( 
)
This section is about some of the different Fluke meter types, and the different versions of each. Please see the main section for additional information. (Because E-bay limits the size of buying guides, I had to split my Fluke buying guide into sections.)
Link to Main Guide
Please contact me if you find any errors or omissions - use the E-bay "contact member" feature (my E-bay username is "excavatoree") as E-bay rules prohibit me from giving my e-mail address here.
If you can't vote this guide as "useful," I'd appreciate some feedback about why, so I can make this guide better. I thank everyone who has pointed out errors or let me know if a point was not made clearly enough. I revise these guides frequently, as I have time to do so.
Also, please contact me if you would like a higher resolution version of any of the pictures in my guides. E-bay provides this service for free, but they do limit the resolution of the pictures to save bandwidth cost. I could make the pictures physically larger, but the resolution is no better, so they don't look any better.
MODELS and SERIES:
Fluke often uses the same model number for different meters. In most cases, there is a "series" designation to distinguish the different models, but in some cases this is not true. (These differences tend to be more minor.) I'll group the various meters into "types" and describe each type. Fluke uses Roman numerals (I, II, III, IV, V) on the front panel of the meter to indicate series, but I tend to use Arabic numerals when describing them. (e.g. "Series 3" or "Series 4")
One note: Fluke also makes/made versions of these meters for the government - these have no "series" designation, but a slash and two letters after the model designation. (Fluke 77/AN for an example.) There is a corresponding "civilian" version of each of these, and the difference is a labeling only. The military versions aren't "more rugged," "more accurate," or "better" in any way.
UPDATE!!! To every rule, there are one or more exceptions. There is at least one exception to this rule. One of E-bay's expert meter sellers has informed me that the Military version of the Fluke 27, the 27/FM is a true RMS meter. (The "non military" 27 does not have the True RMS feature.) This is such a rare case that the Fluke representative that answered my question did not know that the 27/FM was a true RMS meter! So, the 27/FM is better, because it has the "true RMS" feature. Please see my section "TRUE RMS" in my Main Guide (linked)
70 type (includes most 20-something models as well.)
The standard meters in this series are the 21, 23, 29, 70, 73, 75, 76, 77, and 79. The automotive meter in this series is the 78. These have plain, rectangular cases with no contouring or tapering. The 20-something models are yellow, the 70-something models are gray or green. (older meters are green, the newer meters are grey)
There are holsters available for this type. A holster is a meter cover designed to protect the meter. There are two types, the "Old Type" is square and green, the "New Type" is rounded and was available in yellow or grey, with the yellow version being the most common. The grey versions was available for a short time, but it was discontinued first. The yellow version, although available longer, has now been discontinued as well.
(sorry, E-bay limits picture resolution.)
Left: Old type - green, square
Middle: New type - grey, rounded
Right: New type - yellow, rounded
All three holsters are interchangeable, and often a newer holster was purchased for an older meter, or an older holster was used with a newer meter.
The first, or oldest group have no series designation on the meter, but are sometimes called "Series 1" meters. Early 70-something models are green, later 70-something models are grey. All of the 20-something models are yellow. Early models of both have a somewhat greyish-green mask around the LCD, the later meters had a pure grey mask around the LCD. The holster for the earlier meters is the green "Old type." (see holster descriptions, above) The newer merters used the rounded, "New Type" hoster in either grey or yellow. Some meters were sold with a holster, some were not. The holsters were also sold separately as accessories.
The next group are the "series 2's" or "series II" as shown on the meter. The 70-something models are grey; the 20-something models remain yellow. The mask around the LCD is the pure grey for both 70-something and 20-something meters. The holster for these meters is the rounded "New Type." Some meters were sold with a holster, some were not. The holsters were also sold separately as accessories.
The third group are the "series 3's" or "Series III" as shown on the meter. These are also grey in color, with the rounded yellow holster either sold with the meter or available as an accessory. Only the 70-III and 73-III are of this type, ("70 type") the other 70-something and all of the 20-something 3 series meters are of the "70-Tapered" type. (See below)
Fluke grouped the 70-III and the 73-III with the meters I call "70 tapered type" and described them all as "70 series" meters. Unfortunately, this has created some confusion. Many sellers list 70-3 and 73-3 meters and copy Fluke's website descriptions, which include information about the newer "70 tapered" type meters. The 70-3 and 73-3 meters do not have the tapered case or the display with larger digits. These features are included on the "70 tapered type" meters, described below.
