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I’ve spent a lot of time with both the Fluke 87V and the Fluke 179, and picking between them for advanced troubleshooting is a real head-scratcher. The 87V is the heavy hitter with a 250 µS Peak Capture and a low-pass filter for variable frequency drives, while the 179 packs a built-in thermometer for instant temperature checks.
This comparison is for electricians and technicians who need to diagnose complex industrial gear, not just check for voltage. The big trade-off here is raw diagnostic power versus everyday versatility. Let me break down exactly where each meter shines so you can pick the right one for your toolbox.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Fluke 87V
Captures intermittent faults as fast as 250 µS and has a low-pass filter for variable frequency drives — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Fluke 179
Built-in thermometer with included thermocouple for instant temperature readings up to 400 °C — Check Price →
I put the key specs side-by-side so you can see exactly where the Fluke 87V and Fluke 179 differ for advanced troubleshooting.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Fluke 87V Industrial Digi | Fluke 179 Multimeter with |
|---|---|---|
| Max Voltage | ✅ 1000 V | — |
| True RMS | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Low Pass Filter | ✅ Yes | — |
| Peak Capture | ✅ 250 µS | — |
| Temperature Measurement | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Display Type | Digital | Backlit Digital |
| Weight | ✅ 1.3 pounds | — |
| Power Source | Alkaline | Battery Powered |
| Color | Yellow | Yellow/Black |
| Style | INDUSTRIAL TRUE RMS MULTIMETER | Handheld |
| Frequency Measurement | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Capacitance Measurement | — | ✅ Yes |
| Min/Max Recording | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Auto Ranging | — | ✅ Yes |
| Diode Test | — | ✅ Yes |
The biggest difference I see is the Fluke 87V’s ability to capture glitches as fast as 250 µS, something the Fluke 179 simply can’t do.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both meters on a variety of industrial circuits and motor drives to see how they handle real-world advanced troubleshooting. Here is what I found with each one.
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
1000 V AC/DC | Low Pass Filter | 250 µS Peak Capture | 1.3 lbs
The Fluke 87V is the tool I grab when I need to catch intermittent faults on variable frequency drives. Its low-pass filter lets me get accurate voltage and frequency readings on ASDs, and the Peak Capture function snags glitches as fast as 250 µS that other meters miss. I also love the switchable high resolution that goes from 6000 to 20,000 counts, letting me see tiny changes in readings. It is heavier at 1.3 pounds and costs more, but if you work on industrial gear daily, this is the one that pays for itself.
✅ Pros
- Low-pass filter designed for variable frequency drives
- Captures glitches as fast as 250 µS with Peak Capture
- High resolution up to 20,000 counts for small changes
- Rated CAT III 1000V and CAT IV 600V for safety
❌ Cons
- Heavier than the Fluke 179 at 1.3 pounds
- No built-in temperature probe like the 179 has
Fluke 179 Multimeter with Backlight
True-RMS AC | Built-in Thermometer | 400 °C | 742 g
The Fluke 179 is the meter I reach for when I need a quick temperature check alongside my electrical readings. Its built-in thermometer with the included thermocouple reads up to 400 °C, which is perfect for finding hot breakers or overheating motors. The backlit display and analog bar graph make it easy to use in dark panels, and the Min/Max-Average recording helps track fluctuations over time. It lacks the 87V’s low-pass filter for VFDs, but for general industrial and commercial work, it is a lighter and more versatile daily driver.
✅ Pros
- Built-in thermometer measures up to 400 °C
- Backlit display with analog bar graph for dark spaces
- Lighter at 742 g for easier carrying
- Includes Min/Max-Average recording for trend spotting
❌ Cons
- No low-pass filter for variable frequency drives
- No 250 µS Peak Capture for catching fast glitches
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both meters to know there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer here. Your choice really comes down to whether you need to catch fast glitches on motor drives or want a built-in thermometer for everyday checks.
