Fluke 287 User manual

®
PN 2748860
June 2007
© 2007 Fluke Corporation, All rights reserved. Printed in USA
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
287/289
True-rms Digital Multimeters
Getting Started

Lifetime Limited Warranty
Each Fluke 20, 70, 80, 170, 180 and 280 Series DMM will be free from defects in material and workmanship for its lifetime. As
used herein, “lifetime” is defined as seven years after Fluke discontinues manufacturing the product, but the warranty period
shall be at least ten years from the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover fuses, disposable batteries, damage from
neglect, misuse, contamination, alteration, accident or abnormal conditions of operation or handling, including failures caused
by use outside of the product’s specifications, or normal wear and tear of mechanical components. This warranty covers the
original purchaser only and is not transferable.
For ten years from the date of purchase, this warranty also covers the LCD. Thereafter, for the lifetime of the DMM, Fluke will
replace the LCD for a fee based on then current component acquisition costs.
To establish original ownership and prove date of purchase, please complete and return the registration card accompanying
the product, or register your product on http://www.fluke.com. Fluke will, at its option, repair at no charge, replace or refund
the purchase price of a defective product purchased through a Fluke authorized sales outlet and at the applicable international
price. Fluke reserves the right to charge for importation costs of repair/replacement parts if the product purchased in one
country is sent for repair elsewhere.
If the product is defective, contact your nearest Fluke authorized service center to obtain return authorization information, then
send the product to that service center, with a description of the difficulty, postage and insurance prepaid (FOB Destination).
Fluke assumes no risk for damage in transit. Fluke will pay return transportation for product repaired or replaced in-warranty.
Before making any non-warranty repair, Fluke will estimate cost and obtain authorization, then invoice you for repair and re-
turn transportation.
THIS WARRANTY IS YOUR ONLY REMEDY. NO OTHER WARRANTIES, SUCH AS FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE,
ARE EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. FLUKE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSE-
QUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, INCLUDING LOSS OF DATA, ARISING FROM ANY CAUSE OR THEORY. AUTHORIZED RE-
SELLERS ARE NOT AUTHORIZED TO EXTEND ANY DIFFERENT WARRANTY ON FLUKE’S BEHALF. Since some states do not
allow the exclusion or limitation of an implied warranty or of incidental or consequential damages, this limitation of liability
may not apply to you. If any provision of this warranty is held invalid or unenforceable by a court or other decision-maker of
competent jurisdiction, such holding will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision.

i
Table of Contents
Title Page
Introduction .................................................................................................................... 1
Contacting Fluke ............................................................................................................ 1
Safety Information.......................................................................................................... 1
Symbols ......................................................................................................................... 3
Turning the Meter On..................................................................................................... 4
Setting the Meter’s Language ........................................................................................ 4
Features......................................................................................................................... 5
Understanding the Push Buttons............................................................................... 5
Understanding the Display ........................................................................................ 6
Using the Input Terminals.......................................................................................... 9
Battery Level Indicator............................................................................................... 10
Input Alert™ Feature................................................................................................. 10
Maintenance................................................................................................................... 10
General Maintenance................................................................................................ 10
Testing the Fuses...................................................................................................... 10
Replacing the Fuses.................................................................................................. 11
Replacing the Batteries ............................................................................................. 11

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Getting Started
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In Case of Difficulty........................................................................................................ 11

iii
List of Tables
Table Title Page
1. Symbols................................................................................................................................. 3
2. Push Buttons......................................................................................................................... 5
3. Display Features ................................................................................................................... 6
4. Rotary Switch Positions......................................................................................................... 8
5. Input Terminals...................................................................................................................... 9
6. Battery Level Indicator........................................................................................................... 10

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Getting Started
iv
List of Figures
Figure Title Page
1. Push Buttons......................................................................................................................... 5
2. Display Features................................................................................................................... 6
3. Rotary Switch........................................................................................................................ 8
4. Input Terminals..................................................................................................................... 9