Confusingly, the capabilities change with the series number. For example, the 21 series 2 has the same capabilities as all series of the 23 meters. The 73-III has the same capability as the 77 meters. (see list below)
The 21, 23, 29, 70, 73, 75, 76, 77 and 79 (all series of each) have DC and AC voltage, DC millivolts, Resistance, and Diode/Continuity check.
All models are autoranging, and models with the button in the center of the selector switch can be operated in manual range mode. (70 and 73 series 1 and 2 meters did not have the center button.)
The various models have differing current measuring capabilities.
The 70 (all series) has no current measuring capability at all.
The 21 (series 1), and the 73 (series 1 and series 2) have only one current range (DC AND AC) The 21 series 1 has a 300 milliampere range, the 73 (series 1 and series 2) has only the 10 Ampere range.
The 21 (series 2), 23, 23 (series 2),73 (series III), 75 (all series), 77 (all series) have two current ranges. (DC and AC) (300 milliampere and 10 Ampere) Note that some early models have an unfused 10 ampere range. The front of the meter will indicate "fused" or "unfused."
The 29, 76 and 79 also have two current ranges. Their milliampere ranges is only 40 ma, but their 10 ampere ranges are more precise than the 10 Ampere ranges of the other meters of this type.
The 29, 76, and 79 also measure frequency and capacitance.
The 76 is the "ultimate" 70 series, with True RMS measurement capability.
The 78 is the "Automotive" meter of this type. It has built-in temperature measuring capability (see my TEMPERATURE section for more information), RPM measurement, Frequency measurement, and all of the features of the 73 type meters, except that the 78 has only the 10 Ampere current measuring range. (There is no milliampere range)
70 tapered type:
Models of this type are the 21-III, 23-III, 26-III, 75-III, 77-III, and 79-III. These have a contoured, tapered, case with a much larger display than the rectangular "70 Type" meters. Strangely, the 70-III and 73-III keep the same rectangular case and smaller display; they are really "70 type" meters, and are described above. (Fluke tends to group meters by series, I am grouping them by similar meter types.)
The tapered type meters do not have holsters available - instead, the outer case of these meters is rubberized. Although the rubberized coating is great for gripping the meter, I find that these cases get dirty more easily, and they are more difficult to clean. For automotive, industrial or other "dirty area" use, you may wish to consider buying a meter with a separate holster. (All Fluke "automotive meters" are holster type, to my knowledge. Thus, there is no "automotive" meter of this type) For laboratory or other "clean area" use, such as an electronic technician's workbench, the lack of a separate holster is not important. The separate holster also provides some shock protection, again, this may or may not be important, depending on how you will use the meter.
Unlike with the 70 type meters, there is no color difference between the 20 models and the 70 models of the tapered 70 type. the 21-III is EXACTLY like the 75-III, except for the printing on the meter mask. (the plastic piece surrounding the LCD, viewed through the window) Similarly, the 23-III and 77-III are the same meter, and the the 26-III and the 79-III are the same meter. Why Fluke did this is unknown to me - there may have been marketing or packaging differences.
The capabilities of the 21-3, 23-3, 75-3, and 77-3 are the same as the 70 type 77s. (series 1 and 2): DC and AC voltage, DC millivolts, Resistance, Diode/Continuity check, and AC/DC current measurement. (300 milliampere and 10 ampere ranges.) All are autoranging by default, but the range can be manually selected as well using the "range" button. All of these meters also have the "hold" or "touch hold" feature.
The capabilities of the 26-3 and 79-3 are the same as the 29 and 79 (all series, 70 type): They have the capabilities mentioned above, and also add capacitance and frequency measurement. Their current ranges are 40 milliampere and 10 Ampere, again, like the 29 and 79.
80 Type:
The standard meters in this series are the 83, 85 and 87. The automotive meters in this series are the 86 and the 88. The 89, (no series) 89, (series 4) and 87 (series 4) are called "80 series" meters by fluke, but because they are really a different type, they are described in the "180 type" section below.
