fluke 27/FM vs fluke 115 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: 001
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2018, 08:58:12 am
content: fluke 27/FM vs fluke 11540years vs 10 years old designbut0.1 vs 0.5but3200c vs 6000cbutUSA vs China......Any opinions?

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2018, 09:09:29 am
content: Before Dave started branding his own meters there was only ONE meter that was visiblesomewherein all his videos.It wasn't a Fluke 87V or 115.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2018, 12:40:38 pm
content: I have an old brown one and it is a war tank - although very well put together, the 115 does not inspire the same confidence and it does not have the uA/mA ranges nor conductance.I highly recommend it for the tough jobs. However, beware if you leave it in direct sunlight as it gets quite hot due to the dark color of its housing - mine developed a fade on the LCD that will require some TLC to put it back to full operation (I just didn't have the time yet).

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2018, 01:15:31 pm
content: I wanted a Fluke 117 over the 115 because of Volt Alert and LoZ. For me temperature measurement has never been super important to have on a multimeter. The Fluke Volt Alert function detects the presence of mains voltages. LoZ loads the circuit so reduces the chances of misreading ghost voltages as live. You just have to be careful you never use it on a sensitive circuit, but it is also a quick and dirty way to trip an RCD and see if it's working. It was cheaper for me to buy the whole meter secondhand than a Fluke SV225 adapter. It turned out the one I brought hadn't seen any use.The Fluke 27/FM were apparently $450 msrp in 1988. I wanted two identical meters for the bench, mainly for measuring fairly high voltage and current, they had to be reasonably safe, cheap and have True RMS. I wasn't so worried about resolution count but the meter has mA uA mV both in AC and DC so nice. I also wanted something fairly easy to repair and so I got a few additional spares if required. The ones I brought had been well maintained and calibrated when they were last used. They are built for use in harsh conditions and substantially larger than the Fluke 117 but they make great bench monsters. Consider that the leads might need replacing and be in questionable condition after all this time.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 08, 2018, 01:49:41 pm
content: I use a set of Frankie's Brymen leads with my 27/FM. I got mine with a crappy set of leads and a high voltage probe. It is the go to around the house to stick in AC outlets and what not. I like it much better than my Aneng AN8008 but it is too large and heavy to fit easily into my toolbag for work so the Aneng wins out there. I only paid $65 USD shipped for mine with the hard case. I think the EEVBlog made it too popular and prices went up.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2018, 03:30:18 pm
content: Quote from: Shock on September 08, 2018, 01:15:31 pmMine was made in 2003, that's quite a production run.Quote from: GreyWoolfe on September 08, 2018, 01:49:41 pmDefinitely.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2018, 08:55:23 am
content: So 001 which one are you looking at buying? What was your conclusion?

author: 001
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2018, 09:21:25 am
content: I got two 115

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2018, 10:05:52 am
content: Quote from: 001 on September 18, 2018, 09:21:25 amNow you have an official multimeter collection

author: 001
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2018, 10:30:31 am
content: Quote from: Shock on September 18, 2018, 10:05:52 amWhat do You mean? I have two flukes only

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2018, 12:57:21 pm
content: Quote from: 001 on September 18, 2018, 10:30:31 amSo far hehehe.

author: GregDunn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2018, 03:36:43 pm
content: I'd gladly own a model 27, but they seem to be very scarce around here - let alone at bargain prices. I picked up my 115 very cheaply (under $50) at a pawn shop, and it's in like-new condition. Within the limits of its display precision, it's as accurate as my 8600 and 179 so I can't complain; I have meters for pretty much any measurement and the 115 has its place.

author: TheBay
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 18, 2018, 04:07:46 pm
content: I still use a Fluke 77 Series II

author: kkritsilas
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2018, 02:51:31 am
content: I have a 77 Series 1, and a 27/FM (military version of the 27).In the 77 ‘s favor are the rubber holster, which incorporates a tilt stand, belt hook, and probes can be stored on the holster rear. It is lighter and smaller, even with holster. It also has annunciators for VDC and VAC, DC or AC annubiators for current. It is .5% accuracy rated on DC (don’t recall the count uncertainty), and is an averaging meter.The 27/FM is much bugger and heavier, and is has O ring seals to keep out moisture. There is no holster, so no belt hook, or is there probe storage. The tilt stand is built into the case., and is extremely rigid. Display is slightly bigger than the 77's, and has a slightly tan coloured rear reflectior. There are no annunciators for voltage or current.The 27/FM has uA ranges for both AC and DC, and mV AC range. There are MAX/MIN and REL functions.The 27/FM is a true RMS meter and is rated at .1% accuracy on the DCV ranges +/- 1 count.Both meters lack a back light, both have nS ranges (manual), both have real touch hold functions (not just display freeze), and both are 3200 count meters. Both are perfectly safe meters (note that the 77 Series I has no fuse on the 10A range). I do like the rotary switch better on the 27/FM; it is the most logical layout I have ever seen. OFF positions at 12 and 6. DC voltage functions on the left, AC functions on the right. To either side of the bottom OFF positions are the Diode/Continuity on the left, and the Ohms to the right.I’d love to see Joe Smith do his testing on both meters; it would be both a look into the past in terms of build quality, and allow us to see hiw stuff has progressed (or digressed) as time has gone on.Both are good meters. The 27/FM seems to be all over eBay; the military must be getting rid of a lot of them. There are many 77s available, too, but a lot are Series II, Series III, and Series IV, and they cost more than a 27/FM (Series III are true RMS). If you can live with the increased size and weight, or need a very rugged meter, look for a 27 or 27/FM. Otherwise, a 77 (Series II or later) is fine.

