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Fluke 175 vs 177 vs 179- Fluke 170 series Comparison and Reviews

By shafiq usama

Fluke 175 Vs 177 Vs 179 comparison and Reviews

As an electrical engineer, I love explaining how things like circuits and electronics work. I write on my blog to share simple explanations, reviews, and useful tips about the latest technology.

Fluke multimeters may look similar but are way different in terms of specifications and pricing. The three most popular models from Fluke are 175, 177, and 179. My aim is to provide separate reviews of fluke 175, fluke 177, and fluke 179. All of these meters belong to the same 170 series of Fluke but have different specifications. Keeping in mind this, I will make a side-by-side comparison of Fluke 175 vs 177 vs 179. So, before comparing let's check each fluke multimeter specifications individually.

Comparison table fluke 175 vs 177 vs 179

Fluke 175 Multimeter Review

It is considered as the basic variant of the fluke 170 series. Although you can get almost everything done with fluke 175. One of the most prominent features of fluke 175 is its analog bar with a 40times per second update rate. Apart from this, it comes with a large digital display which makes the reading easier.

As it's a true RMS Multimeter so you measure almost every AC voltage and current. This quality is very important for HVAC applications. Moreover, it comes with low input impedance which makes it suitable for measuring voltages of non-linear loads like motors, fans, and VFDs. If you want to know more about how to test VFD then I have made a separate guide for you.

Specification

  • It is a True RMS multimeter with high accuracy.
  • The Display Resolution is 6000 counts with an analog bar option so you will get accurate results in no time.
  • As fluke 175 is an auto-ranging multimeter so you don't have to change values repeatedly.
  • It is capable of measuring both AC & DC Voltage up to 1000V.
  • You can measure resistance up to 50 MΩ (± 0.9%).
  • Capacitance can also be measured up to 10000 µF (± 1.2%).
  • Fluke 175 meets both cat-iii and cat-iv safety standards.
  • You can measure current up to 10A with fluke 175 multimeter.
  • Min/Max ranges function helps record values precisely.
  • The data hold function helps you to take a reading without looking at the meter.
  • It comes with an auto power-off function which saves battery life in the long run.
  • Cat iii (1000V) rated test leads come with this fluke 175.

Fluke 177 Multimeter Review

Most of you will be confused when looking at the specifications of fluke 175 and fluke 177 because they are almost similar. But there is a big difference in pricing, and internal features. Ideally, Fluke 177 is more advanced than fluke 175.

If you're a professional engineer then you know the importance of analog bar as it provides a quick overview of changing values. The good news is that Fluke 177 comes with an improved 40 times per second update rate which is better than fluke 175. Moreover, it has a backlight so you can use it in low light conditions as well.

Read More: Best Fluke Multimeter For Electronics Hobbyist

It also comes with an auto shut-off feature just after 2 minutes of inactivity. So, it saves battery life as well. If you're still interested in low-budget fluke meters like fluke 117 or 115 then you must visit my blog about fluke 117 vs 115 vs 87.

Specifications

  • It is a 6000 counts display multimeter with a True RMS feature.
  • Fluke 177 comes with 0.5% basic accuracy.
  • It is an auto-ranging multimeter.
  • The analog bar feature helps you to take quick readings.
  • It is a cat-iii and cat-iv safety standards compliant multimeter.
  • You can measure AC & DC voltages up to 1000V.
  • Current measurement up to 10A is possible with fluke 177.
  • Resistance can be measured up to 50 MΩ (± 0.9%).
  • The capacitance measuring range of fluke 177 is 9,999µF (± 1.2%).
  • It has all the features of fluke 175 including data hold, Min/Max function, and auto power off.
  • Cat iii (1000V) rated test leads come with this fluke 177.
  • Closed case calibration allows you to calibrate the multimeter without opening it.
  • mA current measurement up to 400mA is possible without breaking the circuit.

Fluke 179 Multimeter Review

For professionals who don't want to compromise on accuracy and measuring ranges Fluke 179 is the only solution. You can do almost everything that fluke 87V can do. If you want to know more about Fluke 8v or 87V Max then I have made a detailed comparison between them. Coming back to the point, Fluke 179 is the most advanced multimeter for fluke 170 Series multimeters.

It comes with dual ceramic fuses so you don't have to worry about current overloads. For HVAC professionals, fluke 179 is no less than a magic tool. They can do every type of electrical measurements like testing thermocouples or temperature measurements. For this specific purpose, an 80BK Temperature Probe is used with fluke 179.

The only drawback of fluke 179 is its price as it is almost double the price of fluke 175. However, if you're looking for the best fluke multimeter then you can visit my list of top fluke multimeters. Plus, if you're on a low budget then you can also visit my list of best budget multimeters.

Specifications

  • You will get a sharp 6000 counts to display with a backlight option in fluke 179.
  • It is an auto-ranging multimeter so you don't have to worry about the ranges.
  • True RMS function with analog bar graph makes this meter the first choice of professionals.
  • It is a cat-iii 1000V and cat-iv 600V safety rated multimeter.
  • You can measure AC & DC voltages up to 1000V.
  • Current measurement up to 10A is possible with fluke 179.
  • mA current measurement is also possible up to 400mA.
  • Fluke 179 is the only fluke multimeter from the fluke 170 series, which can measure temperature.
  • You can measure temperature from -40 ℃ to 400 ℃ in both Celsius and Fahrenheit.
  • Capacitance and Resistance measuring ranges are 10000 µF and 50 MΩ respectively.
  • The hold button is also there so you can store the readings.
  • Fluke 179 comes with Cat iii (1000V) rated test leads.
  • Min/max/avgfunction allows you to store the minimum, maximum and average values.
  • You will also get a continuity beeper in this multimeter which is very useful in troubleshooting. Find best multimeter under 100.

