Fluke FLUKE-87V/IMSK

Fluke 87V/IMSK Industrial Digital Multimeter with i400 Current Clamp Kit

Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The Fluke 87V/IMSK is a comprehensive kit designed for industrial electrical troubleshooting. It combines the Fluke 87V Digital Multimeter with the Fluke i400 AC Current Clamp, along with essential accessories. This kit provides the necessary tools for accurate measurements of voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, frequency, and temperature in various industrial applications.

This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe and effective use of your Fluke 87V/IMSK kit. Please read it thoroughly before operation.

2. Safety Information

WARNING: To avoid possible electric shock, fire, or personal injury, read all safety information before you use the product. Always use the product as specified, or the protection provided by the product can be impaired.

  • Do not use the product if it is damaged or operating abnormally.
  • Do not apply more than the rated voltage, as marked on the product, between the terminals or between any terminal and earth ground.
  • Use caution with voltages above 30 V AC rms, 42 V peak, or 60 V DC. These voltages pose a shock hazard.
  • Connect the common test lead before connecting the live test lead. When disconnecting, disconnect the live test lead first.
  • Do not use the product around explosive gas, vapor, or in damp or wet environments.
  • Always use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with electrical systems.

3. What's in the Box

Your Fluke 87V/IMSK kit includes the following components:

  • Fluke 87V Digital Multimeter
  • Fluke i400 AC Current Clamp
  • Temperature Probe
  • Test Leads (red and black)
  • Alligator Clips
  • User Manual (this document)
Fluke 87V/IMSK Industrial Digital Multimeter Kit with i400 Current Clamp, test leads, and temperature probe

Figure 1: Fluke 87V/IMSK Industrial Digital Multimeter Kit components.

Fluke i400 AC Current Clamp with test leads

Figure 2: Close-up of the Fluke i400 AC Current Clamp and test leads.

4. Setup

4.1 Battery Installation

The Fluke 87V Multimeter typically uses a 9V battery. To install or replace the battery:

  1. Turn the multimeter off and disconnect all test leads.
  2. Locate the battery compartment cover on the rear of the multimeter.
  3. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screw(s) securing the cover.
  4. Remove the cover and replace the old battery with a new 9V alkaline battery, observing polarity.
  5. Replace the cover and tighten the screw(s).

4.2 Connecting Test Leads

For most measurements, connect the test leads as follows:

  • Insert the black test lead into the COM (common) jack.
  • Insert the red test lead into the VΩmA jack for voltage, resistance, continuity, capacitance, and low current measurements.
  • For high current measurements (up to 10A), insert the red test lead into the 10A jack.

4.3 Connecting the Fluke i400 AC Current Clamp

The i400 Current Clamp is used to measure AC current up to 400A without breaking the circuit.

  1. Connect the output leads of the i400 Current Clamp to the VΩmA and COM jacks of the Fluke 87V Multimeter.
  2. Set the multimeter's rotary dial to the AC voltage (V~) function. The i400 clamp outputs a voltage proportional to the measured current.

4.4 Connecting the Temperature Probe

To measure temperature:

  1. Turn the multimeter off.
  2. Connect the temperature probe to the VΩmA and COM jacks. Ensure correct polarity if applicable.
  3. Turn the rotary dial to the temperature function (usually indicated by a thermometer symbol or °C/°F).

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Powering On/Off and Function Selection

Rotate the central dial to select the desired measurement function. The multimeter powers on when the dial is moved from the OFF position and powers off when returned to OFF.

5.2 Button Functions

  • RANGE: Manually selects measurement range. Press again to cycle through ranges or hold to return to auto-ranging.
  • HOLD: Freezes the current display reading. Press again to release.
  • MIN MAX: Records minimum, maximum, and average readings over time. Press to cycle through Min, Max, Avg. Hold to exit.
  • REL (Relative Mode): Stores the current reading as a reference and displays subsequent measurements as a deviation from this reference.
  • Hz (Frequency): Toggles between frequency and duty cycle measurements when in an AC voltage or current function.
  • Backlight: Activates the display backlight for improved visibility in low-light conditions.

5.3 Measurement Procedures

Always ensure the correct function is selected and test leads are connected to the appropriate jacks before making any measurement.

5.3.1 Voltage Measurement (AC/DC)

  1. Connect test leads to COM and VΩmA jacks.
  2. Rotate the dial to V~ for AC voltage or V- for DC voltage.
  3. Touch the test probes to the circuit points where voltage is to be measured (in parallel with the load).
  4. Read the voltage value on the display.