author: shteii01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2018, 03:16:47 am
content: 3-4 years ago on ebay 27/FM was going for 25 USD.

author: blacksheeplogic
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2018, 03:37:01 am
content: Quote from: 001 on September 08, 2018, 08:58:12 amI like to compact size of my 117, it's been a good meter. I am not prejudicial against China made, their quality can be just as good if not better than the US for the same or similar price point. If you need something more robust Series II 27/28 are nice but they are big meters which don't offer anything over the 87V.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2018, 12:38:29 pm
content: Quote from: 001 on September 18, 2018, 09:21:25 amDid you end up swapping a 115 for a 117?

author: 001
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2018, 03:52:53 pm
content: Quote from: Shock on November 29, 2018, 12:38:29 pmNoI sold out both

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 29, 2018, 08:14:59 pm
content: Quote from: shteii01 on November 27, 2018, 03:16:47 amNow, they seem to be starting at a BIN price of $55. Chalk it up to inflation.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2018, 10:19:03 pm
content: Quote from: GreyWoolfe on November 29, 2018, 08:14:59 pmIt's the EEVBlog effect.

author: paulbt
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2020, 04:36:16 pm
content: Hi,I searched this forum for "Fluke 115" and this is the only topic which is not related to a specific problem about it. I do not want to open a brand new topic just for this question of mine:Can someone please tell me what probes come in the box with Fluke 115?I'm a little confused because on fluke.com in the pictures I can see TL-75 probes (which I hate) besides a Fluke 117 with "115" label on it [ ironic] , and on TME's pictures I can see TL-71 probes (which I wish) but in product description it says "TL-75"Please see pictures below...

author: Per Hansson
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 29, 2020, 05:22:11 pm
content: It is better to ask the seller, you can never rely on such pictures being correct.Especially not on the large places like TME.

author: paulbt
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2020, 05:32:37 pm
content: Quote from: Per Hansson on November 29, 2020, 05:22:11 pmIf I ask TME Customer Service via email, they will not answer my question about details, they will only copy infos from the product description and say "thank you" at the end. It happned to me a few times and I was like...More interesting is that if I look on farnell, there is the same price, but in the description it says "Fluke 115 DMM, holster, installed 9V battery,4mm silicone test lead set& user manual". There might be a spark of hope for me if I go buy from them.On youtube I searched for unboxing videos and I found about 10 videos showing TL-71 and as many showing TL-75. That's why I asked here...maybe someone will enlighten me soon.

author: PaulAm
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2020, 07:54:19 pm
content: Quote from: GreyWoolfe on November 29, 2018, 08:14:59 pmI snagged 3 of them at a BIN price of $15 each back then just to be able to have a decent meter in my shop, lab, etc. I think that seller had a couple hundred to go through at that time.A backlight would have been nice, but I can live without it.

author: Axtman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2020, 01:48:49 am
content: Is the 27 a true RMS meter?I own both a Fluke 117 and 116. They are great meters. Don't let "China" scare you. They are Fluke quality. I use those meters more than my Fluke 87 V. I like the small form factor that fits well in a hand. My only complaint on the 117/116 meters is that they only measure up to 600 volts. I work on tube amps and sometimes need to measure more than 600 volts on the output tube plates.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2020, 02:34:15 am
content: Quote from: Axtman on November 30, 2020, 01:48:49 amThe 27/FM yes. The commercial version is not.Quote from: Axtman on November 30, 2020, 01:48:49 amWhat gets me on the 115/117 is the absence of the autohold. Otherwise, they indeed seem very nice meters.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2020, 07:43:11 am
content: Quote from: Axtman on November 30, 2020, 01:48:49 amSome of them are, some of them aren't. Look for "FM" in the number.The grey colored ones tend to be TRMS, the yellow ones don't.

author: paulbt
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2020, 08:51:18 am
content: BUMQ! (Bring Up My Question)Quote from: paulbt on November 29, 2020, 04:36:16 pmI revived this topic regarding fluke 115, but the discussion went aside about the other dmm in the topic's name (fluke 27) ...