These meters have three holsters available:
1. Old Style - Yellow
2. Old Style - Grey
3. New Style - Yellow
(Picture to be added)
Because there have been a few variations of this meter type, I created a new page just for this sub-section about these meters.
Please see separate sub-section page MODELS and SERIES, 80 TYPE (linked)
170 type:
These are the successor to the 70 tapered type. Meters of this type include the 77-IV, 175, 177, and the 179. These meters have cases very similar to the 70 tapered type. (See above for case remarks) A door was added to allow the battery to be changed without taking the entire case apart - a very convenient feature. A backlight was added to some models, and the True RMS feature was added to some models. (see below) There is no "automotive" version of this type.
The 77-IV is NOT a True RMS meter, the remaining models (175, 177, and 179) are.
The 77-IV, 177 and 179 meters have a backlight, the 175 does not.
All models have the following capabilities:
DC and AC voltage (all are true RMS except 77-IV)
DC and AC current (all are true RMS except 77-IV)
Continuity Beeper
Diode Check
Resistance
Capacitance
Frequency
Hold function - freezes display (175, 177, and 179 only)
Auto-Hold - same as "touch hold" on previous models
Min/Max/Average recording
Smoothing function
The 179 also has temperature capability. (see my TEMPERATURE section (linked))
180 type:
These are the 87 series 4, 89, 89-IV, 187, and 189 meters. These are higher precision meters that do more than the 80 series meters. These also have the overmolded cases instead of an available holster, so the remarks in the "70 tapered" section also apply. This sophisticated meter is not likely to be used under the hood of a car, and there is no "automotive" version of this meter. Until the introduction of the 280 series, the 89, 89-IV and 189 were the "top of the line" in Fluke hand-held meters. Fluke did/does sell a 189-II meter, but this is a "280 Type" meter prepared for government contracts, and is discussed below.
Although there was never an 89-2 or 3, some 89s are labeled "89-IV." Others are labeled simply "89" with no series designation. The 89 and 89-IV are the same meter - the only difference is the printing on the LCD mask. I suppose Fluke did this to indicate it was grouped with the 87-IV.
The only difference between the 87-IV and the 89s is the datalogging capability that is only present on the 89 and 89-IV. Otherwise, except for the printing on the mask, the meters are identical.
All meters of this type have the two-level, white backlight.
The 180 type meters have the following functions:
DC and AC volts (including dual display of AC and DC components)
DC and AC millivolts
Resistance and Conductance
Capacitance
Continuity\Diode Check
Temperature (see my TEMPERATURE section (linked)
DC and AC Amperes
DC and AC milliampers
DC and AC microamperes
Frequency
Duty Cycle
Pulse width
Dual display
The 89, 89-IV and 189 have data logging capability.
With the optional Infra-red receiver and FlukeView software, these meters can send readings to your computer.
These meters will also display results in DbV and DbM, with adjustable reference.
These meters can be used in auto-range mode or the range can be set manually.
280 type:
These are the 289 and 287 models. There is also a 189-II model; this is the same meter as a 287. (I believe this is a meter for a government contract, but some are being sold on E-bay by sellers who buy government surplus.) See Fluke's website for information about these meters, which are the successors to the 187 and 189 meters. These are the latest models and they represent the "top of the line" in hand-held, general purpose meters. (when this guide was last revised) The 287 and 289 (and 189II) have a 1/4 VGA dot-matrix display that can display a graphic representation of the measured waveform or several lines of data such as present reading, maximum and minimum reading obtained, and the average of all readings.
The data logging capabilities are increased from those of the 189. Unlike the 180 Series meters, Both the 289 and 287 have data logging capability. The only additional features of the 289 are a low impedance AC Volts function and a built-in 50 ohm resistor.
Rugged type:
These are the 8025A, 8025B, 25, 27, and 27/FM models. These meters that have roughly the same capabilities as the "70 type." (with additional microampere current range and AC millivolt range) These meters are larger and have a thicker, more rugged case which is sealed - the case halves are sealed with an o-ring, the screws have rubber seals, and the battery door has an o-ring. This is a tank of a meter, and is certified for use in mines, etc. The military bought several of these, and they are now showing up on-ebay as buyers of government surplus obtain them from government surplus sales. To my knowledge, there is no "automotive" version of this type. There is no holster designed for this meter.