1
Introduction
XWWarning
Read “Safety Information” before using this Meter
Except where noted, the descriptions and instructions in this manual
apply to both the Fluke 287 and 289 True-rms Digital Multimeters
(hereafter referred to as “the Meter”). Model 289 appears in all
illustrations.
This manual covers information for turning on the Meter, understanding
its controls, and basic maintenance. For complete operational
instructions, refer to the 287/289 Users Manual contained on the
accompanying CD.
Contacting Fluke
To contact Fluke, call one of the following telephone numbers:
USA: 1-888-993-5853
Canada : 1-800-363-5853
Europe : [phone]
Japan: [phone]
Singapore : [phone]
Anywhere in the world: [phone]
Visit Fluke's web site at: www.fluke.com
Register your Meter at: register.fluke.com
Safety Information
The Meter complies with:
•ANSI/ISA 82.02.01 (61010-1) 2004
•UL 61010B (2003)
•CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1-04
•IEC/EN 61010-1 2nd Edition Pollution Degree 2
•EMC EN 61326-1
•Measurement Category III, 1000V, Pollution Degree 2
•Measurement Category IV, 600 V, Pollution Degree 2
In this manual, a Warning identifies hazardous conditions and actions
that could cause bodily harm or death. A Caution identifies conditions
and actions that could damage the Meter, the equipment under test, or
cause permanent loss of data.
Symbols used on the Meter and in this manual are explained in Table 1.
XWWarning
To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury, follow
these guidelines:
•Use this Meter only as specified in this manual or the
protection provided by the Meter might be impaired.
•Do not use the Meter if it is damaged. Before you use
the Meter, inspect the case. Look for cracks or
missing plastic. Pay particular attention to the
insulation surrounding the connectors.
•Make sure the battery door is closed and latched
before operating the Meter.

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Getting Started
2
•Remove test leads from the Meter before opening the
battery door.
•Inspect the test leads for damaged insulation or
exposed metal. Check the test leads for continuity.
Replace damaged test leads before you use the Meter.
•Do not apply more than the rated voltage, as marked
on the Meter, between the terminals or between any
terminal and earth ground.
•Never operate the Meter with the cover removed or the
case open.
•Use caution when working with voltages above 30 V ac
rms, 42 V ac peak, or 60 V dc. These voltages pose a
shock hazard.
•Use only the replacement fuses specified by the
manual.
•Use the proper terminals, function, and range for
measurements.
•Avoid working alone.
•When measuring current, turn off circuit power before
connecting the Meter in the circuit. Remember to
place the Meter in series with the circuit.
•When making electrical connections, connect the
common test lead before connecting the live test lead;
when disconnecting, disconnect the live test lead
before disconnecting the common test lead.
•Do not use the Meter if it operates abnormally.
Protection may be impaired. When in doubt, have the
Meter serviced.
•Do not operate the Meter around explosive gas, vapor,
or dust.
•Use only 1.5 V AA batteries, properly installed in the
Meter case, to power the Meter.
•When servicing the Meter, use only specified
replacement parts.
•When using probes, keep fingers behind the finger
guards on the probes.
•Do not use the Low Pass Filter option to verify the
presence of hazardous voltages. Voltages greater than
what is indicated may be present. First, make a
voltage measurement without the filter to detect the
possible presence of hazardous voltage. Then select
the filter function.
•Only use test leads that have the same voltage,
category, and amperage ratings as the meter and that
have been approved by a safety agency.
•Use proper protective equipment, as required by local
or national authorities when working in hazardous
areas.
•Comply with local and national safety requirements
when working in hazardous locations.

