Is the Fluke 87v the best HVAC Meter?

[@jesseh5554]

I had an 87 when I was a mechanic, it was the best meter I've ever used, still sits in my toolbox.

[@HVACToolReview]

What did you move into?

[@jesseh5554]

@@HVACToolReview sorry, I should've clarified, when I was a diesel mechanic, I'm an hvac tech now. Debated on throwing my 87 in my bag, but my company pays for my meters, so I use what's free

[@tonys9391]

Using a Fluke 1587FC with I-400 and I-410 clamps. Does everything 87V does plus insulation testing and FC function.

[@MD-yw4in]

I’m super happy to see you back, I look forward to what this channel brings.

[@HVACToolReview]

Thanks! I appreciate your support!

[@mattenfeld]

HVACR guy for almost 20 years. Had this meter for about 6 months, best meter I’ve ever had, and I’ve probably had 5 other fluke meters. If anything it’s made my PM’s more complete. I’ll whip out the amp clamp just because it’s fun to use.

[@vieuxacadian9455]

Well I started in digitals with a fluke 8020a . I have had 25 , 27 ( made in France 1988 as I recall ) USGI days . 83,87 and still have a 87-3 in daily service ! was given a 117 . I used a 28-3 ( red IS model and it was a tough unit )for a while . The 87-5max looks good as a future personal update . Many have forgotten the plug in add on ampmeters , temp and pressure probes will work on pre 28-3 and 87max units . I routinely use them with a 117 and 87-3 .

[@Know-Way]

Love the 87. Regarding blowing the fuse... I've never done that, very often. Tip, always have a spare fuse. The beeping sound is somewhat helpful to prevent blowing the fuse, but the real deterrent to blowing the fuse is the replacement cost ($5-$10 each). After one or two you get a lot more careful.

[@Pyrrho_]

Additionally, the 87v is one of the few Fluke meters that offer a relative (REL) mode, and can be started up in zoomed relative mode by holding down REL when turning it on. This not only increases the sensitivity of the bar graph but centers it so you can more easily see +/- fluctuations.

[@engineeredappliancerepair2752]

Love the Fluke 87-V definitely a staple! Fluke 87-V plus a SC 680 are my go to war meters.

[@HVACToolReview]

Hard to beat that combo!

[@stevensrspcplusmc]

Just got the 87v max... it’s even better , got it to replace my fluke 902 clamp.. my eyes are getting old and the big screen helps .. the size is a plus ,it doesn’t move all over the place when you are trouble shooting.. thanks for the review, it helped with my decision 👍😊

[@HVACToolReview]

Glad it could be of help! Can’t go wrong with an 87v max!

[@matthewodonnell1856]

I have the Fieldpiece SC 680. I really like it a lot. I have no complaints about it. My back up meter is the UEI 389. Also a very solid meter, in my opinion.

[@HVACToolReview]

The two sc680s I have had have been too problematic for me to recommend them. The first one had the wireless issues, and the second one seems to have some intermittent voltage issues that I haven't been able to verify for sure. Otherwise it would be an awesome meter that I was pretty excited to get my hands on. I'm going to pick up one of those UEIs sine a lot of guys seem to love them. Probably grab a redfish too.

[@wd8557]

Only problem I had was the leads, I was measuring voltage and my lead wires moved and so did the voltage. I went and got fluke leads and big difference.

[@zoidelux]

Agree, the magnet design and having q clamp built into the meter is just way more convenient and works so so much nicer than fluke. Maybe if i was a pcb engineer and wanted to measure very sensitive circuits with ultimate precision id want fluke, but this is hvac, things dont need to be .08 volts tolerances etc etc...

[@prestigemechanical3600]

UEI DL429b does amps and voltage at the same time. Also has 2 thermocouple jacks for doing temp rise. Fluke is just a name and meters are just tools.

