This Fluke product will be free from defects in material and workmanship for three years from the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover fuses, disposable batteries, or damage from accident, neglect, misuse, alteration, contamination, or
abnormal conditions of operation or handling. Resellers are not authorized to extend any other warranty on Fluke’s behalf.
To obtain service during the warranty period, contact your nearest Fluke authoriz ed service center to obtain return authorization information, then send the product to that Service Center with a description of the problem.
THIS WARRANTY IS YOUR ONLY REMEDY. NO OTHER WARRANTIES, SUCH AS FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, ARE EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. FLUKE IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, ARISING FROM ANY CAUSE OR THEORY. Since some states or countries
do not allow the exclusion or limitation of an implied warranty or of incidental or consequ ential damages, this limitation of
liability may not apply to you.
The Fluke 789/787B ProcessMeter (the Meter or
Product) is a handheld, battery-operated tool for
measuring electrical parameters and supplying steady or
ramping current to test process instruments. All
illustrations in this manual show the 789 model.
The 789 adds a 24 V loop power supply. It has all the
features of a digital multimeter, plus current output
capability.
If the meter is damaged or something is missing, contact
the place of purchase immediately. Contact a Fluke
distributor for information about DMM (digital multimeter)
accessories. To order replacement parts or spares, see
Table 13 near the end of 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.
International symbols used on the meter and in this
manual are explained in Table 1.
Warning
To prevent possible electrical shock, fire, or
personal injury:
•Read all safety information before you use the
Product.
• Carefully read all instructions.
• Do not alter the Product and use only as
specified, or the protection supplied by the
Product can be compromised.
•Remove the batteries if the Product is not
used for an extended period of time, or if
stored in temperatures above 50 °C. If the
batteries are not removed, battery leakage
can damage the Product.
indicator shows to prevent incorrect
measurements.
•Comply with local and national safety codes.
Use personal protective equipment (approved
rubber gloves, face protection, and flameresistant clothes) to prevent shock and arc
blast injury where hazardous live conductors
are exposed.
•Do not apply more than the rated voltage,
between the terminals or between each
terminal and earth ground.
• Do not work alone.
• Limit operation to the specified measurement
category, voltage, or amperage ratings.
•Use Product-approved measurement category
(CAT), voltage, and amperage rated
accessories (probes, test leads, and adapters)
for all measurements.
•Measure a known voltage first to make sure
that the Product operates correctly.
•Use the correct terminals, function, and range
for measurements.
•Do not touch voltages > 30 V ac rms, 42 V ac
peak, or 60 V dc.
•Do not use the Product around explosive gas,
vapor, or in damp or wet environments.
•Do not use the Product if it operates
incorrectly.
•Examine the case before you use the Product.
Look for cracks or missing plastic. Carefully
look at the insulation around the terminals.
•Do not use test leads if they are damaged.
Examine the test leads for damaged
insulation, exposed metal, or if the wear
indicator shows. Check test lead continuity.
that have the same measurement category,
voltage, and amperage ratings as the Product.
•Remove all probes, test leads, and
accessories before the battery door is
opened.
•Remove all probes, test leads, and
accessories that are not necessary for the
measurement.
•Do not exceed the Measurement Category
(CAT) rating of the lowest rated individual
component of a Product, probe, or accessory.
•Do not use test leads if they are damaged.
Examine the test leads for damaged
insulation and measure a known voltage.
•Do not use a current measurement as an
indication that a circuit is safe to touch. A
voltage measurement is necessary to know if
a circuit is hazardous.
•Do not use the Product if it is altered or
damaged.
•Do not use in CAT III or CAT IV environments
without the protective cap installed on test
probe. The protective cap decreases the
exposed probe metal to <4 mm. This
decreases the possibility of arc flash from
short circuits.
Conforms to European Union directives
Certified by CSA Group to North American safety
standards.
