This article will provide a detailed comparison between two popular Multimeters:
The Fluke 115, a versatile and user-friendly tool designed for general electrical and electronic testing, and the Fluke 87V, a superior model tailored for more complex industrial environments.
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Table of Contents
Overview & Design
Fluke 115 Field Technician’s DMM
Compact, lightweight, and built for one-handed operation—excellent for field service. It offers common troubleshooting features like True‑RMS voltage/current, resistance, capacitance, frequency, continuity, and Max/Min/Average logging.
Fluke 87V Industrial DMM
Rugged, robust, and designed for demanding industrial environments (think motor drives, automation, power distribution). It includes advanced features like a low-pass filter, peak capture (250 µs), and can handle higher voltage ranges.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Fluke 115 | Fluke 87V |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 6,000 counts, 3½ digits | Up to 20,000 counts, 3½ to 4½ digits |
| DC Accuracy | ~0.5% | ~0.05% |
| Max Voltage (AC/DC) | 600 V | 1,000 V |
| Current Handling | 10 A (20 A for 30 s overload) | Similar range, with better signal capture |
| Temperature Measurement | No | Yes, built-in thermometer support |
| Peak Capture / Low-Pass Filter | No | Yes — ideal for VFD and high-frequency noise environments |
| Safety Rating | CAT III 600 V | CAT III 1000 V / CAT IV 600 V |
| Warranty | 3 years | Limited lifetime |
| 💳 Pricing | 💲Check Price | 💲Check Price |
User Insights & Use Cases
On Reddit, a user cautioned that while the Fluke 115 is compact and versatile, the 87V is “the bigger brother in every aspect”—offering more robustness, higher resolution, and advanced capabilities. They considered the 87V worth the extra cost for long-term reliability.
When to Choose Each
Choose the Fluke 115 if you need:
- A compact, lightweight meter ideal for field service.
- Basic measurements (voltage, current, resistance, frequency, capacitance).
- Solid performance without overinvestment.
Choose the Fluke 87V if you need:
- Industrial-grade accuracy and capacity.
- Extreme voltage handling, temperature measurement, and waveform capture.
- Peace of mind in high-electrical-noise environments and high-voltage settings.
In short: If you’re after portability and daily convenience, the 115 is a solid pick. But for demanding, high-powered, or legacy equipment environments, the 87V remains a top-tier, future-proof choice.
