact, sturdy, as well as highly accurate, the 117 is aimed at light industrial and domestic electricians. Furthermore, it’s also an excellent choice for the hobbyists, who will find the unit’s impressive but easy to figure out functions very helpful on a daily basis.
When it comes to the display, we’re both impressed and disappointed. Although large and bright, the screen tends to lose contrast when looked upon at certain angles. It does have a backlight, however, and it’s capable of updating the info four times per second. In addition to that, the screen also displays a multi-segment bar graph, which is very responsive and has an update rate of 32 times per second.
The basic measurements of Fluke 117 include frequency, capacitance, continuity, resistance, as well as AC/DC amperage and voltage. The fact that it comes with a CAT III (600V) rating will allow you to use the device for analyzing control panel boards, appliances, outlets, and many other things. Although the package doesn’t include a case, it does ship with leads, a manual, and a holster.
Even though Fluke 117 indeed isn’t a heavy-duty model and it’s not elaborate enough for lab work, it is still precise enough for daily electrical work performed by domestic, light industry, and DIY electricians.
Idolized by many and being called names such as the “industry standard,” the Fluke 87-V is one of the most popular and most loved devices of this type on the market. With this model, the robustness, accuracy, and reliability are guaranteed, and it is an ideal device for troubleshooting all kinds of electrical systems.
One of the first things to notice about 87-V is its display. Although not large, it’s certainly an improvement over the previous versions of this gadget. It’s very fast and responsive, shows sharper digits, and registers every millivolt change in an accurate way. There’s also the signature analog-like bar graph, which is capable of updating info 40 times per second.
It’s pretty evident that this gadget is overkill for the amateurs – it is best suited for electronic technicians and HVAC engineers. We can easily see why so many people consider the 87-V to be the best device of this type on the market, since its reliability is hard to beat.
Idolized by many and being called names such as the “industry standard,” the Fluke 87-V is one of the most popular and most loved devices of this type on the market. With this model, the robustness, accuracy, and reliability are guaranteed, and it is an ideal device for troubleshooting all kinds of electrical systems.
One of the first things to notice about 87-V is its display. Although not large, it’s certainly an improvement over the previous versions of this gadget. It’s very fast and responsive, shows sharper digits, and registers every millivolt change in an accurate way. There’s also the signature analog-like bar graph, which is capable of updating info 40 times per second.
It’s pretty evident that this gadget is overkill for the amateurs – it is best suited for electronic technicians and HVAC engineers. We can easily see why so many people consider the 87-V to be the best device of this type on the market, since its reliability is hard to beat.
The last Fluke multimeter we’re going to take a look at is the 116 model, a member of the budget-friendly 110 Series of compact units. Although quite basic, this device is aimed at HVAC electricians as it possesses all the necessary tools for the successful troubleshooting of cooling and heating faults.
All devices of this type made by Fluke have been built to last, and 116 is no exception to that rule. Although China-made to keep the price down, the unit still sports a sturdy construction that allows it to easily withstand wear and tear. It uses is a single 9V battery that gives it a running time of around 300 to 400 hours.
It comes with a relatively large screen (6000-count) with a neat bar graph, which, unfortunately, does not operate on temperature and capacitance ranges. Even though it has a backlight that stays on for 40 seconds, the screen somewhat lacks the clarity we’ve seen on the other models in the same price category. Furthermore, it tends to fade when you take a look at it from certain angles.
HVAC technicians will make the most out of Fluke 116, but the unit can also be of great help to general purpose electricians. It’s a compact and competent model that definitely deserves more attention.
Fluke multimeters represent the pinnacle of electronic and electrical testing — any one of these top picks could have been chosen as the ultimate machine. However, just edging it for me is the remarkable Fluke 179.
The Fluke 101 is exactly what you’d expect from a digital multimeter with that name. It’s the basic starter model, and it’s both very basic and very good. Fluke has created this model to serve customers who demand the very basics from their multimeter, but still, want to have the best quality on the market.
To offer Fluke quality at a very accessible price, there have been some sacrifices. First of all, the Fluke 101 isn’t made in America, like most Flukes are. It is designed in America but made in China. This keeps costs down, while also guaranteeing a premium engineering quality.