True-rms Digital Multimeters
Symbols
3
Symbols
Table 1 lists and describes the symbols appearing on the Meter and in this manual.
Table 1. Symbols
Symbol Description Symbol Description
BAC (Alternating Current or Voltage) IFuse
FDC (Direct Current or Voltage) TDouble Insulated
XHazardous voltage WImportant Information; refer to manual
EBattery (Low battery when shown on the display) JEarth ground
RContinuity test or continuity beeper tone $Conforms to relevant Canadian and US standards
PConforms to European Union directives ;
N10140 Conforms to relevant Australian standards
tUnderwriters Laboratory listed product. sInspected and licensed by TÜV Product Services
CAT III
IEC Measurement Category III – CAT III equipment is
designed to protect against transients in equipment
in fixed equipment installations, such as distribution
panels, feeders and short branch circuits, and
lighting systems in large buildings.
CAT IV
IEC Measurement Category IV – CAT IV equipment is
designed to protect against transients from the
primary supply level, such as an electricity meter or an
overhead or underground utility service.
~Do not dispose of this product as unsorted municipal waste. Go to Fluke’s website for recycling information.

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WCaution
To avoid possible damage to the Meter or the equipment
under test, follow these guidelines:
•Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high
voltage capacitors before testing resistance,
continuity, diodes, or capacitance.
•Use the proper terminals, function, and range for all
measurements.
•Do not remove batteries while the Meter is turned on
or a signal is applied to the Meter’s input jacks.
•Before measuring current, check the Meter's fuses.
(See "Testing the Fuses" in the Users Manual on the
accompanying CD.)
•Do not use the LoZ mode to measure voltages in
circuits that could be damaged by this mode’s low
impedance (≈3 kΩ). (model 289 only)
Turning the Meter On
With the Meter off, press Oto turn on the Meter. Pressing Owhile the
Meter is on, causes it to turn off.
Setting the Meter’s Language
The Meter comes from the factory with the display language set to
English. To select another language, open the setup menu by pressing
the softkey labeled Setup. Move the menu selector next to the menu item
labeled Display. Next, press the softkey labeled Format (F2) to open the
format menu. If not already selected, move the menu selector to the left
of the menu item labeled Language and press the softkey labeled Edit.
The currently selected language becomes highlighted and fappears to
the right of the language. Use 7and 8to scroll through the available
languages, then press the softkey labeled OK to set the Meter’s display
language. Press the softkey labeled Close to return to normal Meter
operation.

True-rms Digital Multimeters
Features
5
Features
Tables 2 through 5, and the following sections briefly describe the
Meter’s features.
Understanding the Push Buttons
The 14 pushbuttons on the front of the Meter activate features that
augment the function selected using the rotary switch, navigate menus
or control power to Meter circuits. The buttons shown in Figure 1 are
described in Table 2.
est02.emf
Figure 1. Push Buttons
Table 2. Push Buttons
Button Function
OTurns the Meter on or off.
12
34 Selects sub-functions and modes related to the
function selected by the rotary switch.
Cursor buttons select an item in a menu,
adjust display contrast, scroll through
information, and perform data entry.
HFreezes the present reading in the display and
allows the display to be saved. Also accesses
AutoHold.
RSwitches the Meter range mode to manual and
then cycles through all ranges. To return to
autoranging, press the button for 1 second.
MStarts and stops MIN MAX recording.
IDisplays information about the present
function or items on the display at the moment
the info button is pressed.
GSwitches the display backlight between off,
low, and high.

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Getting Started
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Understanding the Display
Display features shown in Figure 2 are described in Table 3. Major
display features are described in the 287/289 Users Manual contained on
the accompanying CD.
1
3
4
5
6
10
9
87 11 12
13
14
15
2
AutoHOLD
mVAC
Crest Factor
Hz60.000
Save Setup
Auto Range
5 mVDC
500 VAC0
8:10pm 06/13/07
123.45 VAC
100 200 300 400
AutoSAVEHOLDREL
123.45
16
est01.eps
Figure 2. Display Features
Table 3. Display Features
Item Function Indication
ASoftkey labels Indicates the function of the button just
below the displayed label.
BBar graph Analog display of the input signal (See
the “Bar Graph” section below for more
information).
CRelative Indicates the displayed value is relative
to a reference value.
DMinus sign Indicates a negative reading.
ELightning bolt Indicates hazardous voltage present at
the Meter’s input.
FRemote
communication
Indicates activity over the
communication link.
GBattery level Indicates the charge level of the six AA
batteries.
HTime Indicates the time set in the internal
clock.
IMode annunciators Indicates the Meter’s mode.