AC (Alternating Current)
DC (Direct Current)
Battery
Measurement Category II is applicable to test and measuring circuits connected directly to utilization points
(socket outlets and similar points) of the low-voltage MAINS installation.
Measurement Category III is applicable to test and measuring circuits connected to the distribution part of the
building’s low-voltage MAINS installation.
Measurement Category IV is applicable to test and measuring circuits connected at the source of the building’s
low-voltage MAINS installation.
This product complies with the WEEE Directive marking requirements. The affixed label indicates that you must not
discard this electrical/electronic product in domestic household waste. Product Category: With reference to the
equipment types in the WEEE Directive Annex I, this product is classed as category 9 "Monitoring and Control
Instrumentation" product. Do not dispose of this product as unsorted municipal waste.
WARNING. HAZARDOUS VOLTAGE. Risk
of electric shock.
Conforms to relevant South Korean EMC
Standards
Minimum fuse interrupt rating.
Conforms to relevant Australian Safety and
To prevent possible electrical shock, fire, or
personal injury:
•Disconnect power and discharge all high-
voltage capacitors before you measure
resistance, continuity, capacitance, or a diode
junction.
•Remove circuit power before you connect the
Product in the circuit when you measure
current. Connect the Product in series with
the circuit.
•Do not use the HOLD function to measure
unknown potentials. When HOLD is turned
on, the display does not change when a
different potential is measured.
If familiar with the Fluke 80 Series DMM, read “Using the
Current Output Functions,” review the tables and figures in
“Getting Acquainted with the Meter,” and begin using the
meter.
If unfamiliar with Fluke 80 Series DMMs, or DMMs in
general, read “Measuring Electrical Parameters” in
addition to the sections referenced in the previous
paragraph.
The sections following “Using the Current Output
Functions” contain information about the power-up options,
and battery and fuse replacement instructions.
Lights when dangerous voltage is detected
Lights when relative reading is on
Lights when the battery is low
Lights when the meter is transmitting or receiving over the IR port
Show the input or output value
Lights when AutoHold is on
Lights in diode test function
Lights when MIN MAX recording is held
MIN MAX recording status indicators:
N - MIN MAX recording is on
MAX - the display is showing the maximum-recorded value
MIN - the display is showing the minimum-recorded value
AVG - the display is showing the average value
Show the input or output units and multipliers associated with the numerals
1. Plug the test leads into the appropriate jacks.
2. Set the rotary function switch to the desired function.
3. Touch the probes to the test points.
4. View the results on the LCD display.
Input Impedance
For the voltage measurement functions, input impedance
is 10 MΩ. See "Specifications" for more information.
Ranges
A measurement range determines the highest value and
resolution at which the meter can measure. Most meter
measurement functions have more than one range (see
"Specifications").
Make sure the correct range is selected:
•If the range is too low, the display shows OL
(overload).
•If the range is too high, the meter will not be
displaying its most precise measurement.
The meter normally selects the lowest range that will
measure the applied input signal (Auto Range showing on
the display). Press R to lock the range. Each time
R is pressed, the meter selects the next higher range.
At the highest range, it returns to the lowest range.
If the range is locked, the meter resumes auto ranging
when it is changed to another measurement function or
when R is pressed and held for 1 second.
Testing Diodes
To test a single diode:
1. Insert the red test lead into the Vjack and
black test lead into the COM jack.
2. Set the rotary function switch to
3. Press J (Blue) so that the D symbol is on the
display.
4. Touch the red probe to the anode and the black
probe to the cathode (side with band or bands). The
meter should indicate the appropriate diode voltage
drop.
5. Reverse the probes. The meter displays OL,
indicating high impedance.
The diode is good if it passes the tests in steps 4
and 5.
MIN MAX recording stores the lowest and highest
measurements, and maintains the average of all
measurements.