When we look at the performance of the Fluke 101, we do indeed see that engineering quality at work. While there have been some concessions compared to other models, the Fluke 101 works like a charm. The engineering is sound and solid, even when you open the model to have a closer look as we did. The device feels small and lightweight, making it an easy tool to keep around in your pocket while you work on your projects.
The readings are fast and reliable, and even this basic model is CAT-III certified up to 600V. Functionality is limited for the Fluke 101, and while it does have the basic functions everyone will use in a multimeter, it lacks some of the functions you will generally find on a multimeter in this price range.
In making the Fluke 101, the Fluke designers had to perform a careful balancing act to keep prices pretty low, while not sacrificing performing quality. That doesn’t just mean that there is a limited number of functions, but also that some features are missing that are not essential for the performance of the multimeter. That means the backlight for the LCD screen is absent, which might make reading the measurements more difficult in less-than-optimal settings.
This all means that the Fluke 101 is made for people who will use a multimeter for basic measurements and want the single best quality available, while also acknowledging that it will come with a sacrifice inconveniences.
Therefore, if performance is more important than convenience and you plan to use a multimeter every now and then for core measurements, the Fluke 101 is perfect for you. With a price tag that won’t scare off anyone, you can now get the world-famous Fluke quality in the palm of your hand.
Fluke Corporation is a maker of electronic test and measurement equipment. The company has a wide product line that is sold in more than 100 countries. Technicians and engineers use Fluke products in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, information technology, manufacturing, electrical power generation and distribution, and automotive.
The company’s products are manufactured in Everett, Washington; Tempe, Arizona; the Netherlands; and China. Fluke’s products are shipped to distributors, who then sell them to retailers who resell them to end-users.
Some people say that the quality of Fluke products is not as good as it used to be, but others argue that the prices are much lower in China than they are in other countries.
Some Fluke products are made in China, but Fluke also has offices in the USA and Europe. The Chinese government has a program called the “National ICT Export Stimulus Plan”, which subsidizes the price of electrical test equipment produced by Chinese companies, including Fluke.
The manufacturing process for Fluke products has not changed much over the years. Fluke is still manufacturing the same way they have for decades. They use plastics that contain flame retardants and are made in Chinese factories.
Fluke Corporation has had a high reputation for quality and reliability in the test and measurement industry for many years. The company manufactures and tests its own products before they are released to the market, ensuring that customers receive only the best. This commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is what has kept Fluke at the top of its game for so many years. Fluke provides this information on its website along with other quality standards.
Fluke’s shipping and distribution process are complex because of the many steps involved and the need to coordinate with distributors and retailers worldwide. The company has developed an extensive process that includes multiple stages of quality control to ensure that its products meet customer expectations.
There is no definitive answer to this question as Fluke multimeters are manufactured in a variety of locations around the world. However, many consumers have reported that they have received multimeters that were made in China.
Yes, Fluke multimeters are made in the USA, but some models are made in other countries. The company has a long history of producing quality measurement tools and has a strong reputation for customer service.
There are a few ways to tell if a Fluke is fake. The most obvious way is to look at the price. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Also, check the quality of the materials. A real Fluke will be made of high-quality materials, while a fake will likely be made of lower-quality materials. Finally, you can test the product to see if it works as it should.
The cost of Fluke products is high because the company has a strong reputation for quality and reliability. Fluke tools are used in some of the most critical applications, so buyers are willing to pay more for them. Additionally, Fluke invests heavily in research and development, which allows them to continue innovating new products.
Fluke is a trusted brand for electrical testing and measurement tools. While their products are more expensive than some other brands, they offer quality, reliability, and durability that are worth the investment.
There are a lot of different multimeters on the market, so it can be tough to decide which one is the best for you. Fluke is a brand that is known for making quality products, so their multimeters are likely to be good options. However, it’s important to do your own research and read reviews before purchasing any multimeter to make sure you’re getting the best one for your needs.
In conclusion, it is difficult to determine whether or not Fluke is made in China. While the company has not released an official statement, there are several indications that suggest it may be produced in the country. If you are looking to purchase a Fluke product, it is best to do your research to ensure that you are getting a quality, made-in-the-USA product. Thanks for reading!