There are three versions of this meter. All have Volt and Millivolt ranges for AC and DC voltage measurements, Ampere, Milliampere and Microampere ranges for AC and DC current measurements, Resistance, and Diode/Continuity Check.
Version 1: 8025a and 25
The 8025a and early 25s have grey/green cases, later 25 models have yellow cases. Many people seem to like the yellow cases better, and the prices tend to be a bit higher - the difference is cosmetic only. Despite minor layout and component differences on the internal circuit board, the meters are functionally the same.
Version 2: 8025B and 27
These have two additional features - relative measurement and Min/Max function. Just as with the version 1 meters, The 8025b and early 27s have grey/green cases, later 27 models have yellow cases. The yellow cased models have either yellow front panel decals, or darker decals. Many people seem to like the yellow cases better, and the prices tend to be a bit higher - the difference is cosmetic only. Despite minor layout and component differences on the internal circuit board, the meters are functionally the same.
Version 3: 27/FM
This is a special version for the military - this meter is like the 27, and 8025b but this meter has the "true RMS" feature. To my knowledge, these are only see with the grey/green cases. Many thanks to one of E-bay's expert Fluke sellers for this information - even the Fluke employee responding to my inquiry didn't know about this one! Please see not below about the newer meters with the "27/FM" label on the back.
All of the main circuit boards for these models (25, 27, 8025A, 8025B) are very similar, with only minor revisions over time. However, the 27/FM has one very important addition - an IC (Integrated Circuit) as shown below:
It's a small addition that makes a big difference. In my opinion at the time this guide was last revised, the 27/FM is the best value on E-bay, especially if you need a true RMS meter.
Additional note:
Recently, some newer Fluke 27 meters have appeared on E-bay that are obviously government surplus - they have government labels on them, and many sellers indicate that they have purchased them from some form of government sales outlet. The front of these meters look like the "civilian" model - they just say "Fluke 27." However, the labels say "Fluke 27/FM."
Unfortunately, these meters do NOT have the TRUE RMS feature. They are average responding, RMS calibrated like the other 27's. Unless I find a counterexample, I have to believe that any meter that does not say "27/FM" on the front is not a "27/FM" as I describe above - that is, it is not a true RMS meter. (Please see my section "TRUE RMS" in my Main Guide (linked))
This does not mean these are bad meters, or less accurate - it just means that you should understand that the readings you will get are only RMS values if you are measuring a sine wave. Also, the LCD bezels and main circuit boards are intechangeable - someone may have a non-"true RMS" board on a meter with the "27/FM" label. Again, buying from an expert seller with the knowledge and equipment to verify a meter has the "true RMS" feature is the best way to guarantee your meter has this feature, if it is important to you.
New Rugged Type:
(No picture, I don't own one)
After over 20 years of producing the "rugged type" meters described above, Fluke has introduced new rugged series models: the 27-2 (27 series II) and 28-2 (series II) models. Just as they did with the 89-4, they are calling the 28 a "series 2" meter, despite the fact that, to my knowledge, there never was a 28 (no series, or series 1) I suppose calling them both "series 2" makes it clear that they are both of the same "generation," and are two versions of the same meter.
These new rugged meters are sold with separate holsters, which, in my opinion, offer greater shock protection to the meter. Fluke states that these meters can withstand a 1 meter drop, if the holster is in place. Also, the holster can be removed for effective cleaning, and can be replaced if necessary.
There are two versions of this meter. Both have Volt and Millivolt ranges for AC and DC voltage measurements, Ampere, Milliampere and Microampere ranges for AC and DC current measurements, Resistance, Capacitance, and Diode/Continuity Check.
Version 1: 27-2
It is important to note that this is an average responding, RMS calibrated meter.
