Quick Answer: FLUKE 177 vs 179
If you’re shopping for a multimeter that is at once both reliable and versatile, then Fluke’s range of multimeters will provide several options of a good investment. Among these are the 177 and the 179 which are both efficient devices on the job site yet have a slight difference in price, with the 177 proving to be a little cheaper. But the 179’s built-in temperature measurement feature makes it too good a tool to pass up on, especially if you’re using HVAC equipment.
A multimeter is an electronic instrument that measures different kinds of aspects including current, voltage, resistance and so on.
It is usually a hand-held device that is used for finding faults so repairs can be made and work can continue without a glitch and at optimum capacity.
Comparison Table: Fluke 177 and Fluke 179
The 177 and 179 by Fluke are two excellent digital multimeters on the market offering a range of desirable features. Here is a quick comparison table comparing their key specs –
| PARAMETER | FLUKE 177 | FLUKE 179 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Digital | Digital |
| Power Source | Corded-electric | Corded-electric |
| Max AC Measurement | 1000V | 1000V |
| Measurement Type | Contact | Contact |
| Max AC Current | 10A | 10A |
| Max DC Current | 10A | 10A |
| Resistance | 50 MΩ | 50 MΩ |
| Frequency | 0.1 MHz | 0.1 MHz |
| Temperature | No | Yes |
| Capacitance | Yes | Yes |
| Diode Testing | Yes | Yes |
| Ghost Voltage Detection | No | No |
| Non-Contact AC Voltage Detection | No | No |
| Battery Type | Alkaline | Alkaline |
| Battery Life | 200 hours | 200 hours |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C to +50°C | -10°C to +50°C |
| Storage Temperature | -30°C to +60°C | -30°C to +60°C |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs | 2.2 lbs |
| Warranty Duration | Lifetime limited | Lifetime limited |
| Portability | Easy | Easy |
| Suitable For | Field service | Field service |
| Price |
They are easy to use, give quick and accurate readings and have been tested for safe use. Yet there are some differences in the versatility and durability of these two products and a slight difference in price.
Let’s look at both these products in detail and compare the differences in their design and features.
Quick Review of Fluke 177
Fluke Corporation is a well-known manufacturer of industrial testing and diagnostic equipment. It is a subsidiary of the industrial conglomerate, Fortive and was founded in 1948.
The Fluke 177 Digital Multimeter provides a 6000-count resolution and measures resistance, frequency, continuity, capacitance, and diode. It ensures a 0.09 percent basic DC voltage accuracy.
The 177 has an LCD display with a backlight that allows the user to take readings even in dark workspaces. This display also features an analog bar graph that makes result analysis even easier.
After 2 minutes of inactivity, the multimeter freezes the display automatically to save battery and also allows manual hold with the help of a button.
When a new stable input is detected, it displays the reading on its own with a beep. The message, “LEAd” also appears on the display for a short time when the rotary switch is moved to or from any of the Amps position.
This multimeter gives True-RMS voltage and current measurements. Its assurance of accuracy is accompanied by guaranteed safety while operating this device as it has been tested for use beforehand.
Here’s a demo video on how to use the Fluke 177:
Special Features
- Measures resistance, continuity, frequency, capacitance, and diode
- Built-in temperature measurements
- Analog bar graph makes readings easy to analyze
- Min/Max/Average helps record signal fluctuations
- Allows closed case calibration through the front panel
- Display with backlight makes it possible to take readings on the device even in low light
- True RMS capabilities give accurate measurements on non-linear loads
- Auto Range: Meter selects the range with the best resolution for the present measurement value
- Auto Shut-Off after 2 minutes of inactivity saves cost and increases battery life and can be disabled using a
- power-up option
- Auto Hold: Freezes display automatically to save present reading until a new stable input is detected; display can also be frozen manually with the push of a button
- Ergonomic case with integrated protective holster
for easy access while working as well as ease of carrying around - Independently tested for safe use in CAT IV 600 V/CAT III 1000V environments
Limitations
- Switching off the device could be made easier
- The leads included could be of better quality
- Alligator clips and other attachments for the leads have to be bought separately
The Fluke 177 Digital Multimeter is ideally suited for the needs of the professional technician working in the field. It is used for troubleshooting and repairing purposes in electrical and electronic systems.
Its ability to measure various aspects all in one makes it a versatile tool.
Quick Review of Fluke 179
The Fluke 179 Digital Multimeter is the perfect device for use in a variety of work situations due to its impressive durability standards.
Its True-RMS capabilities make it a reliable tool that can be used for measuring several aspects like resistance, frequency, continuity, capacitance, and diode.
This tool’s digital display has a built-in backlight and like the 177, provides the operator with an analog bar graph. It has been tested for safe use and allows closed-case calibration through the front panel.
The 179’s bonus feature is its ability to measure temperature which makes this multimeter all the more versatile. It can thus be used when dealing with HVAC equipment and ensures the best possible accuracy in results.
This precision is combined with convenient usage with this multimeter’s smart design and ergonomic case.
For a closer look at the features of the Fluke 179, check out this video:
Special Features
- Measures resistance, continuity, frequency, capacitance, and diode
- Min/Max/Average helps record signal fluctuations
- Allows closed case calibration through the front panel
- Backlight Digital Display makes it possible to take readings on this device easily and clearly even in low light
- True RMS capabilities give accurate measurements on non-linear loads
- Ergonomic case with integrated protective holster for easy access while working as well as ease of carrying around
- Independently tested for safe use in CAT IV 600 V/CAT III 1000V environments
Limitations
- Slightly higher on the price scale
The Fluke 179 Digital Multimeter can be used for industrial troubleshooting as well as electrical and electronic system installation or maintenance.
It is a rugged and reliable tool and a perfect fit for the professional technician as it makes taking readings easy and less time-consuming so that work goes on smoothly on the field.
Key Differences
While the Fluke 177 and 179 appear to be identical products, they actually are significantly different where performance is concerned.
The 179 goes one step beyond the 177 to give its user all the desirable features that make work more efficient for him.
Here’s a summary of the specifications of these two products.
Summary
As you can see, both the Fluke 177 and the 179 offer the same kinds of measuring capacities. But the 177 does fall short of measuring temperature.
On the other hand, the 179 has been designed to be more durable and accurate which makes it an attractive choice for the professional even though it costs a little more than the 177.
Last update on 2024-10-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API