Fluke 87V tests before buying second hand - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: bitshift
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2015, 09:47:11 am
content: Hey guys,I'm looking to a buy a second hand Fluke 87V. I'm meeting with the gentleman later today and I was wondering if there any tests I could/should do to ensure the integrity of the unit? Also are there any common gotchas I should be aware of when buying a second hand fluke?

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2015, 09:58:02 am
content: Ask why he is selling it.Bring along a battery and a resistor so you can do some basic volts and ohms checksSet it to continuity, hold probes together and move the cables around in all angles (to check they have no breaks).Check out the LCD for cracks or missing segmentsShake it and make sure nothing is rattling around insideIf you're able to open it up you could have a look at the fuse contacts for any sign the meter has been through a high energy short.Check all the buttons work

author: bitshift
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2015, 11:03:11 am
content: Perfect, thanks. I will be sure to do all those tests.

author: radioFlash
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2015, 11:12:33 am
content: Check that the fuses aren't blown and there isn't corrosion from leaking batteries on the battery terminals.

author: bitshift
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2015, 11:21:32 am
content: Very ametuer question, but how do I visually tell if the fuses are blown?

author: RobertHolcombe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2015, 11:43:15 am
content: FYI you can test fuses by setting the meter to continuity test or ohms and probing the A/mA banana socket using the red probe, if either reads open circuit then the fuse is blown, missing etc

author: bitshift
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2015, 11:50:16 am
content: That makes things a bit easier, thanks

author: giosif
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2015, 12:06:13 pm
content: You may want to watch this:https://youtu.be/C4UCdc4A18kSome of those functions might be useful in your evaluation.

author: bitshift
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2015, 12:31:31 pm
content: Very useful video, thank you for sharing

author: bitshift
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2015, 03:43:48 pm
content: The meter passed all of the above mentioned tests. I am now a happy Fluke 87V owner. Thanks all for the help

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2015, 06:59:46 pm
content: For others in the future, some hintshttp://www.ebay.com/gds/Fluke-Meters-Main-Read-First-/10000000007231862/g.htmlFor the OP regarding fuses, seehttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/buying-used-multimeter-what-to-watch-for/msg190227/#msg190227

author: bitshift
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2015, 07:50:10 am
content: Thanks retiredcapsAlso to help any one in the future here is the list of things I checked for:Fuse TestsInsert the black lead into the COM socket and the red lead into the V/Ohms socket1. Switch meter to the diode function- Use the red lead to probe the A socket. If it beeps the 10A fuse is good.- Use the red lead to probe the mA socket. If it beeps the 400mA fuse is good.2. Switch meter to the resistance measurement function- Use the red lead to probe the upper part of the A socket. The meter should read between 0.0R and 0.5R.- Use the red lead to probe the upper part of the mA socket. The meter should read between 0.995k and 1.005k.- If the meter reads out these ranges, it could be that either the fuse is blown or it's out of spec.3. Switch meter to the continuity function- Use the red lead to probe the A and mA. If the meter beeps the fuses are good.LCD TestWith the meter off, hold down autohold button and keep holding it down- Switch the meter to AC volts measurement- All segments on the LCD will switch on, allowing you to make sure the LCD is 100%Button TestSwitch the meter to AC volts measurement- Press all buttons on the meter and listen for a corresponding beep.- If you push a button and the meter doesn't beep, it could be faulty.Calibration CountHold down the min max button and turn the meter on into AC voltage mode- Press the autohold button- The number of times the meter has been calibrated will be displayed in the form nxxx- Where xxx is the number of times the meter has been calibrated.- Don't push any other buttons, switch the meter off.- Use this to check claims of recent calibrations for example.Other Tests1. Check the battery terminals for corrosion2. Tests the probes by switching the meter to continuity mode. Bend leads around to make sure they have no intermittent faults.3. Take some common components, resistors, batteries etc and check that the corresponding modes on the meter give real results.4. If possible, open the meter and visually inspect the fuses. Also look for any signs of a high energy short.5. Shake the meter and make sure nothing rattles