Fluke 175 Vs 177 Comparison

Similarities between Fluke 175 Vs 177

  • Both fluke 175 and 177 have True RMS functions. 
  • You will get the same analog bar in both fluke 175 and 177.
  • Up to 1000V can be measured by both Fluke meters.
  • It is possible to measure current up to 10A with the Fluke 177 and the Fluke 175.
  • Continuity and diode testing option is also available in both fluke meters.
  • You can measure resistance up to 50 MΩ with both fluke multimeters.
  • Fluke 177 and 175, are both capable of measuring capacitance up to 9,999µF.
  • There is a lifetime warranty on both Fluke meters.

Differences between Fluke 175 Vs 177

  • In contrast, fluke 177's DC voltage accuracy is 0.09%, while fluke 175 is 0.15%.
  • The only major difference is Backlight in comparison to fluke 175 vs 177, Fluke 117 has a backlight option.
  • Fluke 177 is slightly expensive as compared to fluke 175.

Fluke 177 Vs 179 Comparison

Similarities between Fluke 177 vs 179

  • In both Fluke 177 and 179, True RMS functions are available.
  • Fluke 177 and 179 have the same analog bar.
  • Both fluke multimeters have a similar 6000 counts backlight display.
  • In both Fluke meters, the voltage can be measured up to 1000V.
  • Fluke 177 and 179 can measure current up to 10A.
  • Both fluke meters are covered by a lifetime warranty.
  • Capacitance and resistance ranges of fluke 177 and 179 are the same.

Differences between Fluke 177 vs 179

  • Fluke 179 can measure temperature, but Fluke 177 cannot.
  • As compared to fluke 177, fluke 179 is a bit more expensive.

Fluke 175 vs 179 Comparison

Similarities between Fluke 175 vs 179

  • Both fluke 175 and 179 have a True RMS function. 
  • With fluke 175 and 179, you'll get the same analog bar.
  • In both Fluke meters, the voltage can be measured up to 1000V.
  • The Fluke 177 and 179 are both capable of measuring currents up to 10A.
  • Resistance can be measured up to 50 MΩ with both Fluke multimeters.
  • Fluke 177 and 179 both measure capacitance up to 9,999µF.
  • There is a lifetime warranty on both Fluke meters.

Differences between Fluke 175 vs 179

  • A bigger backlight display is in Fluke 179 but not in Fluke 175.
  • Fluke 179 measures temperature; fluke 175 does not.
  • The fluke 179 has better DC voltage accuracy than a fluke 175

Conclusion

If you're looking for a quality meter then you can not find a better option than a fluke multimeter. You will get automatic ranging in almost all fluke meters. Fluke 170 series multimeters offer almost the same features but with a few feature changes. If I have to compare fluke 175 vs 177 vs 179, then the clear winner will be fluke 179. But the price tag will also go higher. The best thing is that an integrated protective holster is available in all of the fluke 170 series multimeters.

Read More: How To Test Hvac Blower Motor With Multimeter?

Fluke 179 For HVAC Professionals: Now the question arises is it worth spending such huge money on these features. The answer is not as straightforward as it looks. If you want backlight and temperature measurement then fluke 179 should be your priority. It is a perfect choice for HVAC work. Electrical engineering program need such multimeters as they're precise as well as embedded with the square wave function. If you want some affordable HVAC multimeters then you can visit my list of the best affordable HVAC multimeters.

Fluke 177 For Automotive use: If you don't want to measure temperature but need a backlight light option with DC volt accuracy then you should go for Fluke 177.  Automotive technicians need high voltage accuracy as well as backlight options for confined places. So, it is an ideal option for automotive use. If you want to go for budget-friendly automotive clamp meters then click here!

Fluke 175 For Electricians: Most of you might be thinking that why they should go for such a higher price tag then fluke 175 is perfect. Most professional technicians already have light or lamp gadgets so they don't need backlight and temperature options. For those who need all the features and perks of the fluke 170' series fluke 175 is the best option. You can also choose some of the best budget multimeters from our list of top multimeters for electricians.


FAQs-Frequently Asked Questions

Which multimeter is best for electrical and electronic systems?

For electrical systems, you can select fluke 177. Because it has all features of fluke 179 except temperature measurement. But if you want all fluke premium features then you should buy Fluke 289.

Is Fluke 175 a true RMS digital multimeter?

Yes, fluke 170 series all multimeters are true RMS digital multimeters so you can get accurate readings. If you want to get all perks of the fluke 170 series then go for fluke 177 but if you don't want to spend much then go for fluke 175. It has all features of fluke 179 except temperature measurement and display backlight.

Why you should buy Fluke 179 True RMS multimeter?

In fluke 170 series FLUKE 179 is the top variant as it has all perks you can expect from a standard multimeter. The most prominent feature is its accuracy, display and yes how can we ignore backlight 😉 So grab the one which suits you the most from our comparison of Fluke 179 vs 177 vs 175.