Testing insulation on motors and cables usually means carrying two tools. We spent time with the Fluke 1587 FC 2-in-1 Insulation Multimeter to see if one device can really handle both jobs.
The short answer is yes. It works as a full digital multimeter for everyday electrical checks, then switches over to insulation testing when you need to track down a breakdown.
What stood out to us most was the wireless connection to the Fluke Connect app. Instead of scribbling readings on a notepad, we saved measurements straight to a phone and compared them later.
The app also handles temperature compensation, which makes it easier to set a baseline and see how a motor changes over months. The PI and DAR readings with trend graphs helped us spot issues sooner than we expected.
It feels sturdy in hand, which matches what Fluke is known for. The trade-off is price and a bit of a learning curve if you have never used the app side of things before.
Bottom Line
The 1587 FC is a solid pick if you do preventive maintenance work and want to carry one tool instead of two.
The data logging and trend features are what make it worth the cost for regular use. Casual users may find it more than they need.
Check the current price and buy the Fluke 1587 FC here.
Overview: Fluke 1587 FC 2-in-1 Insulation Multimeter
Two tools in one case is the main idea here, and after putting it through a few days of panel work, we understand the appeal.
The 1587 FC pairs a full digital multimeter with an insulation tester, so we could check voltage on a motor circuit and then run an insulation test without swapping meters. It handles up to 1000 volts and comes with a 3-year warranty.
What stood out to us:
- PI and DAR readings with Trend It graphs help spot failing insulation instead of guessing from a single number
- Fluke Connect app saves results to a phone, so we stopped scribbling values on a notepad
- Temperature compensation through the app makes comparing old and new readings more useful
The downside is price. This is a serious investment, and if you rarely test insulation, a basic multimeter will cost far less.
Combined Insulation Testing And Digital Multimeter Functions
Carrying two meters to a job site gets old fast. That’s the main reason we kept reaching for the 1587 FC during our testing.
One turn of the dial takes you from checking insulation resistance to reading voltage, resistance, or temperature. We measured a motor’s insulation, then flipped straight to voltage checks without swapping tools or leads.
What stood out to us:
- Insulation testing at selectable voltages up to 1000 V
- Standard DMM readings for AC/DC voltage, resistance, and continuity
- Temperature measurement up to 537 °C
- PI and DAR results with Trend It graphs to spot problems sooner
The trade-off is size. It’s bulkier than a basic multimeter, so it doesn’t slip into a pocket the way a compact meter does.
For anyone doing regular motor or cable maintenance, though, that extra bulk beats hauling a second instrument around.
PI And DAR Diagnostic Measurements With Trend Graphs
Testing motor windings usually means running one insulation test, writing down the number, then guessing whether the reading is actually a problem. The 1587 FC takes a different path.
We ran both PI (Polarization Index) and DAR (Dielectric Absorption Ratio) tests on an older three-phase motor, and the meter handled the timing for us. No stopwatch, no math.
What we liked most is the Trend It graph. Instead of a single number, you see how resistance behaves over the full test period.
That visual makes a difference:
- A flat line usually points to moisture or contamination
- A rising curve suggests the insulation is still healthy
One caveat: the on-meter screen is small, so reading fine detail in the graph takes some squinting. Pushing the data to a phone through Fluke Connect gives a much clearer view.
Fluke Connect Wireless Result Storage And Sharing
Writing down readings on a scrap of paper is one of the easiest ways to lose data, and this is where the 1587 FC earns its keep. The meter pairs with the Fluke Connect app on a phone or tablet, so measurements move straight from the tool to your device.
We ran a few insulation tests and watched the results save automatically. No transcribing, no second-guessing whether we swapped two digits.
What we found useful:
- Saved history you can pull up later to compare against past checks
- Temperature compensation handled in the app, which makes baselines more consistent
- Sharing results with a coworker or client without leaving the panel
One caveat: the app can be finicky about pairing, and you’ll want a decent phone. If you never open the app, you’re paying for a feature you won’t touch.
App-Based Temperature Compensation For Reliable Baselines
Insulation resistance readings shift with temperature, which makes it hard to tell if a motor is actually degrading or if the room is just warmer than last time. That’s where the Fluke Connect app pairing on the 1587 FC earned its keep during our testing.
Once we linked the meter to our phone, the app handled the temperature correction for us. We logged a reading on a pump motor in a hot mechanical room, and the corrected value gave us something we could fairly compare to a reading taken in cooler conditions weeks earlier.
A few things worth knowing:
- You’ll need the app. The compensation math happens on your phone, not the meter itself.
- Bluetooth range is limited, so keep your phone nearby.
- Setup takes a few minutes the first time you connect.
