The Fluke series of multimeters
are some of the best in the world. They have a variety of multimeters and in some ways that can become confusing. There are different multimeters designed for different use cases and specific needs. The Fluke 179 is a hearty unit built for higher voltages (110v/220V) and with a rugged case, and built in stand it is ideal for field situations.
In this article I am focusing on the specific top 10 benefits of the fluke 179. I will cover each of these benefits below.
Save Time: The read out for different measurements are lightening fast. The graph readout paints almost immediately. The continuity sound test is very fast. Some units respond sluggishly, but you won’t find that is the case with the Fluke 179. Auto arranging is also instantaneously. While the measure of time saved is summed in seconds and microseconds, these do add up, however the greater benefit is the ease of use and the quick response allows you to work without distraction.
Save Money: It is common to actively use a fluke product for 15 to 20 years without a hitch. When you buy the 179 unit, with the extremely solid plastic case, and durable rotary dial, you will not need to purchase another multimeter for several years. If you do experience a service issue, the fluke 179 has a lifetime guarantee. I have experienced a case where the continuity tone stopped working and so I sent it back to Fluke. They had it back to me within 10 days freshly cleaned, fixed and calibrated. Finally the price on this unit is extremely affordable at $265 to $275 US. You can often find these at even lower prices on amazon and eBay, and with the lifetime guarantee you will be covered.
Diminish Aggravation: Nothing is more frustrating than switching between different tools mid-job. The folks at Fluke clearly understand the working process of a field technician and they have included the right features to support us end to end. The Fluke 179 has the right feature set to ensure that you are not walking back to your truck to find another tool to help you finish the job. You can grab your multimeter and head to the site with confidence. Whether you are testing for continuity, temperature, high voltage, you are set. Following I have included the full set of features for the Fluke 170 series:
- Manual and automatic ranging
- Display Hold and Auto Hold
- Frequency and capacitance measurements
- Resistance, continuity and diode measurements
- Temperature measurements (179)
- Min-max-average recording
- Closed case calibration through front panel
- Ergonomic case with integrated protective holster
Use applications for the Fluke 179 are any of the following: Lighting, HVAC, Industrial Control, Automotive, Machinery and Electronics. Reviews for the 179 are consistently 5 stars out of 5.
| Fluke 179: |  |
Following are some summarized comments by fluke customers:
“The Fluke 179 is an excellent meter and I’ve used it for serious electronics hobby work for a couple of years now including measuring very high AC / DC voltages and currents. It’s extremely accurate, reliable, and has several functions (measurements) it can do very well.” Read More
“As with most other Fluke meters the 179 is an excellent meter, but just beware of it’s limitations in relation to the 87-5. The 87-5 is only $30 more on Amazon here so if you think you’ll need some of the added functionality, the the $30 would be well spent in my mind.” Read More
“Ability to measure up to 100kHz…I use this feature a lot with laptops to see if the CCFL backlight inverter is working. I don’t even have to make electrical contact…the leads of the 179 act as an antenna and pick up on the EMI field if the inverter is working. Note: Some CCFL data sheets I’ve seen spec 60kHz and most meters only go up to 50kHz, if that. Continuity test function very quick…will sense opens/shorts that are 250us or longer.” Read More
