Fluke meters, although somewhat expensive are still thought of as an excellent buy. If you have already owned a Fluke and you need the meter only (you don’t need the extras like the combo pack), you can save even more by getting only the meter. This is a great multimeter for a first time buyer. But for a first timer, I would recommend one of the combo packs from $240 - $270.

Most owners of the Fluke 179 meter would agree it performs flawlessly. But there are sometimes minor complaints about Fluke such as why is there the ability to measure Hz in the DC voltage position? Also it would be nice if Fluke included a case and a hanging strap with the meter.

The Fluke 179 is a well made, durable multimeter/tester that should last for many years. It is super accurate. The meter readings from the 179 can be trusted. The ability to measure temperature is a great feature but it takes a while (5 minutes) to stabilize. The capability to measure up to 100kHz is handy and quite useful. I use this feature a lot with laptops to see if the CCFL backlight inverter is working. I don't even have to make electrical contact because the leads of the 179 act as an antenna and pick up on the EMI field if the inverter is working. The continuity test function is very quick and of course useful. It will sense opens/shorts that are 250 us or longer. The capacitance test function is another feature that makes working with this digital multimeter even more efficient.

As Fluke Corp. themselves say, the 170 Series are the new benchmarks for general purpose multimeters. They set the standard with a combination of precision, features, ease-of-use, safety and reliability. I agree. You can get them on amazon.

The Fluke T5s OpenJaw allows you check current up to 100A - without breaking the circuit. The unit’s durable and strong test leads can be stored neatly in the back of the tester, making it easy to tuck into a toolbox. Detachable SlimReach™ test probes are customized for national electrical standards. The test leads accept optional accessories such as clips and specialty probes. There are also accessories like the H5 holster which allows you to clip the T5 onto your belt. The T5 comes in 600V and 1000V models.

The T5 is a highly regarded electrical tester. Many electricians use the T5 daily. The T5 tester is also regarded a very simple to use and almost idiot proof. It is accurate, has good battery life, and most important, it is durable. It is also very ergonomic and sturdy. All the controls work well with gloves on, and there are few settings to deal with which simplifies things.

Fluke products are known to withstand rough usage for many years. They are known as a “workhorse” of a multimeter. You can test everything from 6v DC to 460v 3-phase with no problem. It always gives a quick reading. This is a unit you can shove in your pocket and not get the leads all tangled. One of its best features is that you can lock one of the probes into the back of the meter and use the whole thing as a kind of big probe. Another feature praised is the ability to put a ground clip on the negative lead, tie it off to the neutral or ground bus, insert the positive lead into the T5's holder so you don’t have to hold the lead - and then probe inside workspaces as needed.

Taking current measurements with Fluke’s T5 is easy. You just poke the forked opening over the conductor to test, press hold and retract the assembly - the current in the wire will then be displayed. This feature innovation is much easier to use than the old "clamp on" meters. The voltage setting automatically determines AC or DC for you and indicates it in the display. This way you when you work at home it shows AC and if you work on your car, you get DC. Again, Fluke simplifies things for you.

There are few complaints one can have about this tester but some areas of improvement have been noted such as adding a light to the LCD panel. Also the ohmmeter shows an open (infinite resistance) after 1K. There have been complaints about the plastic clip that holds one of the leads breaking. Also the T5 does not measure DC current.

With its simple controls, solid construction, and smart design the Fluke T5-600 and T-1000 Electrical Testers are a worthy purchase for professional and DIY electricians.

Features of the Fluke 233 Digital Multimeter
# Low Power Wireless Technology Allows the Display to Be Carried Up to 10 Meters (33 Ft.) Away from the Point of Measurement for Added Flexibility. No Interference with Measurements
# The Removable Magnetic Display Can Be Conveniently Mounted Where It Is Easily Seen
# Use as a Conventional Multimeter When the Display is Connected
# Make Measurements without Holding the Meter to Improve Visual Focus on Probes and Augment Safe Electrical Measurements
# Radio Transmitter Automatically Turns Off When the Display Is Connected to the Meter
# Battery Life Approximately 400 Hours
# Auto Power Off Maximizes Battery Life
# Min/Max and Average Recording to Capture Variations Automatically
# Easy to Read Display with Large Digits and Bright Backlight
# Test Continuity and Diodes

Digital multimeters have a varied and important usage for everyone from professional electricians to home handymen. Fluke is the premiere company manufacturing digital test equipment today. Regardless of the brand of multimeter/ammeter you choose, you need to be familiar with the parts and purpose of each part. Work with your diagnostic tools a bit before you are out in the field and get to know them. Whether you’re putting in a new electrical panel at LAX or installing a dog kennel in Los Angeles, you need to know your gear.

