Fluke 175 User manual

May 2003 Rev. 3, 4/23
© 2003-2023 Fluke Corporation. All rights reserved. Specifications are subject to change without notice.
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
175, 177, 179
True-rms Multimeters
Users Manual

1
Introduction
The Fluke 175, 177, and 179 are battery-powered, True-rms
multimeters (the Product) with a 6000-count, 3 3/4-digit display
and a bar graph. This manual applies to all three models. All
figures show the 179.
Contact Fluke
Fluke Corporation operates worldwide. For local contact
information, go to our website: www.fluke.com
To register your product, view, print, or download the latest
manual or manual supplement, go to our website.
[phone]
[email protected].
Safety Information
General Safety Information in the printed Safety Information
document that ships with the Product. It can also be found online
at www.fluke.com. More specific safety information is listed in this
manual where applicable.
In this manual, a Warning identifies conditions and procedures
that are dangerous to the user. A Caution identifies conditions
and procedures that can cause damage to the Product or the
equipment under test.
Unsafe Voltage
During a voltage measurement, the Product alerts you to the
presence of a potentially hazardous voltage. When the Product
detects a voltage ≥30 V or a voltage overload (0L), the Ysymbol
shows on the display to alert you to the presence of a potentially
hazardous voltage.

175, 177, 179
Users Manual
2
Product Disposal
Dispose of the Product in a professional and environmentally
sound manner:
•Delete personal data on the Product before disposal.
•Remove batteries that are not integrated into the electrical
system before disposal and dispose of batteries separately.
•If this Product has an integral battery, put the entire Product in
the electrical waste.
Test Lead Alert
To remind you to check that the test leads are in the correct
terminals, LEAd momentarily shows on the display when you move
the rotary switch to or from the mA or Aposition.
XW Warning
Attempting to make a measurement with a test lead in an
incorrect terminal might blow a fuse, damage the
Product, and cause serious personal injury.
Terminals
Table 1 shows the terminals on the Product.
Table 1. Terminals
FUSED
V
1
2
3
4
aik01f.em
f
Item Description
AInput terminal for ac and dc milliamp measurements to
400 mA and frequency measurements.
BInput terminal for ac and dc current measurements to
10 A and frequency measurements.
C
Input terminal for voltage, continuity, resistance, diode,
capacitance, frequency, and temperature (179 only)
measurements.
DCommon (return) terminal for all measurements.

True-rms Multimeters
Product Buttons
3
Product Buttons
Table 2 identifies the basic functions of the buttons on the Product.
The buttons have other functions described later in the manual.
Table 2. Product Buttons
RANGEHOLD MINMAX
1 2 3 4 5
aik14.em
f
Item Description
A
Toggles the backlight on and off. The backlight
automatically turns off after 2 minutes (177 and 179
only).
B
In MIN MAX AVG mode, push to pause or continue
MIN MAX AVG recording.
In the Display HOLD mode, the Product holds the
reading on the display.
In the AutoHOLD mode, the Product holds the
reading on the display until it detects a new stable
reading. Then the Product beeps and displays the
new reading.
Table 2. Product Buttons (cont.)
Item Description
CActivates MIN MAX AVG mode.
D
Toggles between Auto Range and Manual Range
modes.
In Manual Range mode, increments the range. After
the highest range, the Product wraps to the lowest
range.
E
(Yellow button) Selects alternate measurement
functions on a rotary switch setting, for example, to
select dc mA, dc A, Hz, temperature (179 only),
capacitance, diode test.
Rotary Switch Positions
Table 3 identifies the switch positions on the Product.
Table 3. Rotary Switch Positions
Switch
Position Measurement Function
K
Hz
AC voltage from 30.0 mV to 1000 V.
Frequency from 2 Hz to 99.99 kHz.
L
Hz
DC voltage 1 mV to 1000 V.
Frequency from 2 Hz to 99.99 kHz.

