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Fluke 28 II vs Fluke 28 II Ex – Which Rugged Multimeter Should You Buy
Are you working in hazardous and explosive environments or in industrial and general settings? Do you need a multimeter with ATEX and IECEx certifications for safety in high-risk areas, or is IP69 sufficient for harsh industrial environments?
For these purposes, Fluke offers two powerful multimeters: Fluke 28 II and Fluke 28 II Ex. In the following, we will compare these two models to help you choose the best one based on your environmental and safety needs.
Fluke 28 II TRMS Rugged IP67 Digital Multimeter review
Fluke 28 II TRMS Rugged Digital Multimeter: Known for its rugged design, IP67 waterproofing, and True RMS accuracy, the Fluke 28 II is ideal for professionals working in harsh environments. It is a versatile tool that can measure voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, and temperature, making it perfect for industries like HVAC, automotive diagnostics, and industrial maintenance.
Fluke 28 II Features
- True RMS Measurement: Ensures precise readings of both sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal AC signals, making it ideal for applications involving variable frequency drives and other electronically noisy equipment.
- IP67 Rating: Offers complete protection against dust and immersion in water up to 1 meter, ensuring durability in harsh conditions.
- Drop Test Certified: Designed to withstand drops from up to 3 meters, making it suitable for rugged industrial environments.
- Wide Measurement Range: Capable of measuring voltages up to 1000V, currents up to 10A (20A for 30 seconds), and frequencies up to 200kHz.
- Extended Temperature Range: Operates effectively in temperatures ranging from -15°C to +55°C, with short-term operation down to -40°C.
- Long Battery Life: Powered by three AA batteries, it offers up to 800 hours of operation, reducing the frequency of battery replacements.
- High-Resolution Display: Features a 20,000-count display with a bar graph and backlight, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions.
Fluke 28 ii ex intrinsically safe true rms digital multimeter review
Fluke 28 II Ex Intrinsically Safe Multimeter: The Fluke 28 II Ex is a variant of the Fluke 28 II, specifically designed for use in hazardous environments. It carries an ATEX certification for use in explosive atmospheres, which makes it suitable for industries like oil and gas, chemical processing, and mining, where safety is critical. It maintains the same robust features as the Fluke 28 II but with added protections for use in explosive environments.
fluke 28 ii ex Features
- Intrinsically Safe Design: Certified for use in explosive atmospheres, including ATEX Zone 1 and 2, and IECEx Ex ia IIC T4 Gb. This makes it suitable for industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, and pharmaceuticals.
- True RMS Measurement: Provides accurate readings of both sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal AC signals, essential for modern electrical systems with variable frequency drives and other non-linear loads.
- Wide Measurement Range: Capable of measuring up to 1000 V and 10 A AC/DC, with additional functions including capacitance up to 10,000 µF, frequency up to 200 kHz, and temperature from -200°C to +1090°C.
- IP67 Rating: Fully sealed, dustproof, and waterproof, ensuring durability in harsh environments. It can withstand drops up to 3 meters, making it ideal for field use
- High-Resolution Display: Features a 6,000-count display with a high-resolution mode of 20,000 counts, providing clear and precise readings.
- Long Battery Life: Operates for up to 400 hours on three AAA batteries, reducing the frequency of battery replacements.