Perhaps the most popular segment of the Fluke product line is their line of electrical test tools. Commercial electricians can enjoy offerings including the VoltAlert, a pocket-sized device that when touched to an outlet, supply cord, etc. will signal if voltage is present. Another popular selection is Fluke 353/355 clamp-on amp meter. This high-precision device is able to easily secure large conductors and can measure up to 2000 amps. The 355 specification includes test leads, test probes, and alligator clips.

The T+ series of electrical testers is perfect for the safety-conscious professional electrician. The T+ series can check voltage with light, sound and vibration; in addition, the unit has a built-in flashlight for checking hard-to-reach cables. What makes this device stand apart is the solid-state design: most testers use a dangerous solenoid platform.

Need to measure phase rotation? The Fluke 9040 Phase Rotation Indicator is sure to get the job done. This tool is useful in areas where phase supplies are used, including drives and motors. The unit is quick and easy-to-read thanks to its clear LCD display. The frequency and voltage range make this device perfectly suited to industrial applications (maximum 700 V).

Looking for an insulation resistance tester? The Fluke 1507/1503 Insulation Resistance Testers are reliable devices that can endure the everyday beating. Rugged and compact, the Fluke 1507/1503 is ideal for a wide range of situations. Included in the package is a remote probe, along with a set of test leads and test probes. A comfortable holster is also thrown in for instant access on the job site.

Lastly, the insulation multimeter is a perfect solution to the budget-conscious electrician. Instead of paying for two devices, the Fluke 1587/1577 Insulation Multimeters combine a RMS digital multimeter with a digital insulation tester. The 1587 model is unique in that it comes packaged with a K-type thermocouple.

All in all, Fluke is a leader in the field of electronic testing and measurement equipment. Their wide array of products benefits and enhances the capabilities of both the amateur and professional electrician.

Fluke was founded by John Fluke at a time when the electronics measuring and test industry was still young. However, while it was young, John quickly seized upon the transistor (developed by Bell Labs in 1947). The transistor enabled Fluke to build equipment that was not only smaller and more reliable, but accurate to one-millionth of a unit. When solid-state electronics garnered widened interest in the 1950s and 1960s, Fluke followed the trend to a significant boost in both profits and revenue.

This growth trend continued into the 1970s, but the 1980s saw significant changes. Basically, Fluke’s customer base was starting to change from the laboratory-based engineer to the field technician. In addition, product applications were starting to change as computers, fax machines, and car electronic control units began to enter the marketplace. In addition to this wave of change, foreign competitors were trying to claim a share of Fluke’s market.

Even though Fluke was able to maintain sales growth in the 1980s, it did so through a dilapidated line of 150 products. The only way these products were able to stay afloat was through a slow steady stream of small changes. However, this downward spiral was stopped with the introduction of new management. The original John Fluke passed away in 1984 after having passed the company on to his son, John Fluke, Jr., the previous year. With this change, Fluke proceeded to introduce a pocket-sized multimeter, among other products.

This growth provided by Fluke’s son was promising in the short term, but it was not to last. Overly concerned with the company’s financial firm, Fluke, Jr. soon lost interest and Bill Parzybok was brought in to fix the ailing company. Parzybok was a Hewlett-Packard veteran and quickly proved his ability by trimming the fat, acquiring the measuring and testing device division of Philips, and releasing the ScopeMeter, one of Fluke’s biggest sellers.

Today, Fluke continues to reign as one of the leaders in the field of electronic testing and measuring equipment. With a bright outlook and consistent income increases, one thing is certain: continued innovation from the masters at Fluke.