Fluke 87V True-RMS Industrial Multimeter

Fluke 87V Overview

Variable frequency drives fool many meters: the switching noise on a PWM output makes ordinary True-RMS readings jump around. The Fluke 87V adds a selectable low-pass filter that settles those readings, together with a 250 µs peak-capture mode for catching short glitches, a 19,999-count high-resolution mode and temperature measurement with the 80BK probe in the box. It belongs to Fluke’s 80 Series V and sits in our multimeter range.

Who Needs the Fluke 87V?

The 87V is built for people who fault-find on industrial equipment rather than just verify voltage:

• Industrial electricians maintaining motors, drives and control panels
• Maintenance technicians chasing intermittent trips and dropouts
• Instrument and controls technicians checking frequency, duty cycle and small DC signals
• Engineers who need temperature readings from the same meter without a separate thermometer

Fluke 87V Key Features

The functions that make the 87V an industrial meter, according to Fluke:

• Selectable low-pass filter for voltage and frequency measurement on adjustable speed motor drives and other electrically noisy equipment
• Peak MIN MAX capture of intermittent events as short as 250 µs
• True-RMS AC voltage and current, with 6,000-count display updated 4 times a second and a 19,999-count HiRes mode
• Analog bar graph with 32 segments updated 40 times a second for trends and adjustments
• Built-in thermometer: −200 °C to 1090 °C (probe excluded), with the 80BK probe covering −40 °C to 260 °C
• Conductance (nS) function for very high resistance and leakage checks
• AutoHOLD, Relative mode, Smoothing, and an Input Alert that chirps and shows “LEAd” if a lead is in a current jack while a non-current function is selected
• CAT III 1000 V / CAT IV 600 V safety rating to EN 61010-1

Fluke 87V Applications

Where the 87V is typically put to work:

• Measuring drive output voltage and motor frequency with the low-pass filter switched in
• Catching voltage sags and spikes on control supplies with Peak MIN MAX
• Checking motor winding and bearing housing temperatures with the 80BK probe
• Testing 4-20 mA loops, sensors and DC control signals with 0.01 µA DC current resolution
• Leakage and high-resistance checks with the 60 nS conductance range

What comes with the Fluke 87V

Fluke lists these items in the box:

• Fluke 87V multimeter with 9 V battery installed
• TL75 test leads (TL175 on EUR versions)
• AC175 alligator clips
• Holster
• 80BK integrated DMM temperature probe

Fluke 87V vs Fluke 87V MAX

Both are 80 Series industrial meters. The 87V uses a 9 V battery and is rated for a 1 m drop. If the meter will work in wet or very dusty locations, compare the Fluke 87V MAX, which Fluke rates IP67 with a 4 m drop rating. Our Fluke 87V MAX review covers that model in detail. Kits built around the 87V include the Fluke 87V/E2 combo kit and the Fluke 87V/IMSK with i400 clamp. For general electrical work a lighter alternative is the Fluke 179 EGFID.

Fluke 87V FAQ

Answers to common questions about the Fluke 87V:

• When should I switch on the low-pass filter? When measuring voltage or frequency on the output of a variable frequency drive or other noisy circuit. Fluke specifies the filter with a 3 dB point at 1 kHz, which blocks the high-frequency switching content.
• Does the Fluke 87V measure temperature? Yes. It reads −200 °C to 1090 °C (excluding probe), and the included 80BK bead probe covers −40 °C to 260 °C.
• What does the HiRes mode do? It raises the display from 6,000 to 19,999 counts for finer resolution, useful for small DC signals and precise adjustments.
• What is the difference between the 87V and the 87V MAX? The 87V MAX adds an IP67-rated housing and a higher drop rating; the measurement functions are closely related. The 87V is the 9 V-battery standard model.
• Which safety category is it rated for? CAT III 1000 V and CAT IV 600 V to EN 61010-1.

Why choose MME for the Fluke 87V

MME can help you choose between the Fluke 87V, the 87V MAX and the 87V kits, and suggest matching clamps, test leads and cases for your work. Ask MME for a quotation.

Related: Fluke 87V MAX | Fluke 179 EGFID | Fluke 117 EUR | Electrical test instruments