Version 2: 28-2
These meters have the "True RMS" feature, as well as three additional features - Temperature capability, a "high resolution," 4.5 digit mode, and a Low Pass filter. (see my TEMPERATURE section for more information)
Link to Main Guide
Please contact me if you find any errors or omissions - use the E-bay "contact member" feature (my E-bay username is "excavatoree") as E-bay rules prohibit me from giving my e-mail address here.
If you can't vote this guide as "useful," I'd appreciate some feedback about why, so I can make this guide better. I thank everyone who has pointed out errors or let me know if a point was not made clearly enough. I revise these guides frequently, as I have time to do so.
Also, please contact me if you would like a higher resolution version of any of the pictures in my guides. E-bay provides this service for free, but they do limit the resolution of the pictures to save bandwidth cost. I could make the pictures physically larger, but the resolution is no better, so they don't look any better.
MODELS and SERIES:
Fluke often uses the same model number for different meters. In most cases, there is a "series" designation to distinguish the different models, but in some cases this is not true. (These differences tend to be more minor.) I'll group the various meters into "types" and describe each type. Fluke uses Roman numerals (I, II, III, IV, V) on the front panel of the meter to indicate series, but I tend to use Arabic numerals when describing them. (e.g. "Series 3" or "Series 4")
One note: Fluke also makes/made versions of these meters for the government - these have no "series" designation, but a slash and two letters after the model designation. (Fluke 77/AN for an example.) There is a corresponding "civilian" version of each of these, and the difference is a labeling only. The military versions aren't "more rugged," "more accurate," or "better" in any way.
UPDATE!!! To every rule, there are one or more exceptions. There is at least one exception to this rule. One of E-bay's expert meter sellers has informed me that the Military version of the Fluke 27, the 27/FM is a true RMS meter. (The "non military" 27 does not have the True RMS feature.) This is such a rare case that the Fluke representative that answered my question did not know that the 27/FM was a true RMS meter! So, the 27/FM is better, because it has the "true RMS" feature. Please see my section "TRUE RMS" in my Main Guide (linked)
70 type (includes most 20-something models as well.)
The standard meters in this series are the 21, 23, 29, 70, 73, 75, 76, 77, and 79. The automotive meter in this series is the 78. These have plain, rectangular cases with no contouring or tapering. The 20-something models are yellow, the 70-something models are gray or green. (older meters are green, the newer meters are grey)
There are holsters available for this type. A holster is a meter cover designed to protect the meter. There are two types, the "Old Type" is square and green, the "New Type" is rounded and was available in yellow or grey, with the yellow version being the most common. The grey versions was available for a short time, but it was discontinued first. The yellow version, although available longer, has now been discontinued as well.
(sorry, E-bay limits picture resolution.)Left: Old type - green, square
Middle: New type - grey, rounded
Right: New type - yellow, rounded
All three holsters are interchangeable, and often a newer holster was purchased for an older meter, or an older holster was used with a newer meter.
The first, or oldest group have no series designation on the meter, but are sometimes called "Series 1" meters. Early 70-something models are green, later 70-something models are grey. All of the 20-something models are yellow. Early models of both have a somewhat greyish-green mask around the LCD, the later meters had a pure grey mask around the LCD. The holster for the earlier meters is the green "Old type." (see holster descriptions, above) The newer merters used the rounded, "New Type" hoster in either grey or yellow. Some meters were sold with a holster, some were not. The holsters were also sold separately as accessories.
The next group are the "series 2's" or "series II" as shown on the meter. The 70-something models are grey; the 20-something models remain yellow. The mask around the LCD is the pure grey for both 70-something and 20-something meters. The holster for these meters is the rounded "New Type." Some meters were sold with a holster, some were not. The holsters were also sold separately as accessories.
The third group are the "series 3's" or "Series III" as shown on the meter. These are also grey in color, with the rounded yellow holster either sold with the meter or available as an accessory. Only the 70-III and 73-III are of this type, ("70 type") the other 70-something and all of the 20-something 3 series meters are of the "70-Tapered" type. (See below)
Fluke grouped the 70-III and the 73-III with the meters I call "70 tapered type" and described them all as "70 series" meters. Unfortunately, this has created some confusion. Many sellers list 70-3 and 73-3 meters and copy Fluke's website descriptions, which include information about the newer "70 tapered" type meters. The 70-3 and 73-3 meters do not have the tapered case or the display with larger digits. These features are included on the "70 tapered type" meters, described below.