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4
Table 3. Rotary Switch Positions (cont.)
Switch
Position Measurement Function
E
T
DC mV 0.1 mV to 600 mV.
Temperature −40 °C to +400 °C.
−40 °F to +752 °F.
R
G
Beeper turns on at <25 Ωand turns off at >250 Ω.
Diode test. Displays 0L above 2.4 V.
F
BA
Hz
AC A from 0.300 A to 10 A.
DC A from 0.001 A to 10 A.
>10.00, display flashes.
>20 A, 0L is displayed.
Frequency of ac A 2 Hz to 30 kHz.
e
E
Ohms from 0.1 Ωto 50 MΩ.
Farads from 1 nF to 9999 μF.
FB
mA
Hz
AC mA from 3.00 mA to 400 mA.
DC mA from 0.01 mA to 400 mA.
Frequency of ac mA 2 Hz to 30 kHz.
Note: AC voltage and current AC-coupled, true-rms, up to 1 kHz.
Display
Table 4 shows the items on the Product display.
Table 4. Display
8
7
7
56
4
3
2
1
13
14 15
9
11
12
10
aik02f.em
f
Item Symbol Description
AsContinuity test.
BODiode test.
CKNegative readings.
DYUnsafe voltage. Voltage ≥30 V, or
voltage overload (0L).

True-rms Multimeters
Display
5
Table 4. Display (cont.)
Item Symbol Description
E
h
Ah
Display HOLD is enabled. Display
freezes present reading.
In MIN MAX AVG mode, MIN MAX
AVG recording is interrupted.
AutoHOLD is enabled. Display holds
present reading until it detects new
stable input. Then the Product beeps
and displays the new reading.
F

MAX, MIN,
AVG
MIN MAX AVG enabled.
Maximum, minimum, average or
present reading.
G
nμF, °F, °C
mVA, Mke,
kHz
Measurement units.
HDC, AC Direct current, alternating current.
IbLow battery. Replace battery.
J610000mV All possible ranges.
KBar graph Analog display.
Table 4. Display (cont.)
Item Symbol Description
L
Auto Range
Manual Range
The Product selects the range with
the best resolution.
The user selects the range.
M±Bar graph polarity.
N0L The input out of range.
OLEAd
WTest lead alert. Displayed when
the rotary switch is moved to or
from the mA or Aposition.
Table 5 identifies error messages that can show on the display.
Table 5. Error Messages
Error Description
bAtt Replace the battery immediately.
di'C In the capacitance function, too much electrical charge
is present on the capacitor being tested.
EEPr
Err Invalid EEPROM data. Have Product serviced.
CAL
Err Invalid calibration data. Calibrate Product.
0PEn Open thermocouple is detected.

175, 177, 179
Users Manual
6
Battery Saver (Sleep Mode)
The Product enters the Sleep mode and the display goes blank if
there is no function change or button press for 20 minutes. To
disable the Sleep mode, hold down Bwhile turning the Product
on. The Sleep mode is always disabled in the MIN MAX AVG
mode and the AutoHOLD mode.
MIN MAX AVG Recording Mode
The MIN MAX AVG recording mode captures the minimum and
maximum input values and calculates a running average of all
readings. When a new high or low is detected, the Product beeps.
Note
For dc functions, accuracy is the specified accuracy of the
measurement function
± 12 counts for changes longer than
350 ms in duration.
For ac functions, accuracy is the specified accuracy of the
measurement function
± 40 counts for changes longer than
900 ms in duration.
To use MIN MAX AVG recording:
1. Set the desired measurement function and range.
(Autoranging is disabled in the MIN MAX AVG mode.)
2. Press
Mto activate MIN MAX AVG mode.
and MAX come on, and the highest reading detected
since entering MIN MAX AVG shows on the display.
3. To step through the low (MIN), average (AVG), and present
readings, press M.
4. To pause MIN MAX AVG recording without erasing stored
values, press H.
hcomes on.
5. To continue MIN MAX AVG recording, press Hagain.
hturns off.
6. To erase stored readings and exit, press Mfor 1 second or
turn the rotary switch.