Press M to turn on MIN MAX recording. Readings are
stored until the meter is turned off, switched to another
measurement or source function, or MIN MAX is turned
off. The beeper sounds when a new maximum or
minimum is recorded. Auto power-off is disabled and auto
ranging is turned off during MIN MAX recording.
Press M again to cycle through the MAX, MIN, and
AVG displays. Press and hold M for 1 second to erase
stored measurements and exit.
In MIN MAX recording, press H to suspend recording;
press H again to resume recording.
Using AutoHold
Note
MIN MAX recording must be off to use AutoHold.
! Warning
To avoid possible electric shock, do not use
AutoHold to determine if dangerous voltage
is present. AutoHold will not capture
unstable or noisy readings.
Activate AutoHold to freeze the meter's display on each
new stable reading (except in the frequency counter
mode). Press H to activate AutoHold. This feature
allows measurements to be taken in situations in which it
is difficult to look at the display. The meter beeps and
updates the display with each new stable reading.
Use the relative reading feature (Q on the display) to set
the present measurement as a relative zero. A common
use for this feature is to compensate for test lead
resistance when measuring ohms.
Select the Ω measure function, touch the test leads
together, and then press r. Until r is pressed
again, or the meter is switched to another measurement
or source function, the readings on the display will
subtract the lead resistance.
Using the Current Output Functions
The meter provides steady, stepped, and ramped current
output for testing 0-20 mA and 4-20 mA current loops.
Choose source mode, in which the meter supplies the
current, simulate mode, in which the meter regulates
current in an externally powered current loop, or loop
supply mode, where the meter powers an external device
and measures the loop current.
Source Mode
Source mode is selected automatically by inserting the
test leads into the SOURCE + and − jacks as shown in
Figure 1. The arrows show the conventional current flow.
Use source mode whenever it is necessary to supply
current into a passive circuit such as a current loop with
no loop supply. Source mode depletes the battery faster
than simulate mode, so use simulate mode whenever
possible.
The display looks the same in source and simulate
modes. The way to tell which mode is in use is to see
which pair of output jacks is in use.
Simulate mode is so named because the meter simulates
a current loop transmitter. Use simulate mode when an
external dc voltage of 15 to 48 V is in series with the
current loop under test.
Caution
Set the rotary function switch to one of the
mA output settings BEFORE connecting the
test leads to a current loop. Otherwise, a low
impedance from the other rotary function
switch positions could be presented to the
loop, causing up to 35 mA to flow in the loop.
Simulate mode is selected automatically by inserting the
test leads into the SIMULATE + and − jacks as shown in
Figure 2. The arrows show the conventional current flow.
Simulate mode conserves battery life, so use it instead of
source mode whenever possible.
The display looks the same in source and simulate
modes. The way to tell which mode is in use is to see
which pair of output jacks is in use.
Changing the Current Span
The meter’s current output span has two settings (with
overrange to 24 mA):
• 4 mA = 0 %, 20 mA = 100 % (factory default)
• 0 mA = 0 %, 20 mA = 100 %
To find out which span is selected, turn the rotary function
switch to OUTPUT mA [, short the OUTPUT SOURCE +
and − jacks, and observe the 0 % output level.
To toggle and save the current output span in nonvolatile
memory (retained when the power is turned off):
1. Turn off the meter.
2. Hold down R while turning the meter on.
3. Wait at least 2 seconds until the new range shows as
0-20 or 4-20 and then release R.
When the rotary function switch is in the OUTPUT mA [
position, and the OUTPUT jacks are connected to an
appropriate load, the meter produces a steady mA dc
output. The meter begins sourcing or simulating 0 %. Use
the pushbuttons to adjust the current as shown in Table 8.
Select either sourcing or simulating by choosing the
SOURCE or SIMULATE output jacks.
If the meter cannot deliver the programmed current
because the load resistance is too high or the loop supply
voltage is too low, dashes (-----) appear on the numeric
display. When the impedance between the SOURCE
jacks is low enough, the meter will resume sourcing.
