Fluke 17B+ Digital Multimeter Review

Рет қаралды 44,450

6 жыл бұрын

Looking for a genuine & powerful Fluke multimeter for cheap? If so, you may want to consider the 17B+; provided you don't mind forgoing true RMS, a working hold function & no warranty.
The Fluke 17B+ has many of the same features/functions of their flagship 87V, yet is 1/4 the cost. If you don't want to spend a fortune, yet get a safe and robust Fluke DMM, the 17B+ represents awesome value & performance. I've had my 17B+ for over 2 years now, use it almost daily, and it's working a treat just like my other Fluke DMM's have over the years.
Product and English owners manual links below:
Fluke 17B+ DMM: amzn.to/2ITFvRw
Fluke 17B+ English Manual: dam-assets.fluke.com/s3fs-pub...
Fluke 17B+ Product Page: www.fluke.com/en-vn/product/e...
EEVBlog's Fluke 17B Teardown: • EEVblog #344 - Fluke 1...
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Пікірлер: 102

@Rchelicopterfun 4 жыл бұрын

July 2022, four year update on the Fluke 17b+. It's still working great and I could not be happier with the performance and my purchase decision. It's holding its accuracy very well on all functions and that large LCD is a real treat to view, especially at distance. The temp probe is holding up and has seen some rough use. I did end up getting the nicer soft silicone Fluke TL-71 test leads for it which are holding up better than the TL-75 set it came with. I guess that's the only little complaint. Considering the few dollar cost difference between the TL-75 and TL-71 lead sets, I would have happily paid a little more for the meter to get the better TL-71 leads.

@Baerchenization 3 жыл бұрын

I downloaded the manual, but I am too n00b to figure what the differences between the 15/17/18 models are. I see the 17B+ and 18B+ are the same price on Ebay, so does higher number equal better, or do they have certain features for different purposes? I.e. which one do I want? :) Thanks ! I just started fixing an amplifier, so already bought a bottom of the barrel capacitor tester, ESR meter and Uni-T clamp meter (actually got the clamp for my car, but never used it).

@ciaranocallaghan5113 3 жыл бұрын

@@Baerchenization Neither one is better than the other. It's just they trade certain functionalities with each other. For example, the temperature feature on the 17B+ is replaced by an LED tester on the 18B+. The 18B+ also does not have a min max or relative level feature. Which one you go for depends on what you plan on using it for.

@fiskfisk33 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this!

@keenowl1410 Жыл бұрын

How much of an issue have you had by it not being trms?

@Kalma-cn Ай бұрын

my 17b+ broken, function button including lights hold and range not functioning

@ClintonSnow 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent video, I like your good explanation about this Fluke 17B+ please make more interesting video like this again.

@robc8468 4 жыл бұрын

You can mimic the hold function just hit the min max button with the meter disconnected so your min will be zero and your max value will be the actual voltage stored and "held" when you connect the meter to the source. BTW the nice thing about 9 volt batteries as used in your older Fluke is the don't generally leak since 9volt batteries are double sealed. A fluke meter deserves a pair of enloope AA batteries which will never leak and ruin your meter. Another tip get rid of your PVC leads and order a set of Probemaster leads directly off the website for about $20 USD you will never go back and your continuity latching will be faster with both meters. Nice review I have the Fluke 12E, the 15B+ and the 101. BTW nice review.

@daixtr 3 жыл бұрын

I just bought this 17B+ last week. I had two analog Yx360trf died on me every 10 years despite they are slightly used and kept in cabinet batteries removed. This 3rd time around, I buy digital Fluke 17B+, it will not be used on a daily basis but I like it to be around when needed and my previous two analog Yx360trf died on me. I hope, I can passed on this 17B+ to my son when he grows up.

@georgemalouf4298 11 ай бұрын

I just purchased the same model today. I’m just here to check what type of batteries as they didn’t include batteries inside the box. I appreciate your review as this is the first time ever I get my hands on a digital multimeter.

@jeffg8672 2 жыл бұрын

I work on aircraft and we have all types of flukes. Including models with insulation test and thermal imaging. They are all calibrated and certified yearly because of rules/regs and a critical accuracy environment. This sounds like the perfect meter for home use with the fluke name and quality for someone that can appreciate what they’re buying. I may purchase this. Luckily my work owns all the expensive stuff when needed lol.

@Rchelicopterfun 2 жыл бұрын

Yep, a good little meter for home/hobby use - thanks for the visit.

@benjassman 3 жыл бұрын

Nice review, thanks.

@Rchelicopterfun 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful

@ramschannelreviews 3 жыл бұрын

Great review thanks. Just a comment at 19:30 about the Hold Function. One of my fellow commenters beat me to it. You're right. The MAX in the MIN-MAX Button isn't a true Hold Function. I gotta say, though, that in my Fluke 115 which also doesn't have a true Hold, but has MIN-MAX, that MAX function has been really useful in automatically holding values- with the caveat that the user understands what's going on, something which you explained below. That button (and backlight) increases the usability of the Fluke 17B+. Even the more expensive 18B+ doesn't have that button.