Confusingly, the capabilities change with the series number. For example, the 21 series 2 has the same capabilities as all series of the 23 meters. The 73-III has the same capability as the 77 meters. (see list below)
The 21, 23, 29, 70, 73, 75, 76, 77 and 79 (all series of each) have DC and AC voltage, DC millivolts, Resistance, and Diode/Continuity check.
All models are autoranging, and models with the button in the center of the selector switch can be operated in manual range mode. (70 and 73 series 1 and 2 meters did not have the center button.)
The various models have differing current measuring capabilities.
The 70 (all series) has no current measuring capability at all.
The 21 (series 1), and the 73 (series 1 and series 2) have only one current range (DC AND AC) The 21 series 1 has a 300 milliampere range, the 73 (series 1 and series 2) has only the 10 Ampere range.
The 21 (series 2), 23, 23 (series 2),73 (series III), 75 (all series), 77 (all series) have two current ranges. (DC and AC) (300 milliampere and 10 Ampere) Note that some early models have an unfused 10 ampere range. The front of the meter will indicate "fused" or "unfused."
The 29, 76 and 79 also have two current ranges. Their milliampere ranges is only 40 ma, but their 10 ampere ranges are more precise than the 10 Ampere ranges of the other meters of this type.
The 29, 76, and 79 also measure frequency and capacitance.
The 76 is the "ultimate" 70 series, with True RMS measurement capability.
The 78 is the "Automotive" meter of this type. It has built-in temperature measuring capability (see my TEMPERATURE section for more information), RPM measurement, Frequency measurement, and all of the features of the 73 type meters, except that the 78 has only the 10 Ampere current measuring range. (There is no milliampere range)
70 tapered type:
Models of this type are the 21-III, 23-III, 26-III, 75-III, 77-III, and 79-III. These have a contoured, tapered, case with a much larger display than the rectangular "70 Type" meters. Strangely, the 70-III and 73-III keep the same rectangular case and smaller display; they are really "70 type" meters, and are described above. (Fluke tends to group meters by series, I am grouping them by similar meter types.)
The tapered type meters do not have holsters available - instead, the outer case of these meters is rubberized. Although the rubberized coating is great for gripping the meter, I find that these cases get dirty more easily, and they are more difficult to clean. For automotive, industrial or other "dirty area" use, you may wish to consider buying a meter with a separate holster. (All Fluke "automotive meters" are holster type, to my knowledge. Thus, there is no "automotive" meter of this type) For laboratory or other "clean area" use, such as an electronic technician's workbench, the lack of a separate holster is not important. The separate holster also provides some shock protection, again, this may or may not be important, depending on how you will use the meter.
Unlike with the 70 type meters, there is no color difference between the 20 models and the 70 models of the tapered 70 type. the 21-III is EXACTLY like the 75-III, except for the printing on the meter mask. (the plastic piece surrounding the LCD, viewed through the window) Similarly, the 23-III and 77-III are the same meter, and the the 26-III and the 79-III are the same meter. Why Fluke did this is unknown to me - there may have been marketing or packaging differences.
The capabilities of the 21-3, 23-3, 75-3, and 77-3 are the same as the 70 type 77s. (series 1 and 2): DC and AC voltage, DC millivolts, Resistance, Diode/Continuity check, and AC/DC current measurement. (300 milliampere and 10 ampere ranges.) All are autoranging by default, but the range can be manually selected as well using the "range" button. All of these meters also have the "hold" or "touch hold" feature.
The capabilities of the 26-3 and 79-3 are the same as the 29 and 79 (all series, 70 type): They have the capabilities mentioned above, and also add capacitance and frequency measurement. Their current ranges are 40 milliampere and 10 Ampere, again, like the 29 and 79.
80 Type:
The standard meters in this series are the 83, 85 and 87. The automotive meters in this series are the 86 and the 88. The 89, (no series) 89, (series 4) and 87 (series 4) are called "80 series" meters by fluke, but because they are really a different type, they are described in the "180 type" section below.
