The large 287 is the underling of the popular 289 multimeter data logger. It comes with similar specs and accuracy but is without a few of its features, such as a low input impedance setting, lo ohms, and the ability to measure motor drives accurately.
This is not a fully-fledged scope meter; in the Fluke 287 review we have a data logging, True-RMS DMM with TrendCapture functionality. It measures all the things a good multimeter can measure, including volts, amps and temperature, and also features a big display that is loaded with information.
>>>See Here For Current Pricing
Key Features
- Full range True RMS multimeter, including:
– current to 20A for 30s
– capacitance from 1nF
– temperature (with separate probe) - Data log up to 15,000 events over time
- TrendCapture with zoom to pick anomalies
- Large 50,000-count, backlit, ¼ VGA display
- DC accuracy: 0.025%
- Real time clock for time stamping
- Min/Max and peak capture modes
- Smoothing mode to steady noisy signals
- Relative mode to zero leads
- Compatible with Fluke Connect
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Size: 8.7″ (222mm) x 4″ (102mm) in x 2.4″ (60mm)
- Weight: ~30oz (870g)
Also Included
- AA batteries x6
- Silicone test leads (TL71)
- Slip-on insulated alligator clips
- User manual (online pdf)
Optional: infrared adapter, temperature probe, magnetic hanger, case
Complete Review of the Fluke 287
You can record various ranges from minutes to hours and even days with the 287. Resolution is down to one second when recording as an interval, or even less when ‘per event’ logging. It comes with a real-time clock, Min/Max add-on and graphing through TrendCapture, after which you can export data to your phone through the infrared optical out on the top of the unit.
While fairly complex, the Fluke 287 has a user-friendly interface plus help screens and is multi-lingual – you can perform unattended monitoring. Graphs can be zoomed in on by as much as 14 times for higher resolutions, and after exporting through Fluke Connect you can share your data via ShareLive video.
You can also save and analyze data into professional documents via FlukeView. The only downsides with all this connectivity and usability are you have to pay extra for the adapter to transfer the data, and also for the software.
Aside from this, the True-RMS multimeter is good for measuring nonlinear loads accurately and has a fairly impressive group of ranges. Both AC and DC voltage go up to 1000V, amperage to 20A (in short bursts) and resistance, capacitance, and temperature all have wide ranges.
This is a well built, strong meter with great input protection and certified by bonafide associations. It performs well on auto-ranging and continuity speeds and has okay battery life, which is up to 200 hours when logging. You can also select individual manual ranges, as well as smooth out erratic signals with the inbuilt AC selectable filter.
ACCURACY
| RANGE | ACCURACY | RESOLUTION | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC voltage | 5V / 1000V | ±(0.3%+25) | 0.01V @ 500V |
| AC millivolts | 50mV / 500mv | ±(0.3%+25) | 0.001mV @ 50mV |
| DC voltage | 5V / 1000V | ±(0.025%+2) | 0.001V @ 50V |
| DC millivolts | 50mV / 500mv | ±(0.05%+20) | 0.01mV @ 500mV |
| AC current | 500μA / 10A | ±(0.6%+5/20) | 0.01mA @ 400mA |
| DC current | 500μA / 10A | ±(0.15%+2) @400mA | 0.001A @ 10A |
| Resistance | 500Ω / 500MΩ | ±(0.05%+2) @5-500kΩ | 0.01Ω @ 500Ω |
| Conductance | 50nS | ±(1.0%+10) | 0.01nS |
| Capacitance | 1nF / 100mF | ±(1.0%+5) | 0.1nF @100nF |
| Frequency | 99.999Hz / 999.99kHz | ±(0.00%+5) | 0.01Hz @ 999.99Hz |
| Duty cycle | 1.0% / 99% | ±(0.2% per kHz + 0.1%) | 0.01% |
| Temperature °F | -328°F / 2462°F | ±(1.0%+18) | 0.1°F |
| Temperature °C | -200°C / 1350°C | ±(1.0%+10) | 0.1°C |
| Diode test | 3.1V | ±(1.0%+20) | 0.0001V |
Table shows AC voltage/current frequency bandwidth @ 45-65Hz
Display
The display on the 287 is one of its main selling points. It is nice and large for one with lots of real estate and a count up to 50,000, so very high resolution – to 1.0001V for example. It can display four separate bits of data, to include the live reading and three other values, such as min/max/average or AC voltage and frequency. You can also get it to display AC+DC, AC,DC or DC,AC.
This is a dot matrix display which allows it to draw a graph. It is quite battery-heavy, however, especially when the two-stage backlight is used. While in standard display mode, it also has a highly responsive bar graph. Menu, Save, Offset, and Setup on the screen are accessible via four hot keys (F1 through F4) in standard mode.
Build Quality, Protection
This particular model, as with many of the higher end Flukes, comes with an integrated holster. While neat and strong, it is not as rubbery and can’t be removed. Built into the rear is a tilting bail, which is part of the battery pack assembly. This is easily removed via a one-twist tag and reveals the six AA batteries and the two HRC fuses. The best of this is they are totally isolated from the circuit board, thus increasing safety.
The fuses are 440mA and 11A, rated 1000V to earth and quick-blow. The meter is also rated to CAT-IV 600V installations and CAT-III 1000V installations, giving it an overvoltage protection of up to 8kV, shielding it from lightning strikes and overload surges. It is also UL and CSA-rated.
Differences with the 289
Most things are the same, such as voltage to 1000V, resistance to 500MΩ and temperature to 1350°C. The 289 also has the addition of a low input impedance (LoZ) mode to avoid ghosting, a low ohms mode, and a low pass filter to better perform motor drive measurements.
Pros and Cons
PROS
- True RMS meter with full ranges
- Large display with readouts
- Advanced Min/Max and peak max mode
- Good capacitance range
- Fast and accurate response time
- Excellent auto range function with high resolution
- High quality input protection (to 8kV)
- Nice probes with tip guards
CONS
- Have to fork out for Fluke Connect adapter
- No compulsory temp probe
- Batteries could be better
- Large and heavy
Roundup
With the Fluke 287 review, you have one of the best data loggers in the game, able to capture an array of events over long periods of time with great accuracy. There is also a very capable multimeter in this device, with especially good resistance and capacitance ranges, together with a huge display that can show TrendCapture data graphically. Data can be shared wirelessly via a non-contact, infrared eye.
Although expensive, especially with the extras – like the Fluke Connect adapter, FlukeView software, temperature probe and magnetic hanger – it is well worth the money. The main alternative is the slight pricier 289.
