Fluke 87V and 9V Energizer Lithium - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: lhc
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2012, 09:40:59 pm
content: Hi!Are here any guys using 9V Lithium batteries in Fluke 87 V meter? I would like to use them and not take the risk of battery leaking, but they might be slightly too big:http://www.flukecommunity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=613I'm talking about Energizer Lithium 9v.

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2012, 09:52:33 pm
content: I'll link tohttp://www.batteryshowdown.com/I haven't tested 9V in the showdown yet, but the difference between alkaline and lithium at low drain is clear -- hardly noticeable. 2300mAh vs 3000mAh, compared to the significant cost? Meh.

author: lhc
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2012, 10:13:31 pm
content: I don't really care about the capacity. Batteries tend to stick in my meters for a long time - I just don't want to risk one of them leaking. Maybe I will change them more often. But using lithiums would take that problem off my head.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 16, 2012, 10:26:08 pm
content: Quote from: tom66 on December 16, 2012, 09:52:33 pmHow do the results compare at zero drain, i.e. self discharge and leakage? This is the critical spec if a DMM is only infrequently used. Lithium cells are often guaranteed to perform for at least ten years, some alkaline cells are guaranteed to leak in the same time span.

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2012, 10:29:42 pm
content: I've heard lots of reports of Duracells leaking. However, many fewer reports of Energizer leaking. Both companies offer leak repair/warranty services.Occasional checking will eliminate the problem -- leaking occurs months after a cell dies, not overnight.Regarding leakage current or shelf life, obviously that could be an issue. As I said on the website, lithium cells are excellent for applications where you can't frequently change the battery because it's inconvenient. Now, I'm not the OP, but changing a multimeter battery isn't particularly inconvenient for me.

author: lhc
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2012, 10:53:54 pm
content: Yeah, actually it is a bit of a problem for me. Some of my meters tend not to be used all the time. Not only multimeters but various testers etc. in multiple locations. They can sit on the shelf or in a bag for long time after last usage. I don't really know then if the battery is nearly dead or still good enough. I have to remember about all the meters, check the voltages or remember when was the battery changed etc. it is a bit of a problem and some day I will forget about a battery that will leakI have found few times a dead battery in my cheaper meters over the years... I'm more cautious about my expensive meters but still I might forget about something.Using lithium would be so nice - just stick it in and forget until it stops working, multiple years of shelf life andno leakage. After searching for some info about DMM and lithium batteries compatibility I have found that 9V lithiums tend to be a bit bigger and Fluke 87 V can have problems because of that... bummer.

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2012, 11:16:39 pm
content: +1 on the Duracells leaking. I've had to be careful about using them in anything that sits for long periods unused.

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2012, 11:49:38 pm
content: I can't remember when I've seen a 9V primary battery leak, alkaline or otherwise. I guess its less likely because most 9V are just cases for AAAA cells, so in effect it has 2 housings. If it leaked, it leaks into the case.I have a 9V EverReady I found I left in a box as a child, much like this collector, that I have around as a conversation piece.AA apparently can be made well too, as I have a set of AA from Casiostillpowering my calculator and its over 30 years old.

author: Tube_Dude
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2012, 03:30:51 am
content: Quote from: saturation on December 16, 2012, 11:49:38 pmYes! But from the good times "Made in Japan"...

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2012, 05:36:34 am
content: I have found working cells still a few years before the expiry date leaking.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2012, 07:03:40 am
content: Quote from: saturation on December 16, 2012, 11:49:38 pmhehe yeah, my Casio wore out from use before the batteries died.

author: WorldPowerLabs
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2012, 05:38:25 pm
content: Quote from: SLJ on December 16, 2012, 11:16:39 pmThis is the truth! I simply won't buy Duracells anymore -- many leaking incidents. The final straw was when a pair of very fresh and recent-manufacture "AA" cells leaked in a multimeter (no, the meter wasn't left on). Duracell offered coupons to replace the bad cells, which I never received, and very rude and condescending customer support -- even after I told them that I have the authority to specify whose cells are used in my company's primary-cell packs. I've bought over $10k worth of Duracells for my company in the last 6 months, but we'll be using Rayovacs in the future!Ben

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2012, 05:58:26 pm
content: Duracell PP3 are good, but the AA,AAA and C are iffy at best leakage wise. Only cells that never give me trouble are Cr coin cells, they just go flat, unless you punch a hole in them.

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2012, 08:12:11 pm
content: Here's a Fluke clamp meter that was working just a month ago:Duracells suck.