These meters have three holsters available:
1. Old Style - Yellow
2. Old Style - Grey
3. New Style - Yellow
(Picture to be added)
Because there have been a few variations of this meter type, I created a new page just for this sub-section about these meters.
Please see separate sub-section page MODELS and SERIES, 80 TYPE (linked)
170 type:
These are the successor to the 70 tapered type. Meters of this type include the 77-IV, 175, 177, and the 179. These meters have cases very similar to the 70 tapered type. (See above for case remarks) A door was added to allow the battery to be changed without taking the entire case apart - a very convenient feature. A backlight was added to some models, and the True RMS feature was added to some models. (see below) There is no "automotive" version of this type.
The 77-IV is NOT a True RMS meter, the remaining models (175, 177, and 179) are.
The 77-IV, 177 and 179 meters have a backlight, the 175 does not.
All models have the following capabilities:
DC and AC voltage (all are true RMS except 77-IV)
DC and AC current (all are true RMS except 77-IV)
Continuity Beeper
Diode Check
Resistance
Capacitance
Frequency
Hold function - freezes display (175, 177, and 179 only)
Auto-Hold - same as "touch hold" on previous models
Min/Max/Average recording
Smoothing function
The 179 also has temperature capability. (see my TEMPERATURE section (linked))
180 type:
These are the 87 series 4, 89, 89-IV, 187, and 189 meters. These are higher precision meters that do more than the 80 series meters. These also have the overmolded cases instead of an available holster, so the remarks in the "70 tapered" section also apply. This sophisticated meter is not likely to be used under the hood of a car, and there is no "automotive" version of this meter. Until the introduction of the 280 series, the 89, 89-IV and 189 were the "top of the line" in Fluke hand-held meters. Fluke did/does sell a 189-II meter, but this is a "280 Type" meter prepared for government contracts, and is discussed below.
Although there was never an 89-2 or 3, some 89s are labeled "89-IV." Others are labeled simply "89" with no series designation. The 89 and 89-IV are the same meter - the only difference is the printing on the LCD mask. I suppose Fluke did this to indicate it was grouped with the 87-IV.
The only difference between the 87-IV and the 89s is the datalogging capability that is only present on the 89 and 89-IV. Otherwise, except for the printing on the mask, the meters are identical.
All meters of this type have the two-level, white backlight.
The 180 type meters have the following functions:
DC and AC volts (including dual display of AC and DC components)
DC and AC millivolts
Resistance and Conductance
Capacitance
Continuity\Diode Check
Temperature (see my TEMPERATURE section (linked)
DC and AC Amperes
DC and AC milliampers
DC and AC microamperes
Frequency
Duty Cycle
Pulse width
Dual display
The 89, 89-IV and 189 have data logging capability.
With the optional Infra-red receiver and FlukeView software, these meters can send readings to your computer.
These meters will also display results in DbV and DbM, with adjustable reference.
These meters can be used in auto-range mode or the range can be set manually.
280 type:
These are the 289 and 287 models. There is also a 189-II model; this is the same meter as a 287. (I believe this is a meter for a government contract, but some are being sold on E-bay by sellers who buy government surplus.) See Fluke's website for information about these meters, which are the successors to the 187 and 189 meters. These are the latest models and they represent the "top of the line" in hand-held, general purpose meters. (when this guide was last revised) The 287 and 289 (and 189II) have a 1/4 VGA dot-matrix display that can display a graphic representation of the measured waveform or several lines of data such as present reading, maximum and minimum reading obtained, and the average of all readings.
The data logging capabilities are increased from those of the 189. Unlike the 180 Series meters, Both the 289 and 287 have data logging capability. The only additional features of the 289 are a low impedance AC Volts function and a built-in 50 ohm resistor.
Rugged type:
These are the 8025A, 8025B, 25, 27, and 27/FM models. These meters that have roughly the same capabilities as the "70 type." (with additional microampere current range and AC millivolt range) These meters are larger and have a thicker, more rugged case which is sealed - the case halves are sealed with an o-ring, the screws have rubber seals, and the battery door has an o-ring. This is a tank of a meter, and is certified for use in mines, etc. The military bought several of these, and they are now showing up on-ebay as buyers of government surplus obtain them from government surplus sales. To my knowledge, there is no "automotive" version of this type. There is no holster designed for this meter.