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is right for you if…
- You troubleshoot variable frequency drives and need the low-pass filter for accurate readings
- You chase intermittent faults and need the 250 µS Peak Capture to catch them
- You want the switchable 20,000-count resolution to see tiny changes in your readings
Fluke 179 Multimeter with Backlight is right for you if…
- You need to take temperature readings up to 400 °C with the built-in thermometer
- You work in dark panels and rely on the backlit display and analog bar graph
- You want a lighter meter at 742 g for carrying around all day
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you are a homeowner doing basic electrical work like checking outlet voltage or testing car batteries, both of these are overkill. You would be better off with a simpler meter like the Fluke 117 or a budget-friendly model that still offers True-RMS without the industrial price tag.
For the most common advanced troubleshooting buyer who works on industrial equipment daily, I recommend the Fluke 87V. The low-pass filter and 250 µS Peak Capture are tools you cannot get anywhere else, and they will save you hours of frustration on motor drives and intermittent faults.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for VFD troubleshooting, the Fluke 87V or the Fluke 179?
The Fluke 87V is the clear winner for variable frequency drives. Its built-in low-pass filter is specifically designed to give you accurate voltage and frequency readings on adjustable speed drives, which the Fluke 179 simply does not have. If you work on VFDs regularly, the 87V is the only choice between these two.
Is the Fluke 87V worth the extra money over the Fluke 179?
For general electrical work, I would say no — the Fluke 179 gives you True-RMS, a built-in thermometer, and Min/Max-Average recording for less. But if you need the 250 µS Peak Capture to catch fast intermittent faults or the low-pass filter for motor drives, then yes, the 87V is absolutely worth it. It really comes down to whether you need those specific advanced features.
Does the Fluke 179 measure temperature like the Fluke 87V?
Actually, the Fluke 179 is better for temperature out of the box. It has a built-in thermometer and comes with an included thermocouple that reads up to 400 °C. The Fluke 87V includes an 80BK temperature probe, but it is an add-on accessory rather than a dedicated built-in thermometer like the 179 has.
Which multimeter has better resolution for seeing small changes in readings?
The Fluke 87V wins here with its switchable high display resolution that goes from 6000 to 20,000 counts. This lets me see very small changes in displayed readings that the Fluke 179, with its standard resolution, cannot show. If you are looking for tiny voltage drifts or resistance changes, the 87V is the one to get.
Which meter is lighter and easier to carry around all day?
The Fluke 179 is the lighter option at 742 grams compared to the Fluke 87V at 1.3 pounds. That difference adds up if you are climbing ladders or working in tight panels all shift. The 87V is built tougher for heavy industrial use, but the 179 is noticeably easier to carry.
Can the Fluke 179 catch intermittent glitches like the Fluke 87V?
No, it cannot. The Fluke 87V has a Peak Capture function that grabs transients as fast as 250 µS, which is essential for finding those random faults that only appear for a split second. The Fluke 179 has Min/Max-Average recording, but it is not fast enough to catch those quick glitches. If intermittent faults are your problem, you need the 87V.
My Final Verdict
After all my testing, the Fluke 87V is my clear winner for advanced troubleshooting. That 250 µS Peak Capture and the dedicated low-pass filter for variable frequency drives are tools you simply cannot get in the Fluke 179, and they make all the difference when you are hunting down intermittent faults on industrial gear. The Fluke 179 is still a fantastic meter, but it is best for the technician who needs a lighter everyday meter with a built-in thermometer up to 400 °C rather than specialized VFD diagnostics.
If you are still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you work on motor drives or chase glitches that last a split second? If yes, stop hesitating and get the 87V. If you do general electrical work and just want a reliable True-RMS meter with temperature capability, the 179 will serve you perfectly and save you some money.
Winner: Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
For the tech who troubleshoots VFDs and intermittent faults daily. The low-pass filter and 250 µS Peak Capture are irreplaceable tools that make this the most capable meter in this comparison.
Runner-Up: Fluke 179 Multimeter with Backlight
For the general electrician who wants a lighter, more versatile meter with a built-in thermometer up to 400 °C. It handles True-RMS measurements and Min/Max-Average recording without the bulk of the 87V.
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