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2020, 10:18:32 am
content: I've owned a Fluke 114 and have a Fluke 117 currently among the fleet.The leads that come with the 110 series are just standard black and red. Not Fluke TL71 premium leads, but probably TL75 equivalents.They are far superior to most Chinese leads. If you were looking for TL71 I recommend something more like the Probemaster 8000 series instead, but take note it's a different set/type of accessories though.Fluke probes accessories are in likelihood Pomona or to that spec, so the ones made in China for the 110 series are probably just locally made versions. They aren't the most flexible but they seem quite reliable and I'd trust their construction and specifications over most if not all domestic Chinese probes.I have about 3 pairs of the "probably" Chinese Fluke probe pairs, over 6 pairs of US made Fluke/Pomonas (of various ages) and 3 pairs of Fluke TL71s.

author: paulbt
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2020, 12:01:52 pm
content: Thank you for the infos! So either the content of the box is not standard for each market (Asia, US, Europe), or the probes included have been changed (downgraded) over the years.I have a small playlist on youtube with videos of unboxing/product presentations/repairs in which I saw the 115 model with TL-71 leads. The video below is just one of them and it's from april 2019 (not my channel, no intentions to promote it). On the other hand, I saw the same amount of videos showing TL-75 leads when unboxing. Also see reply #20 on first page of this topic.The more I search an answer for my question, the more confused I get...

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2020, 01:00:10 pm
content: Quote from: paulbt on November 30, 2020, 12:01:52 pmCorrect!

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2020, 04:14:02 pm
content: The leads in your photo and video are not TL71 or at least the TL71 that I have seen and own. Like I said the TL75 black/red assumed Chinese pair are actually perfectly ok. You are putting too much faith into the TL71 or anything that looks grey is in fact somehow a vastly superior product.The ones in your photo look to have a slip on banana spring over the probe tip and a slim probe cover. The TL71 and the TL75 pairs I have do not have this, they have a large plastic "clam like" probe cover like as shown on the fluke.com website.Yes it could be a regional difference but the ones in the photo and video look more like Fluke TL76 if you ask me. I'd personally choose the Fluke 117 or 116 over the Fluke 115 or 114 (the cut down versions) along with probemasters if you want a better probe.

author: paulbt
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2020, 07:41:34 am
content: Quote from: Shock on November 30, 2020, 04:14:02 pmHi !I know TL76 are full black and full red colored, just like TL75. Only TL71 seems to be grey/black grey/red like the ones from the video I've posted abov or from TME's picture.Whatever...what I want to show you now is that not all Fluke TL75s are "perfectly ok" and how they downgraded the quality over the years. (bastards!)Please expand the pictures below. The ones from 2018 came with a Fluke 77IV that I own and use at home and was originally intended for US market. The ones from 2015 came with a Fluke 115 that was bought at my workplace in 2016 from RS website so the package was for EU market. The Brymen leads are a little less than a year old, bought separately from TME.And no, I did not made any tricks like putting the leads in the freezer to be more stiff before making the photos! In that room where I did this comparison it was about 16C ambient temp.

author: alm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2020, 12:43:57 pm
content: I had a Fluke 112 (the made-in-US series of low-cost Fluke DMMs) a number of years ago. It came with leads superficially similar to TL-71 with grey handles, but with stiff PVC wire and pointy tip that fit 4mm banana jacks (non-removable). This pre-dated Fluke DMMs made in China. So I don't think this is a matter of quality going down, but just shipping different leads with different DMM classes. Grey handles do not imply TL-71. I liked the soft silicone Fluke TL-75 leads shipped with the 87-III much better than the one shipped with the 112. Pretty close to the Fluke TL-71. I use the TL-71 and TL-75 interchangeably.

author: paulbt
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2021, 07:52:08 am
content: Quote from: alm on December 04, 2020, 12:43:57 pmHi again!Yup, the TL-75 were soft-ish a few years ago, but sadly not anymore!I still think it's a matter of quality that went down (I'm talking exclusively about TL-75). I recently found an yt video of someone talking about the same things that I tried to show/explain in my post above with those pictures. No intention to promote his channel, just watch it if you want.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2021, 09:08:07 am
content: Big hint on forums, start a NEW thread rather than continually off topic posting in someone else's.Summary of that video is probemaster makes better probes, and he mentions briefly to buy some chinese meter and a whole pile of products in the notes. All with his Amazon affiliate link in them of course. So he is just another dude peddling shit on youtube.

author: paulbt
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2021, 09:32:55 am
content: Quote from: Shock on January 25, 2021, 09:08:07 amSorry, it was the only topic where Fluke 115 was discussed, so I thought it is better to ask here rather than to create a new topic and flood the forum.The other big hint on forums is : "use the search bar because this stuff was discussed many times in the past!"So...however you do it, some policeman will find you and say either "...start a new topic..." or "...use search bar..."

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2021, 11:38:15 am
content: Quote from: Shock on January 25, 2021, 09:51:57 amFrom China? You can gettwodecent sets for $20 (much better than TL75, anyway).Quote from: Shock on January 25, 2021, 09:51:57 amArguing about discussing TL75 leads in a thread titled "Fluke 27/FM vs fluke 115" seems odd at best - there's entire threads devoted to TL75s.

author: paulbt
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2021, 02:14:03 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on January 25, 2021, 11:38:15 amMy initial question was about the contents of the Fluke 115 box - which leads come by default with it? Because on youtube/fluke website/component reselling websites the infos/photos I could find were not the same everywhere. I gave some examples in my replies. I was waiting for an answer from someone who recently bought it, but I was not lucky.To be honest it's a little offtopic and I'm sorry for that, but it's not "odd at best"...