Note
The STEP pushbuttons described Table 9 are
available when the meter is producing a steady
mA output. The STEP pushbuttons go to the
next multiple of 25 %.
When the rotary function switch is in the OUTPUT mA [
position, and the OUTPUT jacks are connected to an
appropriate load, the meter produces a steady mA dc
output. The meter begins sourcing or simulating 0 %. Use
the pushbuttons to step the current up and down in 25 %
increments as shown in Table 9. See Table 10 for mA
values at each 25 % step.
Select either sourcing or simulating by choosing the
SOURCE or SIMULATE output jacks.
If the meter cannot deliver the programmed current
because the load resistance is too high or the loop supply
voltage is too low, dashes (-----) appear on the numeric
display. When the impedance between the SOURCE
jacks is low enough, the meter will resume sourcing.
Note
The COARSE and FINE adjustment pushbuttons
described in Table 8 are available when
manually stepping the mA output.
Table 9. mA Stepping Pushbuttons
Pushbutton Adjustment
X
M
% STEP
% STEP
G
W
Span Check
Span Check
Value (for each span setting)
Step 4 to 20 mA 0 to 20 mA
0 % 4.000 mA 0.000 mA
25 % 8.000 mA 5.000 mA
50 % 12.000 mA 10.000 mA
75 % 16.000 mA 15.000 mA
100 % 20.000 mA 20.000 mA
120 % 24.000 mA
125 % 24.000 mA
Auto ramping gives the ability to continuously apply a
varying current stimulus from the meter to a transmitter,
while hands remain free to test the response of the
transmitter. Select either sourcing or simulating by
choosing the SOURCE or SIMULATE jacks.
When the rotary function switch is in the OUTPUT
Ymonp position, and the output jacks are
connected to an appropriate load, the meter produces a
continuously repeating 0 % - 100 % - 0 % ramp in a
choice of four ramp waveforms:
m0 % - 100 % - 0 % 40-second smooth ramp
(default)
o 0 % - 100 % - 0 % 15-second smooth ramp
n 0 % - 100 % - 0 % Stair-step ramp in 25 % steps,
pausing 15 seconds at each step. Steps listed in
Table 10.
p0 % - 100 % - 0 % Stair-step ramp in 25 % steps,
pausing 5 seconds at each step. Steps are listed in
Table 10.
The ramp times are not adjustable. Press J (Blue) to
cycle through the four waveforms.
Note
At any time during auto ramping, the ramp can
be frozen simply by moving the rotary function
switch to the mA [position. Then the COARSE, FINE, and % STEP adjust pushbuttons can be
used to make adjustments.
Power-Up Options
To select a power-up option:
1. Push and hold the pushbutton shown in Table 11.
2. Turn the rotary function switch from OFF to the
position listed in Table 11.
3. Wait 2 seconds before you release the pushbutton
after powering up the Meter.
The setting for current span, backlight, and beeper is
retained when the power is turned off. You must repeat
the other options for each operating session.
The Loop Power Supply Mode can be used for powering
up a process instrument (transmitter). While in Loop
Power Mode, the meter acts like a battery. The process
instrument regulates the current. At the same time, the
meter measures the current that the process instrument is
drawing.
The meter supplies loop power at a nominal 24 V dc. An
internal series resistance of 250 Ω can be switched in for
communication with HART and other smart devices by
pressing J (Blue). See Figure 3. Pressing J (Blue)
again switches out this internal resistance.
When loop power is enabled, the meter is configured to
measure mA and >24 V dc is sourced between the mA
and A jacks. The mA jack is the common and the A jack is
at >24 V dc. Connect the meter in series with the
instrument current loop. See Figure 4.
To avoid false readings, which could lead to
possible electric shock or personal injury,
replace the battery as soon as the battery
indicator (b) appears.
Table 12 shows typical alkaline battery life. To preserve
battery life:
•Use current simulation instead of sourcing when
possible.