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Features
7
Table 3. Display Features (cont.)
Item Function Indication
JMini-
measurement
Displays the lightning bolt (when necessary)
and the input value when the primary and
secondary displays are covered by a menu or
pop-up message.
KDate Indicates the date set in the internal clock.
LBeeper Indicates the Meter’s beeper is enabled (not
associated with the continuity beeper).
MUnits Indicates the units of measure.
NAuxiliary Units Indicates unitless measurements like Crest
Factor.
ORange indicator Indicates the range the Meter is in and the
ranging mode (auto or manual).
PSecondary
display
Displays secondary measurement
information about the input signal.
Bar Graph
The analog bar graph functions like the needle on an analog meter, but
without the overshoot. The bar graph updates 30 times per second.
Because the graph updates faster than the digital display, it is useful for
making peak and null adjustments and observing rapidly changing
inputs. For frequency, duty cycle, pulse width, dBm, and crest factor
functions, the bar graph represents the amplitude of the input signal
(volts or amps) and not the value in the primary display. The bar graph is
not shown for capacitance, temperature, LoZ, AC+DC, AC over DC, peak,
or min max functions.
For dc voltage, dc current, and all relative percent modes, a zero-
centered bar graph is displayed. For dc voltage and current, the bar
graph range is the maximum of the selected range. For relative percent
mode, the bar graph goes to ±10 %.
The number of lit segments indicates the measured value and is relative
to the full-scale value of the selected range. In the 50 Vac range, for
example, the major divisions on the scale represent 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25,
30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 Vac. An input of 25 Vac turns on segments up to
the middle of the scale.
For off-scale values, fappears to the right of the normal bar graph. For
the zero-center bar graph, a eappears at the left end of the bar graph
for negative off-scale values and fappears on the right end for positive
off-scale values.
Adjusting Display Contrast
When not selecting items on a menu or inputting data, 7increases
display contrast and 8decreases it.

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Getting Started
8
Understanding the Rotary Switch
Select a primary measurement function by positioning the rotary switch
to one of the icons around its perimeter. The model 289 offers two
additional functions: low ohms (Y)and low impedance (LoZ) ac
volts. Each position shown in Figure 3 is described in Table 4.
est03.emf
Figure 3. Rotary Switch
Table 4. Rotary Switch Positions
Switch
Position Function
LAC voltage measurement using a low input
impedance (model 289 only)
VAC voltage measurements
TAC millivolt measurements
UDC and ac+dc voltage measurements
NDC millivolts, ac+dc millivolt, and temperature
measurements
SResistance, continuity, and conductance
measurements
PDiode test and capacitance measurements
AAC and dc amps and milliamps measurements
XAC and dc microampere measurements
YResistance measurements with 50erange
(model 289 only)

True-rms Digital Multimeters
Features
9
Using the Input Terminals
All functions except current use the Wand COM input terminals.
The two current input terminals (A and mA/μA) are used as follows:
Current from 0 to 400 mA, use the mand COM terminals.
Current between 0 and 10 A use the Aand COM terminals.
est04.emf
Figure 4. Input Terminals
Table 5. Input Terminals
Terminal Description
A
Input for 0 A to 10.00 A current (20 A for 30
seconds on, 10 minutes off), frequency, and duty-
cycle measurements.
mInput for 0 A to 400 mA current measurements,
frequency, and duty cycle.
COM Return terminal for all measurements.
Input for voltage, continuity, resistance, diode
test, conductance, capacitance, frequency,
temperature, period, and duty-cycle
measurements.