True-rms Multimeters
Display HOLD and AutoHOLD Modes
7
Display HOLD and AutoHOLD Modes
XW Warning
To avoid electric shock, fire, or personal injury, do not
use the Display HOLD or AutoHOLD mode to determine
if a circuit is live. Unstable or noisy readings will not be
captured.
In the Display HOLD mode, the Product holds the reading on the
display.
In the AutoHOLD mode, the Product holds the reading on the
display until it detects a new stable reading. Then the Product
beeps and displays the new reading.
1. Press
Hto activate Display HOLD.
hcomes on.
2. Press
Hagain to activate AutoHOLD.
Ah shows on the display.
3. To continue normal operation at any time, press Hfor
1 second or turn the rotary switch.
Manual Range and Autorange
The Product has both Manual range and Autorange modes.
•In the Autorange mode, the Product selects the range with
the best resolution.
•In the Manual Range mode, override Autorange and select
the range yourself.
When you turn the Product on, it defaults to Autorange and Auto
Range shows.
1. To enter the Manual Range mode, press R.
Manual Range shows.
2. In the Manual Range mode, press Rto increment the
range. After the highest range, the Product wraps to the lowest
range.
Note
You cannot manually change the range in the MIN MAX
AVG, or Display HOLD modes.
If you press Rwhile in MIN MAX AVG, or Display HOLD,
the Product beeps twice, indicating an invalid operation,
and the range does not change.

175, 177, 179
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8
3. To exit Manual Range, press Rfor 1 second or turn the
rotary switch.
The Product returns to Autorange and Auto Range shows.
Power-Up Options
Table 6 shows the Power-Up Options. To select a Power-Up
Option, hold down the button indicated while turning the Product
from OFF to any switch position.
Power-Up Options are cancelled when the Product is turned OFF.
Table 6. Power-Up Options
Button Power-Up Options
AutoHOLD
H
Kswitch position turns on all LCD segments.
Lswitch position displays the software version
number.
Eswitch position displays the model number.
MDisables beeper. (bEEP)
R
Enables "Smoothing" mode. ('___)
Dampens display fluctuations of rapidly changing
inputs by digital filtering.
B
(Yellow button) Disables automatic power-down
(Sleep mode). (PoFF)
Sleep mode is also disabled while the Product is in
a MIN MAX AVG Recording mode, or the
AutoHOLD mode.
SDisables automatic 2-minute backlight timeout.
(LoFF) (177 and 179 Only)

True-rms Multimeters
Basic Measurements
9
Basic Measurements
The figures on the following pages show how to make basic
measurements.
XW Warning
To avoid electric shock, fire, or personal injury:
•Connect the common test lead before the live test
lead and remove the live test lead before the
common test lead.
•Disconnect power and discharge all high-voltage
capacitors before you measure resistance,
continuity, capacitance, or a diode junction.
Measure AC and DC Voltage
+__ +_
+
Volts AC Volts DC Millivolts DC
VVmV
RANGEHOLD MINMAXRANGEHOLD MINMAXRANGEHOLD MINMAX
AIK03F.emf
Measure Resistance
+_
RANGEHOLD MINMAX
AIK04F.emf
Measure Capacitance
+_
+
RANGEHOLD MINMAX
AIK05F.emf

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10
Test for Continuity
+_+_
RANGEHOLD MINMAXRANGEHOLD MI NMAX
AIK06F.emf
Measure Temperature (179 Only)
RANGEHOLD MINMAX
80BK-A Integrated
Type K DMM
Temperature Probe
Vent
or
Pipe
RANGE
AIK10F.emf
XW Warning: Do not connect 80BK-A to live circuits.
Test Diodes
AIK07F.emf