• Avoid using the backlight.
• Do not disable the automatic power-off feature.
• Turn the meter off when not in use.
Table 12. Typical Alkaline Battery Life
Meter Operation Hours
Measuring any parameter 140
Simulating Current 140
Sourcing 12 mA into 500 Ω 10
Maintenance
This section provides some basic maintenance
procedures. Repair, calibration, and servicing not covered
in this manual must be performed by qualified personnel.
For maintenance procedures not described in this manual,
contact a Fluke Service Center.
Periodically wipe the case with a damp cloth and
detergent; do not use abrasives or solvents.
Warning
To prevent possible electrical shock, fire, or
personal injury:
•Do not put battery cells and battery packs
near heat or fire. Do not put in sunlight.
•Replace a blown fuse with exact replacement
only for continued protection against arc
flash.
•Do not operate the Product with covers
removed or the case open. Hazardous voltage
exposure is possible.
Calibrate the meter once a year to ensure that it performs
according to its specifications. Contact a Fluke Service
Center for instructions.
Replacing the Batteries
Warning
For safe operation and maintenance, repair
the Product before use if the battery leaks.
To replace the batteries:
1. Remove the test leads and turn the Meter OFF. See
Figure 5.
2. With a standard blade hand screwdriver, turn each
battery door screw counterclockwise so that the slot is
parallel with the screw picture molded into the case.
To avoid personal injury or damage to the
meter, use only the specified replacement
fuse, 440 mA 1000 V fast-blow, Fluke PN
943121.
Both current input jacks are fused with separate 440 mA
fuses. To determine if a fuse is blown:
1. Turn the rotary function switch to
2. Plug the black test lead into COM, and the red test
lead into the A c input.
3. Using an ohmmeter, check the resistance between
the meter test leads. If the resistance is about 1 Ω,
the fuse is good. An open reading means that fuse
F2 is blown.
4. Move red test lead to .
W.
5. Using an ohmmeter, check the resistance between
the meter test leads. If the resistance is about 14 Ω,
the fuse is good. An open means that fuse F1 is
blown.
If a fuse is blown, replace it as follows. Refer to Figure 6
as necessary:
1. Remove the test leads from the meter and turn the
meter OFF.
2. With a standard blade hand screwdriver, turn each
battery door screw counterclockwise so that the slot
is parallel with the screw picture molded into the
case.
3. Remove either fuse by gently prying one end loose,
then sliding the fuse out of its bracket.
4. Replace the blown fuse(s).
5. Replace the battery access door. Secure the door by
turning the screws one-quarter turn clockwise.
•Examine the case for physical damage. If there is
damage, make no further attempt to use the meter,
and contact a Fluke Service Center.
• Check the battery, fuses, and test leads.
• Review this manual to make sure you are using the
correct jacks and rotary function switch position.
If the meter still does not work, contact a Fluke Service
Center. If the meter is under warranty, it will be repaired
or replaced (at Fluke’s option) and returned at no charge.
See the Warranty on the back of the title page for terms. If
the warranty has lapsed, the meter will be repaired and
returned for a fixed fee. Contact a Fluke Service Center
for information and price.
Replacement Parts and Accessories
! Warning
To avoid personal injury or damage to the
meter, use only the specified replacement
fuse, 440 mA 1000 V fast-blow, Fluke
PN 943121.
Note
When servicing the meter, use only the
replacement parts specified here.
Replacement parts and some accessories are shown in
Figure 6 and listed in Table 13. Many more DMM
accessories are available from Fluke. For a catalog,
contact the nearest Fluke distributor.
To find out how to order parts or accessories use the
telephone numbers or addresses in How to Contact Fluke.
All specifications apply from +18 °C to +28 °C unless
stated otherwise.
All specifications assume a 5-minute warm-up period.
The standard specification interval is 1 year.
Note
“Counts” refers to the number of increments or
decrements of the least significant digit.
