Fluke 87 User Manual

4.5 (2)

®

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 operation.

There is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference 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 suggestions. 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. Government 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

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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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

ii

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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iv

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

v

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Users Manual

vi

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-Standä), 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 Alertä 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 Alertä 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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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.

2

Getting Started Quickly

Table 1. International Electrical Symbols

B

AC-Alternating

W

See Explanation in

 

Current

Manual

 

 

 

 

F

DC-Direct

T

Double insulation

 

Current

(Protection Class II

 

 

 

 

C

Either DC or AC

I

Fuse

 

 

 

 

JGround

Disconnect the live test lead before disconnecting the common test lead.

Follow all safety procedures for equipment being tested. Disconnect the input power and discharge all

high-voltage capacitors through a protective impedance before testing in the Ω and L functions.

When making a current measurement, turn the power off before connecting the meter in the circuit.

Check meter fuses before measuring current transformer secondary or motor winding current. (See "Fuse Test" in the "Maintenance" Section.) An open fuse may allow high voltage build-up, which is potentially hazardous.

Getting Started Quickly

Examine the meter carefully, familiarizing yourself with the layout of the input terminals, rotary switch, pushbuttons and display. Notice the Warning information and summary of power-on options engraved into the rear panel.

If you have used a multimeter before, simply examining your meter will probably give you a good idea how to use it. The following procedure is an overview of how to take basic measurements.

Warning

To avoid electrical shock or damage to the meter, do not apply more than 1000V between any terminal and earth ground.

1.Insert the test leads in the appropriate input terminals (see Table 2). If the test leads are in the wrong input terminals when the meter is turned on and the beeper has not been disabled, the beeper will emit a warning. See "Input Terminals and Input Alert", below.

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Users Manual

 

 

Table 2. Input Terminals and Limits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Function

Input Terminals

MIN Display

MAX Display

Maximum Input

 

 

 

Red Lead

Black Lead

Reading †

Reading

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

K

z

COM

0.01 mV

1000V

1000V

 

 

 

 

 

 

L

z

COM

0.0001V

1000V

1000V

 

 

 

 

 

 

l

z

COM

0.01 mV

400.0 mV

1000V

 

 

 

 

 

 

e

z

COM

0.01Ω

40.00 MΩ

1000V

nS

z

COM

0.001 nS

40.00 nS

1000V

E

z

COM

0.01 nF

5.00 μF

1000V

 

 

 

 

 

 

G

z

COM

0.0001V

3.000V

1000V

 

 

 

 

 

 

A C

A

COM

0.1 mA

20.00A*

11A 1000V Fast Fuse**

 

 

 

 

 

 

mA F

mA/μA

COM

0.001 mA

400.0 mA

44/100A 1000V Fast Fuse**

μA B

mA/μA

COM

0.01 μA

4000 μA

 

*10A continuous, 20A for 30 seconds maximum.

**Fuse protected.

See the 4½ digit display mode on page 8.

4

Getting Started Quickly

2.To turn the meter on and select a function, turn the rotary switch from OFF to the appropriate switch position. All segments on the liquid-crystal display (LCD) will turn on for one second, then the meter is ready for normal operation. If you would like to freeze the display with all segments on, press and hold down any button, while turning the meter on. As long as the button is held down, all LCD segments will remain on.

3.To select an additional operation, press the appropriate pushbuttons above the rotary switch as described in the items below. (See also, Figure 1.)

To operate the MIN MAX and RANGE buttons: press to select, press again to scroll or increment, and press and hold for two seconds to exit.

To operate the Hz button: press to select the frequency mode, press again to select duty cycle, and press again to exit.

To operate the back-lit display, press the YELLOW button. The back-light automatically turns off in 68 seconds to conserve battery life.

To operate the remaining buttons: press to select and press again to exit.

Note

The response of the display and the pushbuttons slows down in the capacitance mode.

An annunciator is displayed when a mode has been selected. A quick way to reset all the pushbuttons to their default state is to turn the rotary switch to an adjacent function and then back to the function you are using.

4.To take a measurement, use the test lead probes to make the proper contacts. Remember, insert the meter in the circuit in parallel for voltage and in series for current measurements. Read the measurement on the display. If you did not manually select a range (by using the RANGE button), the range that provides the best resolution is automatically selected.

5.To run a performance check of the meter, turn the rotary switch to Ω and connect a test lead from the T input to the mA μA input. (If you are using a

test probe, touch the half of the input contact nearest the LCD.) The display should read 1.000 kΩ ± 5 digits. With the rotary switch still at Ω, test the A fuse (11A) by inserting the plug end of the test lead into the A input and test the mA uA fuse (44/100A) by

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Users Manual

inserting the plug end of the test lead into the mA uA input. The beeper emits an Input Alert if the fuses are good.

