The trio 170 Series is widely regarded as being among the most useful digital multimeters for general purpose, industrially-based and field-based electrical testing. Highly responsive, True RMS meters, they set the standard for speed, responsiveness and accuracy. Very easy to use and rugged at the same time, they have sharp displays and incorporate the level of input safety that people expect from upper end Fluke devices.
Specs, features and comparisons of the Fluke 170 Series detailed below:
175: True RMS Industrial DMM
177: True RMS Industrial DMM (better accuracy)
179: True RMS Industrial DMM (plus temp range)
Some common features:
- Fast, True RMS
- Auto/manual ranging
- Auto/manual hold
- Amps, milliamps, DC millivolts
- 6,000-count display with analog bar graph
- Min/Max, smoothing modes
- CAT-IV safety rating
- Same size/weight
- Closed case calibration
- Lifetime warranty
- Made in USA
Fluke 175
The 175 is the most economical of the three. It doesn’t quite have the power of accuracy of the others and is without a backlight on its display. It is, however, just as ruggedly built and is as safe as the other two. Also includes the various modes, such as Min/Max, and has Fluke’s famous auto ‘touchhold’ feature as well as manual hold. Despite being bottom of the range, it is one-up from the 77IV for those not into electronics. Read full review…
Fluke 177
This is the most popular of the 170 Series, with a higher level of accuracy on DC voltage than the 175, at 0.09%. This value is approaching that of the legendary 87V. You can measure AC and DC drives very accurately and it is especially useful in plant maintenance. In addition, you can also get the 177 with NIST calibration, but there is no temperature range. Read full review…
Fluke 179
The 179 has the most features and usefulness of this series. It does everything the 177 can do, has the same high level of accuracy and also comes with a temperature input. Although not a wide temperature range (-40°C to 400°C), this useful addition swings it for many.
NOTE: You can often buy the kit version – complete with extra probes, leads and case – for less than the price of the meter alone from Amazon. Read full review…
Differences between the Fluke 175, 177 and 179
| MODEL | 175 | 177 | 179 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BASIC FEATURES | |||
| Digits | 3 5/6 | 3 5/6 | 3 5/6 |
| True RMS | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto/Manual Ranging | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Battery | 9V | 9V | 9V |
| Holster | Integral | Integral | Integral |
| RANGES | |||
| Voltage AC / DC | 1000V | 1000V | 1000V |
| Current AC / DC | 10A | 10A | 10A |
| Milliamps | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| DC accuracy | ±(0.15%+2) | ±(0.09%+2) | ±(0.09%+2) |
| Resistance | 50MΩ | 50MΩ | 50MΩ |
| Capacitance | 10,000µF | 10,000µF | 10,000µF |
| Frequency | 100kHz | 100kHz | 100kHz |
| Continuity (beep) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diode Test | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Temperature | - | - | ✓ |
| MODES | |||
| Min/Max Recording | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Hold | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| AutoHOLD | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Power-Off | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Count | 6,000 | 6,000 | 6,000 |
| Backlit | - | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bar Graph | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| SAFETY | |||
| CAT-III Rating | 1000V | 1000V | 1000V |
| CAT-IV Rating | 600V | 600V | 600V |
Roundup
Differences between the various models in the Fluke 170 Series comparison are pretty clear cut. These are not hugely complex multimeters and there are just a few main differences. With the 175, you get a very good, all-round meter with an acceptable level of accuracy and functionality. It would be fine in most situations at work and around the home.
While the 175 is an excellent DMM, the addition of a display backlight would be a big deal for those working shifts, for example. Both the 177 and 179 have a backlight, plus they also offer better accuracy. Finally, with a temperature range, the Fluke 179 offers the most functionality and comes with a complementary Type-K probe (thermocouple).
Alternatives: the equally popular 110 Series – albeit with less in the way of durability and responsiveness – offers a cheaper option across various fields, including HVAC. The 80 Series, meanwhile, has greater functionality and accuracy again, though these are more complex and heavy duty.