DC Volts Measurement
Range (V dc) Resolution Accuracy, ±(% of Reading + Counts)
4.000 0.001 V 0.1 % + 1
40.00 0.01 V 0.1 % + 1
400.0 0.1 V 0.1 % + 1
1000 1 V 0.1 % + 1
Input impedance: 10 MΩ (nominal), < 100 pF
Normal mode rejection ratio: > 60 dB at 50 Hz or 60 Hz
Common mode rejection ratio: > 120 dB at dc, 50 Hz, or 60 Hz
Overvoltage protection: 1000 V
Range (mV dc) Resolution Accuracy, ±(% of Reading + Counts)
400.0 0.1 mV 0.1 % + 2
AC Volts Measurement
Range (ac) Resolution
400.0 mV 0.1 mV 0.7 % + 4 1.2 % + 4 7.0 % + 4
4.000 V 0.001 V 0.7 % + 2 1.2 % + 4 7.0 % + 4
40.00 V 0.01 V 0.7 % + 2 1.2 % + 4 7.0 % + 4
400.0 V 0.1 V 0.7 % + 2 1.2 % + 4 7.0 % + 4
1000 V 1 V 0.7 % + 2 1.2 % + 4 7.0 % + 4
Specifications are valid from 5 % to 100 % of amplitude range.
AC conversion: true rms
Maximum crest factor: 3 (between 50 and 60 Hz)
For non-sinusoidal waveforms, add
Input impedance: 10 M
Common mode rejection ratio: > 60 dB at dc, 50 Hz, or 60 Hz
Note: 440 mA continuous, 1 A 30 seconds maximum
Specifications are valid from 5 % to 100 % of amplitude range.
AC conversion: true rms
Maximum crest factor: 3 (between 50 and 60 Hz)
For non-sinusoidal waveforms, add
Overload protection 440 mA, 1000 V fast-blow fuse
Resolution Accuracy, ±(% of Reading + Counts)
±
( 2 % reading + 2 % f.s.) typical
Typical Burden
Voltage
DC Current Measurement
Range Resolution Accuracy, ±(% of Reading + Counts)
30.000 mA 0.001 mA 0.05 % + 2 14 mV/mA
1.000 A (Note) 0.001 A 0.2 % + 2 1.5 V/A
Note: 440 mA continuous, 1 A 30 seconds maximum
Overload protection: 440 mA, 1000 V fast-blow fuse
Diode test indication ........................................... Displays voltage drop across device, 2.0 V full scale. Nominal test current 0.3 mA at
Continuity test indication ..................................... Continuous audible tone for test resistance <100 Ω
Open circuit voltage ............................................. 2.9 V
Short circuit current ............................................. 310 μA typical
Overload protection ............................................. 1000 V rms
Loop Power Supply Voltage ................................. 24 V, Short Circuit protected
DC Current Output
Source mode
Span .............................................................. 0 mA or 4 mA to 20 mA, with overrange to 24 mA
Accuracy........................................................ 0.05 % of span
Compliance voltage ....................................... 28 V with battery voltage >~4.5 V
Simulate Mode
Span .............................................................. 0 mA or 4 mA to 20 mA, with overrange to 24 mA
Accuracy........................................................ 0.05 % of span
Loop voltage .................................................. 24 V nominal, 48 V maximum, 15 V minimum
Compliance voltage ....................................... 21 V for 24 V supply
Burden voltage .............................................. <3 V
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) ................. Accuracy for all ProcessMeter functions is not specified in RF field >3 V/m
International ......................................................... IEC 61326-1: Portable Electromagnetic Environment; IEC 61326-2-2
CISPR 11: Group 1, Class A
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.
Caution: This equipment is not intended for use in residential environments and may
not provide adequate protection to radio reception in such environments.
Emissions that exceed the levels required by CISPR 11 can occur when the equipment
is connected to a test object.
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.