Although this procedure will allow you to get started quickly, we suggest that you take the time to read the remainder of this manual so that you can learn to take full advantage of your meter’s capabilities.

How to Use the Meter

This section describes your meter and how to use it. For ease of reference, each description is numbered and keyed to the illustration inside the front cover.

Input Terminals and Input Alert

Items 1-4 describe the input terminals. (See Table 1 for overload limits.) If the test leads are connected to the Amperes input terminal, and the function selector switch is not in the Amp measurement position, the beeper will emit an Input Alert. An Input Alert will also sound if the test leads are connected to the mA uA terminal and the function switch is not in either Amp position. After an Input Alert sounds, the meter will attempt to take a reading from inputs applied to the T terminal. Input Alert can be disabled by pressing Twhile turning the rotary switch from OFF to any function position.

AA Amperes Input Terminal.

For current measurements (ac or dc) up to 10A continuous (20A for 30 seconds) when function selector switch is set to ^

\

BmA μA Milliamp/Microamp Input Terminal

For current measurements up to 400 mA (ac or dc)

when the function selector switch is set to ^or

μAC

\

C COM

Common Terminal

Return terminal for all measurements.

Dz Volts, Ohms, Diode Test Input Terminal

Function Selector Rotary Switch

EItem 5 describes functions that are selected by setting the rotary switch. Each time the rotary switch is moved from OFF to a function setting, all LCD segments will turn on for one second as part of a selftest routine. (This selftest routine is also performed if the rotary switch is turned slowly from one position to another.) The meter is then ready for normal operations and will respond to the rotary switch and pushbuttons.

6

How to Use the Meter

OFF

Power to the meter is turned off.

KVolts ac

Autoranges to the 400 mV, 4V, 40V, 400V or 1000V range.

LVolts dc

Autoranges to the 4V, 40V, 400V or 1000V range.

l Millivolts dc

Single 400 mV range.

ReE Resistance (Ω), conductance (1/Ω), capacitance or continuity R testing.

Press BLUE button to toggle between the resistance and capacitance function. (The response of the display and the pushbuttons slows down in the capacitance mode.)

Autoranges to the 400Ω, 4 kΩ, 40 kΩ, 400 kΩ, 4 MΩ, or 40 MΩ resistance range.

In Manual Ranging mode, 40 nS conductance range (equal to a 25-100,000 MΩ range) is selectable. (See item 9.)

Autoranges to the 05.00 nF, .0500 μF, 0.500 μF, or 05.00 μF capacitance range.

When testing continuity, the beeper sounds if the resistance falls below the typical values indicated in Table 3.

Table 3. Beeper Response in Continuity Test

Input Range

400.0Ω

4.000 kΩ

40.00 kΩ

400.0 kΩ

4.000 MΩ

40.00 MΩ

LDiode Test

Beeper On If

<40Ω

<200Ω

<2 kΩ

<20 kΩ

<200 kΩ

<200 kΩ

Measures forward voltage of semiconductor junction(s) at approximately 0.5 mA test current. Single 0-3V range.

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Users Manual

^ Milliamps or amperes

\

Defaults to dc. Press BLUE button to toggle between dc and ac.

Autoranges to the 40 mA or 400 mA range when using the mA μA input terminal, or to the 4000 mA or 10A range when using the [A] input terminal.

μA C Microamps

Defaults to dc. Press BLUE button to toggle between dc and ac.

Autoranges to the 400 μA or 4000 μA range when using the mA μA input terminal.

Pushbuttons

Items 6-13 describe how to use the pushbuttons. These buttons are used (in conjunction with rotary switch) to select operating modes and set power-on options. When a button is pushed the beeper sounds (unless the beeper has been turned off or the Data Output mode has been selected). A summary of pushbutton operations is shown in Figure 1. An annunciator is displayed to indicate that a mode or option has been selected. A quick way to reset all the pushbuttons to their default state is to turn the rotary switch to an adjacent function and then back to the function you are using.

F b Display Back-Light

Press the YELLOW button to turn on the back-light. Back-light turns off automatically after 68 seconds to extend battery life.

Power-On Option: 4½-Digit Display Mode

The meter displays the readings at 10 times the resolution with a maximum display at 19,999 counts. The display is updated once per second. The 4½-digit display mode works in all functions except capacitance, Peak MIN MAX and 100 millisecond MIN MAX. Use manual ranging for best performance.

G AC or DC, Resistance or Capacitance

Press BLUE button to toggle between ac and dc when measuring current, or between capacitance and resistance when the rotary switch is set to ReE

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