5.3.2 Current Measurement (AC with i400 Clamp)

  1. Connect the i400 Current Clamp to the COM and VΩmA jacks.
  2. Rotate the dial to V~ (AC Voltage).
  3. Open the clamp jaws and enclose a single conductor through which the current flows. Ensure the jaws are fully closed.
  4. Read the AC voltage on the display and convert it to current using the clamp's specified conversion factor (e.g., 1mV/A).

5.3.3 Resistance Measurement

  1. Connect test leads to COM and VΩmA jacks.
  2. Rotate the dial to the Ω (Ohms) function.
  3. Ensure the circuit or component is de-energized before measuring resistance.
  4. Touch the test probes across the component.
  5. Read the resistance value on the display.

5.3.4 Capacitance Measurement

  1. Connect test leads to COM and VΩmA jacks.
  2. Rotate the dial to the Capacitance function (often shared with diode test or resistance, press the yellow button to cycle).
  3. Ensure the capacitor is fully discharged before measurement.
  4. Touch the test probes across the capacitor terminals.
  5. Read the capacitance value on the display.

5.3.5 Frequency Measurement

  1. Connect test leads to COM and VΩmA jacks.
  2. Rotate the dial to an AC voltage or AC current function.
  3. Press the Hz button.
  4. Touch the test probes to the circuit points where frequency is to be measured.
  5. Read the frequency value on the display.

5.3.6 Temperature Measurement

  1. Connect the temperature probe to the VΩmA and COM jacks.
  2. Rotate the dial to the temperature function (e.g., °C/°F).
  3. Place the tip of the temperature probe on the surface or in the medium to be measured.
  4. Read the temperature value on the display.
Electrician using Fluke 87V multimeter to test an electrical panel

Figure 3: Fluke 87V Multimeter in use for electrical testing.

6. Maintenance

6.1 Cleaning

Wipe the case with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Do not use abrasives or solvents. Clean the terminals periodically with a cotton swab and alcohol to prevent poor contact.

6.2 Battery Replacement

Refer to Section 4.1 for battery replacement instructions. Replace the battery when the low battery indicator appears on the display.

6.3 Fuse Replacement

If the multimeter fails to measure current, the fuse may need replacement. Refer to the detailed service manual for specific fuse types and replacement procedures. Fuse replacement should only be performed by qualified personnel.

6.4 Storage

Store the multimeter and accessories in a clean, dry environment. If storing for extended periods, remove the battery to prevent leakage.

7. Troubleshooting

ProblemPossible CauseSolution
No display or dim displayLow or dead battery; poor battery contactReplace battery; clean battery contacts
"OL" (Overload) displayedMeasurement exceeds selected range or meter's maximum capability; open circuit (for resistance/continuity)Select a higher range (if available); check circuit for breaks; ensure proper connection
Inaccurate readingsPoor test lead connection; incorrect function selected; external interference; uncalibrated meterCheck lead connections; verify function; move away from strong electromagnetic fields; consider professional calibration
Current measurement failsBlown fuse (for direct current measurement); i400 clamp not connected or faultyCheck/replace fuse (if applicable); ensure i400 clamp is correctly connected and functioning

8. Specifications

  • Brand: Fluke
  • Model: FLUKE-87V/IMSK
  • Power Source: Alkaline battery
  • Item Weight: 355 g
  • Minimum Operating Voltage: 0.1 Millivolts
  • Maximum Operating Voltage: 1000 volts
  • Upper Temperature Rating: 260 °C (for temperature probe)
  • Measurement Type: Multimeter (Voltage, Current, Resistance, Capacitance, Frequency, Temperature)
  • Included Components: Multimeter, Current Clamp, Temperature Probe, Test Leads, Alligator Clips
  • Dimensions: 10.83 x 31 x 3.54 inches (packaging/kit dimensions)

9. Warranty Information

The Fluke 87V Digital Multimeter comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Accessories included in the kit, such as the i400 Current Clamp, temperature probe, test leads, and alligator clips, are covered by a 1-year warranty. For detailed warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Fluke website.

10. Support

For technical assistance, troubleshooting beyond this manual, or service inquiries, please contact Fluke customer support. Contact information can typically be found on the Fluke website or in the documentation provided with your product.

Online Resources: Visit the official Fluke website for additional product information, FAQs, and software updates.

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