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Battery Level Indicator
The battery level indicator is in the upper left-hand corner of the display.
Table 6 describes the various battery levels the indicator represents.
Table 6. Battery Level Indicator
Indication Battery Capacity
BFull capacity
C¾ capacity
D½ capacity
E¼ capacity
F[1] Almost empty (less than one day)
[1] When critically low, a “Replace batteries” pop-up message appears
15 seconds before the Meter shuts down.
The Meter will display a “Batteries low” message whenever the battery
level will not support a selected function.
Input Alert™ Feature
If a test lead is plugged into the mor Aterminal, but the rotary switch is
not set to the correct current position, the Meter makes a chirping sound
and displays “Leads connected incorrectly”.
WCaution
To avoid circuit damage and possibly blowing the Meter’s
current fuse, do not place the probes across (in parallel
with) a powered circuit when a lead is plugged into a
current terminal. This causes a short circuit because the
resistance through the Meter's current terminals is very
low.
Maintenance
XWWarning
To avoid electrical shock or personal injury, repairs or
servicing not covered in this manual should be performed
only by qualified personnel as described in the
287/289 Service Information.
General Maintenance
For general maintenance refer to the 287/289 Users Manual on the
accompanying CD.
Testing the Fuses
With the Meter in the Sfunction, insert a test lead into the W
jack and place the probe tip on the other end of the test lead against the
metal of the current input jack. Disregard the “Leads Connected
Incorrectly” message, if it should appear. The resistance value should be
between 0.00 and 0.50 Ωfor the A jack and 10.00 ±0.05 kΩfor the m
jack.

True-rms Digital Multimeters
In Case of Difficulty
11
XWWarning
To avoid electrical shock or personal injury, remove the
test leads and any input signals before replacing the
battery or fuses. To prevent damage or injury, install only
Fluke specified replacement fuses with the amperage,
voltage, and speed ratings shown in the parts list at the
back of this manual.
Replacing the Fuses
To replace the Meter's fuses:
1. Turn the Meter off and remove the test leads from the terminals.
2. Remove the battery door assembly by using a standard-blade
screwdriver to turn the battery door screw one-half turn
counterclockwise.
3. Remove the fuse by gently prying one end loose, then sliding the
fuse out of its bracket.
4. Install only Fluke specified replacement fuses with the amperage,
voltage, and interuppt ratings shown in the parts list at the back of
this manual.
5. Reinstall the battery door assembly and secure it by turning the
screw one-half turn clockwise.
Replacing the Batteries
To replace the batteries:
1. Turn the Meter off and remove the test leads from the terminals.
2. Remove the battery door assembly by using a standard-blade
screwdriver to turn the battery door screw one-half turn
counterclockwise.
3. Replace the batteries with 1.5 volt AA batteries (NEDA 15A IEC
LR6). Observe proper polarity.
4. Reinstall the battery door assembly and secure it by turning the
screw one-half turn clockwise.
In Case of Difficulty
If the Meter does not seem to work properly:
1. Check that all batteries are installed with the correct polarity.
2. Examine the case for damage. If damage is detected, contact Fluke.
See the “Contacting Fluke” section earlier in this manual.
3. Check and replace (as needed) the batteries, fuses, and test leads.
4. Review the Users manual on the accompanying CD to verify correct
operation.
5. If the Meter still does not work, pack it securely and forward it,
postage paid, to the location provided by the appropriate Fluke
contact. Include a description of the problem. Fluke assumes no
responsibility for damage in transit.
A Meter under warranty will be repaired or replaced (at Fluke’s option)
and returned at no charge. See the registration card for warranty terms.

287/289
Getting Started
12

®
PN 2748860
June 2007
© 2007 Fluke Corporation, All rights reserved. Printed in USA
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
287/289
True-rms Digital Multimeters
Parts and Specifications