Fluke 28 II vs Fluke 28 II Ex:
| Feature | Fluke 28 II | Fluke 28 II Ex |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage Measurement | 0.1 mV to 1000 V AC/DC | 0.1 mV to 1000 V AC/DC |
| Current Measurement | 0.1 µA to 10 A (20 A for 30 seconds) | 0.1 µA to 10 A (20 A for 30 seconds) |
| Frequency Measurement | 0.5 Hz to 200 kHz | 0.5 Hz to 200 kHz |
| Capacitance | 1 nF to 9999 µF | 1 nF to 9999 µF |
| Temperature Range | -200°C to +1090°C | -200°C to +1090°C |
| Display | 20,000-count, backlit | 20,000-count, backlit |
| Battery Life | Up to 800 hours | Up to 400 hours |
| Safety Rating | CAT IV 600 V, CAT III 1000 V | ATEX Zone 1 & 2, IECEx Ex ia IIC T4 Gb |
| IP Rating | IP67 (dustproof, waterproof up to 1 meter) | IP67 (dustproof, waterproof up to 1 meter) |
| Drop Test Rating | 3 meters | 3 meters |
| Intrinsically Safe | No | Yes, certified for explosive atmospheres (ATEX, IECEx) |
| Special Features | High resolution display, True RMS, Rugged design | ATEX/IECEx Certification, True RMS, Intrinsically Safe, Rugged design |
| Data sheet | Fluke 28 II Data sheet | Fluke 28 II Ex Data sheet |
Key Differences Between Fluke 28 II and Fluke 28 II Ex
When comparing the Fluke 28 II and Fluke 28 II Ex, both are highly durable digital multimeters built for professional use, yet their applications differ greatly. The main distinction lies in their safety ratings and suitability for hazardous environments, which directly impacts where and how each model can be used.
Intrinsic safety and ATEX certification in Fluke 28 II Ex compared to Fluke 28 II
The Fluke 28 II is a rugged multimeter that meets IEC 61010-1 and IEC 61010-2-030 standards. However, it is not certified for use in hazardous locations or explosive atmospheres.
The Fluke 28 II Ex is designed specifically for explosive atmospheres and is certified with the ATEX standard. This makes it safe for use in Zone 2 and Zone 22 hazardous environments, commonly found in oil and gas, chemical processing, and mining industries. The intrinsically safe design prevents any electrical sparks or heat that might ignite dangerous substances in the environment.
Safety standards of Fluke 28 II and 28 II Ex for safe operation in various industries
Fluke 28 II Complies with standard electrical safety regulations suitable for general industrial and maintenance use.
Fluke 28 II Ex Meets the IEC 60079-11 standard, specifically for equipment used in hazardous locations, ensuring the highest level of electrical safety when working in potentially explosive environments.
The price difference between Fluke 28 II and Fluke 28 II Ex and cost-effective options
Shared Features of Fluke 28 II and Fluke 28 II Ex
Despite the differences, both models share several key features:
- True RMS Measurement: Both Fluke 28 II and Fluke 28 II Ex provide accurate True RMS measurements, ensuring precise readings for non-sinusoidal and distorted waveforms. This is particularly important for modern industrial applications.
- Rugged Design: Both models are IP67 rated, meaning they are waterproof and dustproof, and can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The rugged design ensures that they can withstand the harshest work environments.
- Drop Resistance: Both models are shockproof and can withstand drops from up to 3 meters, making them ideal for fieldwork where tools are exposed to accidents and rough handling.
- Temperature Measurement: Both devices allow for temperature measurement with the use of a thermocouple, which is important for HVAC and industrial maintenance tasks.
Backlit Display: The backlit LCD display ensures that users can read measurements easily in low-light conditions.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
Both the Fluke 28 II and Fluke 28 II Ex are excellent digital multimeters designed for professionals who need durability, accuracy, and reliability in demanding conditions. The main difference between the two models lies in the Fluke 28 II Ex’s intrinsic safety and ATEX certification, which make it suitable for hazardous environments where safety is critical.
If your work involves general industrial settings or you don’t require safety for explosive environments, the Fluke 28 II will meet your needs. However, if you work in explosive atmospheres or need extra safety features for your multimeter, the Fluke 28 II Ex is the best choice. Choose wisely based on your work environment and safety needs.
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About the Author :
Mahboobe jahebi
I’m Mahboubeh Jahebi, a content writer and SEO expert with over 5 years of experience in industrial equipment and precision measurement technologies. I’ve worked with international brands and contributed to the content strategy of Mohammad Mahdi Electronics (MME), a leading supplier of test instruments in the Middle East.
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