True-rms Multimeters
Basic Measurements
11
Measure AC or DC Current
XW Warning
To prevent possible electrical shock, fire, or personal
injury:
•Never attempt to make an in-circuit current
measurement when the open-circuit potential to
earth is >1000 V.
•Check the Product's fuses before testing. (See Test
the Fuses.)
•Use the proper terminals, switch position, and range
for your measurement.
•Never place the probes in parallel with a circuit or
component when the leads are plugged into the
current terminals.
To measure current:
1. Turn power OFF.
2. Break circuit.
3. Insert Product in series.
4. Turn power on.
aik08f.emf
AC Zero Input Behavior of True-rms Meters
Unlike averaging meters, which can accurately measure only pure
sinewaves, True-rms meters accurately measure distorted
waveforms. Calculating True-rms converters require a certain level
of input voltage to make a measurement. This is why ac voltage
and current ranges are specified from 5 % of range to 100 % of
range. Non-zero digits that are displayed on a True-rms meter
when the test leads are open or are shorted are normal. They do
not affect the specified ac accuracy above 5 % of range.
Unspecified input levels on the lowest ranges are:
•AC voltage: below 5 % of 600 mV ac, or 30 mV ac
•AC current: below 5 % of 60 mA ac, or 3 mA ac

175, 177, 179
Users Manual
12
Measure Frequency
XW Warning
To prevent possible electrical shock, fire, or personal
injury, disregard the bar graph for frequencies >1 kHz. If
the frequency of the measured signal is >1 kHz, the bar
graph is unspecified.
The Product measures the frequency of a signal. The trigger level
is 0 V, 0 A ac for all ranges.
AC/DC Voltage Frequency
+
RANGEHOLD MINMAX
V
aik15.emf
AC Current Frequency
RANGEHOLD MINMAX
Hzx 2
+
mA
A
aik16.emf
•In frequency, the bar graph shows the ac/dc voltage or ac
current accurately up to 1 kHz.
•Select progressively lower ranges using manual ranging for a
stable reading.
•To exit frequency, press Bor turn the rotary switch.

True-rms Multimeters
Use the Bar Graph
13
Use the Bar Graph
The bar graph is like the needle on an analog meter. It has an
overload indicator (>) to the right and a polarity indicator (±) to the
left.
Because the bar graph updates about 40 times per second, which
is 10 times faster than the digital display, the bar graph is useful
for making peak and null adjustments and for observing rapidly
changing inputs.
The bar graph is disabled when measuring capacitance or
temperature. In frequency, the bar graph accurately indicates the
voltage or current up to 1 kHz.
The number of lit segments indicates the measured value and is
relative to the full-scale value of the selected range.
In the 60 V range, for example (see below), the major divisions on
the scale represent 0 V, 15 V, 30 V, 45 V, and 60 V. An input of
−30 V lights the negative sign and the segments up to the middle
of the scale.
AIK11F.emf
Maintenance
XW Warning
To prevent possible electrical shock, fire, personal
injury, or damage to the Product:
•Repair the Product before use if the battery leaks.
•Do not operate the Product with covers removed or
the case open. Hazardous voltage exposure is
possible.
•Remove the input signals before you clean the
Product.
•Use only specified replacement parts.
•Have an approved technician repair the Product.
•Use only specified replacement fuses.
•Replace a blown fuse with exact replacement only
for continued protection against arc flash.

175, 177, 179
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14
Clean the Product
Wipe the case with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Do not use
abrasives or solvents. Dirt or moisture in the terminals can affect
readings.
Test the Fuses
Test fuses as shown below.
11 A440 mA
Ω
<.5
Ω<12 OKOK
OK
OK
RANGEHOLD MIN MA X
V
AIK12F.emf
Replace the Battery and Fuses
XW Warning
To prevent possible electrical shock, fire, personal
injury, or damage to the Product:
•Remove the test leads and any input signals before
replacing the fuse.
•Use ONLY fuses with the amperage, interrupt,
voltage, and speed ratings specified.
•Replace the battery as soon as the low battery
indicator (b) appears.
Table 7 lists the replacement battery and fuses.

