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(Because E-bay limits the size of buying guides, I had to split my Fluke buying guide into sections. This section is about the different Fluke meter types, and the different versions of each. Please see the main section for additional 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 in the future.
MODELS and SERIES:
Fluke often uses the same number designation 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. (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 that I recently learned about. The Military version of the Fluke 27, the 27/FM is a true RMS meter. I believe that the "non military" 27 does not have the True RMS feature, but I have not tested this. 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! One of the expert meter sellers on E-bay informed me that I was incorrect. 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 models 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 series meters are yellow, the 70 series are gray or green. (older meters are green, the newer meters are grey) All 70 type holsters will fit all 70 type meters. See my section on "HOLSTERS" for more information. (not yet written.)
The first group are the "series 1's" as they are sometimes called, but they have no series designation on the meter at all.
The next group are the "series 2's" or "series II" as shown on the meter.
The third group are the "series 3's" or "Series III" as shown on the meter. Only the 70-III and 73-III are in this group, the rest of the 3 series are of the "70-Tapered" type.
Confusingly, the capabilities change with the series number. For example, the 21 series 2 has the same capability as 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. The current measuring capacity differs among the various models.
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 have milliampere ranges of 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, for those who need it.
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 77 type meters, except that the 78 has only one current range - 10 Amperes. (There is no milliampere range)
70 tapered type:
These are models like the 21-III, 26-III, 77-III, and 79-III. These have a contoured, tapered case, with a larger display than the earlier "series 1" and "series 2" meters. Strangely, the 70-III and 73-III keep the same rectangular case, and are really "70 type" meters as described above. The tapered type meters do not have holsters available - instead, the outer case of these meters is rubberized, which offers only limited protection. I find that these cases get dirty more easily, and they are harder to clean. My opinion is that a separate holster protects the meter better. For automotive or industrial 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)
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 77-III, except for the printing on the meter mask. (the plastic piece surrounding the LCD, viewed through the window) Similarly, the 79-III and 26-III are the same meter. Why Fluke did this is unknown to me - there may have been marketing differences.
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) and 87 (series 4) are called "80 series" meters, but they are really a different type, and are described in the "180 type" section.
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. A door was added to allow the battery and fuses to be changed without taking the entire case apart. The comments about the overmolded case and lack of available holster apply to these meters also. There is no "automotive" version of this type. (no picture, because I don't yet own one of these)
180 type:
These are the 87 series 4, 89, 187, and 189 meters. These are higher precision meters which do much 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-IV and 189 were the "top of the line" in Fluke hand-held meters.
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
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
These meters have a dual display. The 89 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.
280 type: These are the successors to the 187 and 189 meters, the 287 and 187. See fluke's website for information about these. These are the latest model and are just starting to appear on E-bay.
These meters have a 1/4 VGA dot-matrix display that will display a graphic representation of the measured waveform. The data-logging capabilities have been increased, and logged data can be displayed graphically.
Rugged type:
These are the 8025A, 8025B, 25, and 27 models. These are meters that have roughly the same capabilities as the "70 type," (with some additional ranges) but the meter is in a larger, more rugged case that is sealed with o-rings. This is a tank of a meter, and is certified for use in mines, etc. To my knowledge, there is no "automotive" version of this type.
8025A - Early version of this meter type. Has Volt and Millivolt ranges for AC and DC, Amperes, Milliamperes, and Microamperes for both AC and DC, Resistance (ohms) and Diode/Continuity check.
8025B - Has the features of the 8025A, and adds relative measurement and Min/Max function.
25 - newer version of 8025A meter - It has the same features.
27 - newer version of 8025B meter - there are several versions of this meter - some with yellow cases, some with grey/green cases. This meter has all the features of the 8025B.
27/FM (Special version for the military - this meter is like the 27, but this meter has the "true RMS" feature. 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!
(more info about features to be added)
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 in the future.
MODELS and SERIES:
Fluke often uses the same number designation 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. (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 that I recently learned about. The Military version of the Fluke 27, the 27/FM is a true RMS meter. I believe that the "non military" 27 does not have the True RMS feature, but I have not tested this. 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! One of the expert meter sellers on E-bay informed me that I was incorrect. 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 models 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 series meters are yellow, the 70 series are gray or green. (older meters are green, the newer meters are grey) All 70 type holsters will fit all 70 type meters. See my section on "HOLSTERS" for more information. (not yet written.)
The first group are the "series 1's" as they are sometimes called, but they have no series designation on the meter at all.
The next group are the "series 2's" or "series II" as shown on the meter.
The third group are the "series 3's" or "Series III" as shown on the meter. Only the 70-III and 73-III are in this group, the rest of the 3 series are of the "70-Tapered" type.
Confusingly, the capabilities change with the series number. For example, the 21 series 2 has the same capability as 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. The current measuring capacity differs among the various models.
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 have milliampere ranges of 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, for those who need it.
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 77 type meters, except that the 78 has only one current range - 10 Amperes. (There is no milliampere range)
70 tapered type:
These are models like the 21-III, 26-III, 77-III, and 79-III. These have a contoured, tapered case, with a larger display than the earlier "series 1" and "series 2" meters. Strangely, the 70-III and 73-III keep the same rectangular case, and are really "70 type" meters as described above. The tapered type meters do not have holsters available - instead, the outer case of these meters is rubberized, which offers only limited protection. I find that these cases get dirty more easily, and they are harder to clean. My opinion is that a separate holster protects the meter better. For automotive or industrial 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)
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 77-III, except for the printing on the meter mask. (the plastic piece surrounding the LCD, viewed through the window) Similarly, the 79-III and 26-III are the same meter. Why Fluke did this is unknown to me - there may have been marketing differences.
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) and 87 (series 4) are called "80 series" meters, but they are really a different type, and are described in the "180 type" section.
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. A door was added to allow the battery and fuses to be changed without taking the entire case apart. The comments about the overmolded case and lack of available holster apply to these meters also. There is no "automotive" version of this type. (no picture, because I don't yet own one of these)
180 type:
These are the 87 series 4, 89, 187, and 189 meters. These are higher precision meters which do much 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-IV and 189 were the "top of the line" in Fluke hand-held meters.
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
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
These meters have a dual display. The 89 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.
280 type: These are the successors to the 187 and 189 meters, the 287 and 187. See fluke's website for information about these. These are the latest model and are just starting to appear on E-bay.
These meters have a 1/4 VGA dot-matrix display that will display a graphic representation of the measured waveform. The data-logging capabilities have been increased, and logged data can be displayed graphically.
Rugged type:
These are the 8025A, 8025B, 25, and 27 models. These are meters that have roughly the same capabilities as the "70 type," (with some additional ranges) but the meter is in a larger, more rugged case that is sealed with o-rings. This is a tank of a meter, and is certified for use in mines, etc. To my knowledge, there is no "automotive" version of this type.
8025A - Early version of this meter type. Has Volt and Millivolt ranges for AC and DC, Amperes, Milliamperes, and Microamperes for both AC and DC, Resistance (ohms) and Diode/Continuity check.
8025B - Has the features of the 8025A, and adds relative measurement and Min/Max function.
25 - newer version of 8025A meter - It has the same features.
27 - newer version of 8025B meter - there are several versions of this meter - some with yellow cases, some with grey/green cases. This meter has all the features of the 8025B.
27/FM (Special version for the military - this meter is like the 27, but this meter has the "true RMS" feature. 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!
(more info about features to be added)
Guide created: 06/07/08 (updated 08/22/08)
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