Fluke 87 TRUE RMS MULTIMETER User manual

®
87
True RMS Multimeter
Users Manual
PN 834192
August 1988 Rev.8, 4/97
© 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992,1993, 1994, 1997 Fluke Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A.
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.

Interference Information
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in strict accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio and television reception. It has been type tested
and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance with the specifications of Part
15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential
installation.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
•This device may not cause harmful interference.
•This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired opera-
tion.
There is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause in-
terference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of more of the following measures:
•Reorient the receiving antenna
•Relocate the equipment with respect to the receiver
•Move the equipment away from the receiver
•Plug the equipment into a different outlet so that the computer and receiver are on different branch circuits
If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for additional sug-
gestions. The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful:
How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems. This booklet is available from the U.S. Govern-
ment Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Stock No. 004-000-00345-4.
Fluke Coporation Fluke Europe B.V.
P.O. Box 9090 P.O. Box 1186
Everett, WA 98206-9090 5602 BD Eindhoven
U.S.A. The Netherlands

i
Table of Contents
Title Page
Introduction ....................................................................................................................1
Multimeter Safety ........................................................................................................... 2
Getting Started Quickly .................................................................................................. 3
How to Use the Meter..................................................................................................... 6
Input Terminals and Input Alert ................................................................................. 6
Pushbuttons............................................................................................................... 8
Summary of Power-On Options................................................................................. 13
Digital and Analog Displays....................................................................................... 13
Holster and Flex-Stand.............................................................................................. 17
Applications....................................................................................................................17
Measuring Voltage (AC/DC)...................................................................................... 19
Measuring Current..................................................................................................... 19
Continuity Testing...................................................................................................... 20
Measuring Resistance............................................................................................... 20
Using Conductance for High Resistance or Leakage Tests...................................... 21

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Users Manual
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Noisy Resistance Measurements.............................................................................. 22
Measuring Capacitance ............................................................................................ 22
Diode Testing............................................................................................................ 23
Using the Analog Display.......................................................................................... 24
Using the MIN MAX Recording Mode....................................................................... 24
Measuring Frequency............................................................................................... 26
Measuring Duty Cycle............................................................................................... 27
Pulse Width Measurements...................................................................................... 29
Maintenance.................................................................................................................. 29
General Maintenance................................................................................................ 29
Calibration................................................................................................................. 30
Battery Replacement ................................................................................................ 30
Fuse Test W............................................................................................................. 30
Fuse Replacement W............................................................................................... 32
Service W................................................................................................................. 32
Replaceable Parts ......................................................................................................... 33
Specifications................................................................................................................. 36

iii
List of Tables
Table Title Page
1. International Electrical Symbols.......................................................................................... 3
2 Input Terminals and Limits..................................................................................................4
3. Beeper Response in Continuity Test..................................................................................7
4. Options Available at Power-on .........................................................................................14
5. Approximate Charge Rate for Capacitors......................................................................... 23
6. Frequency Counter Operation With Current Inputs..........................................................27
7. Replaceable Parts ............................................................................................................ 34

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Users Manual
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v
List of Figures
Figure Title Page
1. Summary of Pushbutton Operation ....................................................................................9
2. Holster and Flex-Stand..................................................................................................... 18
3. Duty Cycle Measurement of Typical Logic Signal............................................................. 28
4. Battery and Fuse Replacement ........................................................................................ 31
5. Replaceable Parts ............................................................................................................ 35

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Users Manual
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1
Introduction
Note
This meter has been designed and tested
according to IEC 1010-1, Safety Requirements
for Electrical Equipment for Measurements,
Control, and Laboratory Use. This manual
contains information and warnings which must be
followed to ensure safe operation and retain the
meter in safe condition. If the meter is not used
as described in this manual, the safety features
of the meter might be impaired.
Warning
Read "Multimeter Safety" before using the
meter.
The Fluke 87 True RMS Multimeter (also referred to as
"the meter") is a handheld, 4000-count instrument that is
designed for use in the field, laboratory, and at home. The
meter combines the precision of a digital meter with the
speed and versatility of a high resolution analog display.
Frequencies between 0.5 Hz and 200 kHz can be
measured with up to 0.01 Hz resolution. The meter is
powered by a 9V battery and has a rugged case sealed
against dirt, dust, and moisture. A snap-on holster, with
flexible stand (Flex-Stand), protects the meter from
rough handling. The flexible stand allows the meter to be
stood or hung.
The meter also provides:
•A MIN MAX Recording mode, in which the meter
"remembers" the lowest and highest readings,
calculates the true average of all readings taken over
a period as long as thirty-six hours, and displays
these values. The beeper emits a Min Max Alert
when a new minimum or maximum reading is
recorded.
•A Peak MIN MAX mode that captures changes as
short as 1 millisecond.
•An alternate Frequency Counter mode that measures
duty cycle and displays it as a value between 0.1 and
99.9%.
•An Input Alertthat causes the beeper to sound if the
test leads are plugged into the wrong input terminals
for the function being performed.
•A REL mode that allows you to store a reading in
memory, and display the difference between the
stored value and subsequent readings.

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Users Manual
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•A Touch Holdmode that allows you to keep your
eyes fixed on the probes when taking measurements
in difficult or hazardous circumstances, then read the
display when it is convenient and safe.
•A display back-light that makes the meter useable in
dark areas.
•A 4 ½-digit display mode for a ten times increase in
resolution.
•A Capacitance mode that measures capacitors from
0.01 nF to 5 µF.
After unpacking the meter, if you notice that the meter is
damaged or something is missing, contact the place of
purchase immediately. Save the shipping container and
packing material in case you have to reship the meter.
Multimeter Safety
Before using the meter, read the following safety
information carefully. In this manual the word, "Warning,"
is reserved for conditions and actions that pose hazard(s)
to the user; the word, "Caution," is reserved for conditions
and actions that may damage your meter. The symbols
shown in Table 1 are used internationally to denote the
electrical functions and conditions indicated. If the meter is
not used as described in this manual, the safety features
of the meter might be impaired.
•Avoid working alone.
•Do not allow the meter to be used if it is damaged, or
it's safety is impaired.
•Inspect the test leads for damaged insulation or
exposed metal. Check test lead continuity. Damaged
leads should be replaced.
•Be sure the meter is in good operating condition.
During a continuity test, a meter reading that goes
from overload (OL) to 0 generally means the meter is
working properly.
•Select the proper function and range for your
measurement.
•In order to maintain the safety protection of this
meter, use only parts listed in the Service Manual.
Refer to Table 7 for the Service Manual part number.
•CAT III: For making measurements on equipment in
fixed installations (industrial).
Warning
To avoid electrical shock, use caution when
working above 60V dc or 30V ac rms. Such
voltages pose a shock hazard.