True-rms Multimeters
Specifications
15
Table 7. Replacement Battery and Fuses
F2
F1
B1
aik13f2.em
f
Item Part Number
WF1 Fuse, 440 mA, 1000 V, FAST 943121
WF2 Fuse, 11 A, 1000 V, FAST 803293
B1 Battery, 9 V Alkaline
NEDA 1604 / 1604A 614487
Specifications
Accuracy is specified for 1 yr after calibration, at operating
temperatures of 18 °C to 28 °C, with relative humidity at 0 % to
90 %. Accuracy specifications take the form of: ±([% of Reading] +
[Counts])
Maximum voltage between any
terminal and earth ground.................1000 V
WFuse Protection for mA inputs.....0.44 A, 1000 V, IR 10 kA
WFuse Protection for A input..........11 A, 1000 V, IR 17 kA
Display ................................................Digital: 6000 counts, updates 4/sec
Bar Graph........................................33 segments, Updates 40x/sec
Frequency .......................................10 000 counts
Capacitance ....................................1000 counts
Altitude
Operating ........................................2000 m
Storage ...........................................12 000 m
Temperature
Operating ........................................−10 °C to +50 °C
Storage ...........................................−40 °C to +60 °C
Temperature coefficient.....................0.1 X (specified accuracy / °C,
(<18 °C or >28 °C)

175, 177, 179
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16
Relative Humidity.............................Maximum Non-condensing:
90 % to 35 °C,
75 % to 40 °C,
45 % to 50 °C
Battery Life .......................................Alkaline: 400 hrs typical
Size (H x W x L) ................................4.3 cm x 9 cm x 18.5 cm
Weight...............................................420 g
Safety
General .........................................IEC 61010-1: Pollution Degree 2
Measurement ................................IEC 61010-2-033: CAT IV 600 V,
CAT III 1000 V
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
International ..................................IEC 61326-1: Portable
Electromagnetic Environment
CISPR 11: Group 1, Class A,
IEC 61326-2-2
Group 1: Equipment has intentionally generated and/or uses
conductively-coupled radio frequency energy that is necessary for the
internal function of the equipment itself.
Class A: Equipment is suitable for use in all establishments other than
domestic and those directly connected to a low-voltage power supply
network that supplies buildings used for domestic purposes. There
may be potential difficulties in ensuring electromagnetic compatibility
in other environments due to conducted and radiated disturbances.
Emissions that exceed the levels required by CISPR 11 can occur
when the equipment is connected to a test object. The equipment may
not meet the immunity requirements of this standard when test leads
and/or test probes are connected.
Korea (KCC)..................................Class A Equipment (Industrial
Broadcasting & Communication
Equipment)
Class A: Equipment meets requirements for industrial electromagnetic
wave equipment and the seller or user should take notice of it. This
equipment is intended for use in business environments and not to be
used in homes.
USA (FCC) ....................................47 CFR 15 subpart B. This product is
considered an exempt device per
clause 15.103.

True-rms Multimeters
Electrical Specifications
17
Electrical Specifications
Function Range [1] Resolution Accuracy ±( [ % of Reading ] +[Counts ] )
175 177 179
AC Volts [2] [3]
600.0 mV
6.000 V
60.00 V
600.0 V
1000 V
0.1 mV
0.001 V
0.01 V
0.1 V
1 V
1.0 % + 3
(45 Hz to 500 Hz)
2.0 % + 3
(500 Hz to 1 kHz)
1.0 % + 3
(45 Hz to 500 Hz)
2.0 % + 3
(500 Hz to 1 kHz)
1.0 % + 3
(45 Hz to 500 Hz)
2.0 % + 3
(500 Hz to 1 kHz)
DC mV 600.0 mV 0.1 mV 0.15 % + 2 0.09 % + 2 0.09 % + 2
DC Volts
6.000 V
60.00 V
600.0 V
0.001 V
0.01 V
0.1 V
0.15 % + 2 0.09 % + 2 0.09 % + 2
1000 V 1 V 0.15 % + 2 0.15 % + 2 0.15 % + 2
Continuity 600 Ω1 ΩProduct beeps at <25 Ω, beeper turns off at >250 Ω; detects opens or shorts of
250 μs or longer.
Ohms
600.0 Ω
6.000 kΩ
60.00 kΩ
600.0 kΩ
6.000 MΩ
50.00 MΩ
0.1 Ω
0.001 kΩ
0.01 kΩ
0.1 kΩ
0.001 MΩ
0.01 MΩ
0.9 % + 2
0.9 % + 1
0.9 % + 1
0.9 % + 1
0.9 % + 1
1.5 % + 3
0.9 % + 2
0.9 % + 1
0.9 % + 1
0.9 % + 1
0.9 % + 1
1.5 % + 3
0.9 % + 2
0.9 % + 1
0.9 % + 1
0.9 % + 1
0.9 % + 1
1.5 % + 3

