Fluke 233 vs 87 (3or5) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: AnnabellaRenee87
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2014, 05:40:07 am
content: Today I decided to go around to my local pawn shops to see if I could find a decent Multimeter cheap. I know Fluke's stuff is top notch so I went for only meters made by them, I am a TOTAL NEWBIE so when I was there I didn't know the difference between the Fluke 233 and the 87.I decided to grab the 233 because I thought the detachable screen was something I would like. Plus it came with its test leads, and was a little cleaner than the 87 they had.Once I got home I started to watch Dave's review of the 233 and was in near horror when I herd him say its not that great for electronics work but is OK for industrial stuff.I figure if its a 87 I will just go back and exchange the 233 for the 87 but here is where I would like some guidance.I don't remember if its a series 3 or 5, is it worth taking the 233 back if its a series 3? I already know if its a Series 5 then its not a question, I defiantly will exchange it then. I feel like such a newb for asking this and I cant sleep because I am just seeking guidance to what I need to do.Also my feelings about the 233 started to change after I got home, I don't know of a signal time I will ever need to have a detachable screen and I don't need it for industrial stuff, I need it for electronics work.Thanks for any info guys and gals.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2014, 06:37:24 am
content: If you need to measure current, the 233 doesn't have mA or uA like the 87.The original 87 and 87 III defaults to DC current whereas the 87V defaults to AC current.Excavatoree wrote a Fluke buying guide that you can read ...http://www.ebay.com/gds/Fluke-Meters-80-Type-Models-and-Series-/10000000007491382/g.html

author: AnnabellaRenee87
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2014, 06:56:18 am
content: Quote from: retiredcaps on January 21, 2014, 06:37:24 amThanks for the info, I will go there tomorrow and exchange it for the 87, after reading over that I don't think I will need the features of the series 5 and the series 3 will do me just fine until I get experienced enough for the series 5I can sleep now, lol thanks!!!!

author: taemun
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2014, 10:30:21 am
content: The Fluke 233 battery life (both active and on shelf) is WOEFUL.

author: Telimage
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 21, 2014, 04:54:53 pm
content: Quote from: taemun on January 21, 2014, 10:30:21 amI also have a 233 and experienced poor battery performance. I called Fluke service rep and asked if its normal to drain the batteries in 6 weeks, with the meter being used or turned off, unused.The rep asked for the Serial #, and told me there is a warranty firmware update. So, I returned it for repair and had the same set of batteries since beginning of October, no sign of weakening yet. Hopefully that took care of the battery issue. I really like this meter when troubleshooting equipment and such.

author: AnnabellaRenee87
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2014, 08:35:02 pm
content: Picked up my Fluke 87 today, much more happy with it, it cleaned up pretty nicely too

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2014, 08:42:38 pm
content: Quote from: Neoistheone2000 on January 21, 2014, 08:35:02 pmWhich one? I or III. Post a picture of the cleaned up meter please.Did you check to make sure both fuses are HRC and working?