[@prestigemechanical3600]

Uei also does inrush

[@TheWpruden]

Thanks for the video! The 87v your are paying top dollar for quality mainly holding its calibration. I use to one of hvac techs with the all in one meter but got away as a feature would lose calibration or erratic reading. I have the 87v and fluke 365 clamp for the tight spaces. I do have the i400 ad back up. The fluke 116 doesn't have the build quality and warranty of the 87v. If you want an ip67 meter and the 87v max is out of your $ range, take a look at the amprobe 160 hd!!! That meter can read 1000mv ac or dc. Only meter I know with that range. Great for Thermopolis testing. Again great video.

[@HVACToolReview]

Good info! If the 87v max is within your budget is definitely grab it. Amprobe has some good stuff as well! Thanks for watching!

[@ELECTROxigeno76.]

The 87 v it's a Best multimeter for all industrial working & HVAC,

[@mikehess4983]

What would be a recommendation on a multimeter that also reads microfarads.

[@pedassoc10]

You may want to do a review on the UEI DL599 Hvac clamp meter. Pretty much all the functions and ranges. You just went through plus true clamp meter dual station thermometer and true Rush current. Bluetooth connection allows you to record and export the file like a data logger. Also allows you to clamp around blower conductor without running remote leads and pinching them in the panel. Feel free to reach out to me for more information and availability

[@TheRealoldcar]

Informative video...Been in the Electronic and Cooling service for decades and have used a multitude of DVMs and CLAMP Meters. The 87MarkV is my go to meter mainly because of its consistent accuracy and precision and most importantly reading Capacitors is solid and fast. The other brands always take several seconds when reading Capacitors that it does not instill very much confidence especially in a fast pace environment. I guess its what one is use to. The only thing it does not do is PF when measuring for KW. Using the SUPCO REDFISH for KW now since it has MQ integration.

[@nicholyeb]

Would you say this can be used to measure motor inrush current? Looking to get one to use with my Fluke 289.

[@coreyhaddock3039]

This is the best meter I’ve used. I have a 1587fc and 902fc. The 87 has so much that it’s hard to beat. I only bring out the 1587 for testing motors and compressors. If the 1587 had micro amps then it would be the perfect hvac meter. But the 3 together are the best combo money can buy.

[@TheWpruden]

I'm glad you do proper motor diagnostics! I agree if the 1587 had micro amps it would be the perfect meter for hvac. Many hvac techs do not do a true insulation testing. You only need to spot check. Dar/pi testing is for maintenance use on industrial size equipment.

[@gregmiracle9560]

Good review! And Congratulations winner! 👍👍

[@HVACToolReview]

Thanks Greg!

[@terryphan7451]

What about the Flir DM285 with Thermal imager, i found it very useful in looking for duct leak.

[@Jay-G236]

Does anyone know the difference between the 87V and the 28ii? I heard that the 28ii is the same as the 87V but it’s IP67 rated, so it’s waterproof and dust proof. But then fluke came out with the 87V max, which is IP67 rated. It just seems redundant that the 28ii came out to replace the 87V by being more rugged, and then they reverted back and made the 87V max.

[@fx_gtx9495]

You are right, the 87V max is a renamed 28ii and is IP67 rated, whereas the 87V is not.

[@badillo509]

Nice review! Looks pretty clean for 4-5 months of work....

[@HVACToolReview]

😂 haters gonna hate 🤷‍♂️

[@intelin123]

You are a karen on youtube

[@RedondoBeach2]

I'm interested in buying the 87V. This video was helpful. What's your opinion on its long term reliability and accuracy? How often is calibration required? Thank you.

[@alvilla701]

I just started on electricity, I always try to buy the best tools (if I can afford them) so I bought the 87V MAX with the clamps, the problem I have is that ther are basically no videos of the MAX

[@HVACToolReview]

Right on man! They are basically the same thing, just the max is a little tougher for drops weather etc

[@4142mkb]

Hi guys . What's better fluke 87-5 or 179?

[@mannyfresh8504]

Fluke 117 Doesn’t do micro amps……. 🤔 i have that and 116. Just got the 116 because its geared towards hvac and came clamp meter for a nice price.