175, 177, 179
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18
Function Range [1] Resolution Accuracy ±( [ % of Reading ] +[Counts ] )
175 177 179
Diode test 2.400 V 0.001 V 1 % + 2
Capacitance
1000 nF
10.00 μF
100.0 μF
9999 μF[4]
1 nF
0.01 μF
0.1 μF
1 μF
1.2 % + 2
1.2 % + 2
1.2 % + 2
10 % typical
1.2 % + 2
1.2 % + 2
1.2 % + 2
10 % typical
1.2 % + 2
1.2 % + 2
1.2 % + 2
10 % typical
AC Amps [5]
(True-rms)
(45 Hz to 1 kHz)
60.00 mA
400.0 mA [6]
6.000 A
10.00 A [7]
0.01 mA
0.1 mA
0.001 A
0.01 A
1.5 % + 3 1.5 % + 3 1.5 % + 3
DC Amps [5]
60.00 mA
400.0 mA [6]
6.000 A
10.00 A [7]
0.01 mA
0.1 mA
0.001 A
0.01 A
1.0 % + 3 1.0 % + 3 1.0 % + 3
Hz
(AC- or DC- coupled,
V or A [8] [9] input )
99.99 Hz
999.9 Hz
9.999 kHz
99.99 kHz
0.01 Hz
0.1 Hz
0.001 kHz
0.01 kHz
0.1 % + 1 0.1 % + 1 0.1 % + 1

True-rms Multimeters
Electrical Specifications
19
Function Range [1] Resolution Accuracy ±( [ % of Reading ] +[Counts ] )
175 177 179
Temperature [10] -40 °C to +400 °C
-40 °F to +752 °F
0.1 °C
0.1 °F NA NA
1 % + 10 [11]
1 % + 18 [10]
MIN MAX AVG
For dc functions, accuracy is the specified accuracy of the measurement function ±12 counts for changes longer than 350 ms in
duration.
For ac functions, accuracy is the specified accuracy of the measurement function ±40 counts for changes longer than 900 ms in
duration.
[1] All ac voltage and ac current ranges are specified from 5 % of range to 100 % of range.
[2] Crest factor of ≤3 at full scale up to 500 V, decreasing linearly to crest factor ≤1.5 at 1000 V.
[3] For non-sinusoidal waveforms, add -(2 % reading + 2 % full scale) typical, for crest factors up to 3.
[4] In the 9999 μF range for measurements to 1000 μF, the measurement accuracy is 1.2 % + 2 for all models.
[5] Amps input burden voltage (typical): 400 mA input 2 mV/mA, 10 A input 37 mV/A.
[6] 400.0 mA accuracy specified up to 600 mA overload.
[7] >10 A unspecified.
[8] Frequency is specified from 2 Hz to 99.99 kHz in Volts and from 2 Hz to 30 kHz in Amps.
[9] Below 2 Hz, the display shows zero Hz.
[10] In RF field of 3 V/m specified accuracy ±5 °C (9 °F).
[11] Does not include error of the thermocouple probe.