An industrial-strength multimeter, the Fluke 83V is one of the go-to meters in the electrical/electronic maintenance world on account of its complete ranges and rugged reliability. The well respected 80 series has been around for decades and continues to provide relevant service; the 83V being the cheaper of the models, compromising slightly on accuracy and True RMS capability.
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It is the perfect meter in day to day troubleshooting of industrial, HVAC, installation and auto fields, however, giving very close readings on voltage, current (down to micro-amps) and resistance, as well as capacitor values and frequency. It performs admirably in electrically noisy, humid environments especially and has an enviable safety rating and input protection.
Some Key Features
- AC/DC 1000V and 10A ranges
- Capacitance up to 10,000µF
- Resistance to 50MΩ
- Frequency to 200kHz
- Fast continuity and diode tests
- 6,000-count display with analog bar graph
- Two-level display backlight
- Min/Max and Relative modes
- Will auto range and manual range
- Automatic, Touch Hold feature
- Sleep mode and input alert features
- Lifetime warranty
- Size: 7.9″ x 3.8″ x 2″
- Weight: 22oz
Included
- Meter with holster
- Test leads (TL75)
- Alligator clips (AC175)
- 9V battery
- User manual (online pdf)
Complete Review of the Fluke 83V
This multimeter is mainly aimed at the tough environments and high energies presented by industrial setups. An average responding multimeter – no True RMS – it can take on most fault finding tasks, aside from measuring varied AC drive outputs accurately. Other than that, it is good for troubleshooting all over the plant, including motors, robotics, PLCs and three phase service side measurements.
Problems can be quickly as the auto-ranging on the 83V is very quick, plus you have the option of switching to manual ranging. Maximum voltage is up to 1,000V AC and DC, and 10A current. This can be extended to 20A for short bursts, which is useful in ascertaining motor faults and parasitic draw.
The capacitance range is also quite good, going down to the nano-Farad range up to 9,999µF. Continuity testing on the 83V is particularly impressive, being super-fast, while the diode tester can light up most LEDS on account of its 3V output. Min/Max, peak capture, and relative modes extend functionality.
While the screen of the 83 is not as sharp (resolution wise) as the 87, its 6,000 counts give an accurate measurement for most everyday tasks. The safety rating is especially impressive, with CAT-IV systems to 600V and surge protection to 8kV. An input jack alert function helps avoid plugging in incorrectly.
SPECS
| RANGE | ACCURACY | Resolution | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC voltage | 4 ranges: 6V / 1000V | ±(0.1%+1) | 0.001mV-1V |
| DC millivolts | 600mV | ±(0.3%+1) | 0.1mV |
| AC voltage | 5 ranges: 600mV / 1000V | ±(0.5%+2) @ 50-60Hz | 0.1mV-1V |
| DC current | 4 ranges: 60mA / 10A | ±(0.4%+2) | 0.01mA-0.01A |
| DC micro-amps | 2 ranges: 600µA / 6000µA | ±(0.4%+4) @ 600µA | 0.1-1µA |
| AC current | 4 ranges: 60mA / 10A | ±(1.2%+2) | 0.01mA-0.01A |
| AC micro-amps | 2 ranges: 600µA / 6000µA | ±(1.2%+2) @ 45Hz-2kHz | 0.1-1µA |
| Resistance | 6 ranges: 600Ω / 50MΩ | ±(0.4%+1) @ 6-60kΩ | 0.1Ω-0.01MΩ |
| Capacitance | 6 ranges: 10nF / 9,999µF | ±(1.0%+2) | 0.01nF-1µF |
| Frequency | 5 ranges: 199.99Hz / >200kHz | ±(0.005%+1) @ 199.99Hz-199.99kHz | 0.01Hz-0.1kHz |
| Duty cycle | 0 to 99.9% | 2% per kHz +0.1% | 0.1 % |
| Conductance | 60nS | ±(1.0%+10) | 0.01nS |
| Diode test | 3V | ±(2.0%+1) | 0.001V |
Interface and Function
The displays on the 80 Series are sharp and legible when read at an angle. The 83V is 6,000-count (or 3 5/6 digit), updating four times a second. It also has a rapid-refresh analog bar graph to observe fast fluctuations and to better discern null adjustments. There’s also a good white backlight, which is two-stage for added brightness in dark, dusty, humid environments.
Battery life is up to around 400 hours, based on non-backlight use. The default auto-off feature kicks in after 30 minutes of idling, which, although helps conserve the battery, can be disabled. You can also disable the beeper and there are various diagnostic checks that can be performed in-house.
Build Quality, Protection
You can bash, drop, splash, soil, chill and heat the 83V and it will keep plodding along. The 80 series of Fluke meters is among the hardiest multimeters on the market today, built to take the abuse they are likely faced with in industry. A toughened case and thick rubber boot add to an already solid circuit board and quality components that go into producing these. Probe storage is built into the boot.
This is a high-end, made in America meter (not China) and, as such, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Shock protection is to 1m, and vibration is certified Class 2. The battery section has a convenient access door.
As a Category IV multimeter rated 600V (to ground), the 83V is built to withstand high energy spikes/surges up to 8kV. So many meters today tout high CAT ratings, when in truth they do not have the input protection to withstand these kinds of surging energies. This can result in injuries should there be an explosion of the meter, which is more common than you think. Overload protection on the current inputs is provided by 440mA and 10A HRC fuses.
Who’s it For?
This is a professional multimeter, built for demanding, high voltage, high current troubleshooting tasks in industry. But it appeals to professionals, students and amateurs in all fields, having a good complement of measurement ranges. From electrical plant maintenance and electronic field service, to HVAC, automotive and ham radio, it is an all-rounder.
Pros and Cons of the Fluke 83V
PROS
- Very reliable and tough
- Quick and accurate
- Lots of features and functions, including Min/Max
- Bright backlit display
- Useful for most fields
CONS
- Average responding only
- Fuses inside case
- 9V battery
Roundup
A fabulous multimeter for most fields of maintenance and installation, the Fluke 83V review details a well respected tool that can handle all sorts of abuse. It has most input ranges, but as the underling of the vaunted 87V, it doesn’t quite have the same cutting edge accuracy and is without True RMS.
Alternative: If you also need to measure temperature, have higher resolution, and wider AC frequency bandwidth, look to the 87V. Better suited to automotive repair work, meanwhile, is the 88V.
Optional: you can also buy extra leads, a carry case and a magnetic hanger for hands-free testing. In addition, extra current-measuring capacity is available via a plug-in current clamp.