[@Tonyplat98]

It is a very good meter I know this is a 2 year old video but just wanted to comment for the money the Brymen BM869 is miles ahead for a lot less money too.

[@punchpunchowned]

What does the amperage read on that meter with the external clamp? Also same question but with a fluke 116. Thanks man!

[@BlueCollarBiceps]

Great review! 🔥

[@HVACToolReview]

Thanks man! Appreciate it! 👊

[@HVACToolReview]

Let me know which meter is your favorite, and which ones you would like to try! Find the 87v Kit here amzn.to/3e75CEg

[@ShaneShubert]

If you had to pick a meter would it be this or the 902fc

[@HVACToolReview]

That's a tough one, I think it depends on what you are planning on doing with it. If you are going to be doing mainly residential and would prefer to keep a smaller light weight bag I think the 902fc is the way to go. If you are going to be working in the commercial side of HVAC, want to have one meter, and can pick up the amp clamp with the 87v, I believe the 87v is the better choice. Having the ability to use one meter that will take amp clamp readings, read ma signals from a BAS, microamps, millivolts, 50 meg ohms max rating vs 60 K ohms of the 902, and the higher resolution/accuracy make it the better choice in my opinion. That being said, I have no intention of getting rid of my 902fc and will still keep it in my tp5b. Most of the time I am able to troubleshoot and identify the issue with my 902fc. Hope that helps!

[@willg574]

I've been rocking the SC440 most recently. I've used the SC640 for a few years and the SC440 does everything, but it's much more compact. And I love my flukes and UEI's, but the overall layout and design fieldpiece has for their meters works better for me. I've got a real tool buying "problem", according to my wife. And I've found personally that the fancier the meter the more issues I've had.

[@HVACToolReview]

Hahaha you and me both man 😂. I'd like to get my hands on an sc480 to try out for a bit.

[@chrometrey57]

Me to!! 😂

[@hosainparchment5692]

I have a question is this the best multimeter for an electrician if no which one you recommend?

[@Robert-ug5hx]

If budget is an issue the fluke 117 is designed for electricians, I use both the 87v max and the 117, I also have sever older fluke t6 1000 meters

[@BCMoney1995]

Great video man! Thanks for checking me out !

[@HVACToolReview]

No problem! Thanks for checking out my videos!

[@2CabrasLocas]

Seems like the 902fc is the clamp meter version of the 87v

[@HVACToolReview]

Yeah the 902fc is a great meter and still the one I use most often. Stays in service my call bag. It just doesn't have a couple of the features you may or may not need. Higher CAT rating, milli amps, higher resistance range and a couple others. I'll never get rid of my 902fc

[@TheWpruden]

@@HVACToolReview I have the 902fc as well and it will serve 80% or more for troubleshooting. The jaws on the 902fc are thick and bulky and not the best for tight spaces. I purchased the fluke 365 clamp for amps only and makes life easier for those amp readings in tight spaces. The 902fc has a more solid build quality over the 365 in my opinion. The 87v and 365 fluke clamp are my war meters. 902fc is a great meter!!!

[@ThinKkBIGG]

Is there a reason for not taking the 87V Max instead of the 87V?

[@HVACToolReview]

No both are great. If you want that extra peace of mind protection or are hard on your gear I’d deffinwtly go for the max.

[@garryhynds4870]

Thank you

[@HobbyTalk]

Would you still consider this the best if not one of the best in 2023? I want to buy nice not twice…

[@mjmasola6394]

Nice ao nice👍

[@mikeadler434]

👍👍

[@naicul2006]

Doesn't have DC Amps...

[@nicholastorenvliet9464]

Use the i1010 amp clamp with the 87 V.

[@j.m.5995]

1000 Microamps = 1 milliamp

[@0101-t4r]

Fluke 189 laughs at 87v.

[@hosainparchment5692]

THIS IS NICE BUT EXPENSIVE AF!!!!