There are three versions of this meter. All have Volt and Millivolt ranges for AC and DC voltage measurements, Ampere, Milliampere and Microampere ranges for AC and DC current measurements, Resistance, and Diode/Continuity Check.
Version 1: 8025a and 25
The 8025a and early 25s have grey/green cases, later 25 models have yellow cases. Many people seem to like the yellow cases better, and the prices tend to be a bit higher - the difference is cosmetic only. Despite minor layout and component differences on the internal circuit board, the meters are functionally the same.
Version 2: 8025B and 27
These have two additional features - relative measurement and Min/Max function. Just as with the version 1 meters, The 8025b and early 27s have grey/green cases, later 27 models have yellow cases. The yellow cased models have either yellow front panel decals, or darker decals. Many people seem to like the yellow cases better, and the prices tend to be a bit higher - the difference is cosmetic only. Despite minor layout and component differences on the internal circuit board, the meters are functionally the same.
Version 3: 27/FM
This is a special version for the military - this meter is like the 27, and 8025b but this meter has the "true RMS" feature. To my knowledge, these are only see with the grey/green cases. Many thanks to one of E-bay's expert Fluke sellers for this information - even the Fluke employee responding to my inquiry didn't know about this one! Please see not below about the newer meters with the "27/FM" label on the back.
All of the main circuit boards for these models (25, 27, 8025A, 8025B) are very similar, with only minor revisions over time. However, the 27/FM has one very important addition - an IC (Integrated Circuit) as shown below:
It's a small addition that makes a big difference. In my opinion at the time this guide was last revised, the 27/FM is the best value on E-bay, especially if you need a true RMS meter.
Additional note:
Recently, some newer Fluke 27 meters have appeared on E-bay that are obviously government surplus - they have government labels on them, and many sellers indicate that they have purchased them from some form of government sales outlet. The front of these meters look like the "civilian" model - they just say "Fluke 27." However, the labels say "Fluke 27/FM."
Unfortunately, these meters do NOT have the TRUE RMS feature. They are average responding, RMS calibrated like the other 27's. Unless I find a counterexample, I have to believe that any meter that does not say "27/FM" on the front is not a "27/FM" as I describe above - that is, it is not a true RMS meter. (Please see my section "TRUE RMS" in my Main Guide (linked))
This does not mean these are bad meters, or less accurate - it just means that you should understand that the readings you will get are only RMS values if you are measuring a sine wave. Also, the LCD bezels and main circuit boards are intechangeable - someone may have a non-"true RMS" board on a meter with the "27/FM" label. Again, buying from an expert seller with the knowledge and equipment to verify a meter has the "true RMS" feature is the best way to guarantee your meter has this feature, if it is important to you.
New Rugged Type:
(No picture, I don't own one)
After over 20 years of producing the "rugged type" meters described above, Fluke has introduced new rugged series models: the 27-2 (27 series II) and 28-2 (series II) models. Just as they did with the 89-4, they are calling the 28 a "series 2" meter, despite the fact that, to my knowledge, there never was a 28 (no series, or series 1) I suppose calling them both "series 2" makes it clear that they are both of the same "generation," and are two versions of the same meter.
These new rugged meters are sold with separate holsters, which, in my opinion, offer greater shock protection to the meter. Fluke states that these meters can withstand a 1 meter drop, if the holster is in place. Also, the holster can be removed for effective cleaning, and can be replaced if necessary.
There are two versions of this meter. Both have Volt and Millivolt ranges for AC and DC voltage measurements, Ampere, Milliampere and Microampere ranges for AC and DC current measurements, Resistance, Capacitance, and Diode/Continuity Check.
Version 1: 27-2
It is important to note that this is an average responding, RMS calibrated meter.
Version 2: 28-2
These meters have the "True RMS" feature, as well as three additional features - Temperature capability, a "high resolution," 4.5 digit mode, and a Low Pass filter. (see my TEMPERATURE section for more information)
Guide created: 06/07/08 (updated 11/21/09)
Thank you for voting. If your vote meets our 