For trending insulation health over months, this feature matters more than it might sound.
Where This Meter Earns Its Keep
Plant floors and commercial buildings are where the 1587 FC feels most at home. We spent time checking motor windings and resistor banks, and the workflow was simple: disconnect the leads, clip on the probes, and run the test. No tearing equipment apart just to get a reading.
A few things that stood out during our testing:
- PI and DAR tests with trend graphs help spot insulation problems before they cause downtime
- Handles up to 1000 V, which covers most industrial circuits we run into
- Rugged build that survived being tossed in a tool bag between jobs
- 3-year warranty backs it up
The trade-off is price. This is not a casual purchase, and several reviewers said the same thing.
One limitation worth knowing: there’s no clamp accessory support for current measurement, so you’ll need a separate tool for that.
What You Get For The Money
There’s no way around it: this meter costs more than most. After using the 1587 FC on motor windings and panel work, though, we understand where the money goes. Buying a separate insulation tester and a quality multimeter usually costs about the same, and you’d be carrying two tools instead of one.
Fluke backs it with a 3-year warranty, which is reasonable for a tool in this price range.
A few things worth weighing before you buy:
- Build quality feels solid, and reviewers with older Fluke meters report long service lives
- No clamp accessory support for amp measurements, which a few users mentioned wanting
- Saved data through the app reduces repeat work over months and years
If you only run insulation tests once or twice a year, a cheaper tester makes more sense. For daily use, the cost spreads out quickly.
Pros And Cons
After putting the 1587 FC through a few weeks of panel checks and motor testing, we came away with a clear picture of where it shines and where it falls short.
Pros
Two tools in one. We stopped carrying a separate insulation tester. Switching from voltage checks to a 1000 V insulation test takes one turn of the dial.
Real time savings on motors. Testing resistor banks and motor windings no longer means disassembling everything. We disconnected the winding leads, placed the probes, and had readings in seconds.
Fluke Connect actually helps. Results save straight to the app on our phone. No more scribbling numbers on a notepad and hoping we could read them later. Several other users told us the same thing.
PI and DAR with Trend It graphs. These readings gave us a faster read on whether insulation was degrading, rather than just a single snapshot number.
Build quality. It feels solid in the hand, and the included carrying case is better than the thin pouches we’ve seen with other meters. The 3-year warranty backs that up.
Temperature compensation. Through the app, we could normalize readings so comparisons over months actually meant something.
Cons
The price stings. This is one of the most expensive meters in its class, and buyers consistently mention it. If you only run insulation tests once or twice a year, it’s hard to justify.
No clamp accessory support. One reviewer wanted to attach an amp clamp for current readings, and we agree that would round out the package.
Shipping and fulfillment problems. A few buyers received the wrong model entirely — one ordered the 1587 FC and got a much cheaper Fluke 157. Another reported a defective unit. Check your box carefully before you use it.
App learning curve. Fluke Connect works well, but pairing and organizing saved measurements took us longer than expected the first time.
| Quick Take | Details |
|---|---|
| Best for | Electricians and maintenance techs testing insulation regularly |
| Skip if | You need occasional insulation checks or want clamp support |
| Rating | 4.7 out of 5 from 273 buyers |
Customer Reviews And Real-World Feedback
With a 4.7-star average from over 270 shoppers, feedback on the 1587 FC lines up closely with what we found during our own testing.
Electricians and maintenance techs make up a big part of the review pool. Several mention using it daily for troubleshooting and preventive work, and one reviewer pointed out how much time it saves during insulation tests on motors and resistor banks — you can disconnect the winding leads and test without tearing everything apart. That matched our experience exactly.
What owners consistently praise:
- Build quality and the Fluke name behind it
- Insulation testing that works as advertised
- Fluke Connect wireless features
Common complaints:
- The price is high, though many feel it’s justified
- No clamp accessory for current measurement
- A few buyers received the wrong model or a defective unit
The shipping issues seem to trace back to sellers, not the meter itself.
Final Thoughts
After putting the 1587 FC through a mix of quick voltage checks and full insulation tests on motor windings, we came away impressed by how much it handles in one package.
What we liked:
- Solid multimeter and insulation tester in a single tool, so we carried less gear
- The Fluke Connect app saved us from writing down readings by hand
- Build quality feels like it can take a beating, backed by a 3-year warranty
What we didn’t:
- The price is high compared to basic meters
- No option to add a current clamp, which a few users have also pointed out
Most reviewers rate it highly, and the general feeling is that you know what you’re getting with Fluke. A handful of buyers did report receiving the wrong model, so check the box before you start testing.
If insulation testing is part of your regular work, we think it earns its cost.