@fatguyonagrom9515 5 жыл бұрын

The only brand I trust, had plenty of UEI, Fieldpiece, and Amprobes all have literally bit my butt. Just wish they still made the 16 but after 15yrs of daily fun stuff it finally went out. Since I got a 116 and 324+. Real Working Meters nuff said

@robertojrcruz8506 28 күн бұрын

Thank you for the review Sir

@Rchelicopterfun 28 күн бұрын

thank you too for watching 🙂

@asteceletronica1872 4 жыл бұрын

Olá amigo, poderia me informar qual a tensão gerada nas ponteiras qdo ele está na escala de diodo?

@joey24698 Жыл бұрын

I don't know about 4 years ago but you can buy the same exact meter today boxed as an International version which gives you a 1 year warranty in any country it's sold.

@scientist100 4 жыл бұрын

Screen appears to have some sort of overcast shadow, I noticed this on your video so it appears to be normal, it is more visible under sunlight when working with vehicles.

@Qogicx 3 жыл бұрын

Nice video, very informative review I have a question, does it beep on diode mode when searching for shorts?

@Rchelicopterfun 3 жыл бұрын

Only beeps during short in continuity mode.

@muhammadeggy2129 6 ай бұрын

Yeah, for light use around the house and twiddling around for motorcycle or a car, i think this is the best value for price to performance, im thinking to get the 117 but the price is twice as much as these 17b+ series. On another note, i think this type mainly sold for China and Asia market as you already said. But in here fortunately we get the english language for the box.

@scientist100 4 жыл бұрын

If you really wanted a graph bar, you'd probably want an oscilloscope in that case, one of those china pocket scopes which have fast response and graph readings very nicely.

@MrDoneboy 4 жыл бұрын

Wow...I already own an original 87 without the V...and I just ordered a 17B as well. Wish me luck!

@Rchelicopterfun 4 жыл бұрын

Fingers crossed!

@trilomann Жыл бұрын

i have this same meter and im happy with it but when doing resistance checks it starts counting down and its a bit annoying. Anyone got a fix for that ?

@dntlss 3 жыл бұрын

This is nice to know,i have a 115 and i was needing to measure miliamps which mine doesn't have that function,this one would take care of that problem right? i was wanting a 87 just because it had all those functions and then some but i think this one would suit me just fine specially the price,I'm a casual meter user but i enjoy having tools even if i dont need them at the time, there is always that time when you need them and then you dont have them.

@Rchelicopterfun 3 жыл бұрын

Milliamps are no issue for the 17B+. It also has a separate scale for micro amps (uA) if you need to go even lower. It doesn't have true RMS however, and is only 4000 count compared to your 6000 count 115, and no bar scale if any of those features are super important. Still for the price, the 17B+ offers great value with the customary Fluke safety & quality if you don't mind forgoing more of the advanced functions that the 87V has. Like you, I've had my eye on the 87 series for the past decade, but I just can't justify the cost for the basic & primary hobbyist type stuff I need a DMM for.

@dntlss 3 жыл бұрын

@@Rchelicopterfun Thank you so much for the quick reply and your input, much appreciated.

@ronaldallanperez3064 4 жыл бұрын

When testing an led with the 17B+, I wonder if the LED lights up? I’m definitely getting a 17B+ now. Thanks

@Rchelicopterfun 4 жыл бұрын

Yes it will (in diode test), but only red, green, yellow, orange. Like most DMM's diode test, it doesn't have enough forward voltage to drive blue or white LED's.

@jdryyz 4 жыл бұрын

Can the temp sensor be placed in direct contact with something you would like to measure or is it ambient only? I want to be able to measure chip temps. They can get pretty hot sometimes. I am sure there is an upper limit to the probe. I would not want to exceed that.

@Rchelicopterfun 4 жыл бұрын

Fluke states the range is -40 to +260 Celsius (-40 to +500F). I've had the probe tip in molten solder and no issues.

@jdryyz 4 жыл бұрын

@@Rchelicopterfun Wow. I did not actually read up on the specs yet. I think I am safe then. :)

@Bodragon 3 жыл бұрын

(19:11) - But doesn't the "Max" of the "Min/Max" function do pretty much the same as what the "Hold" function of your old 79 does ? >

@Rchelicopterfun 3 жыл бұрын

Not really. With the 79 or any DMM with a true "hold", every time you take a reading with hold on, regardless if the value is higher, lower, or the same, it beeps to confirm it measured and stored the value. Basically every time you remove the test leads and take another voltage reading of something, it stores that value on the display regardless of what was stored on it before. The 17B+ (or any DMM) in min/max mode on the other hand will only record & store the value if it's higher or lower than the highest or lowest value already stored. So if for example you were probing various voltage potentials on a power bus/rail, the only way it would record a new value is if it was higher than the highest or lowest value recorded thus far. It wouldn't store/show a thing if the reading was anywhere between the mix & max already registered.

@ivanthegreat79 4 жыл бұрын

Hi John. What about fluke 116 for gas engineers? I'm in UK and I'm really confused with multimeters fluke 114-117 series. Many thanks.

@Rchelicopterfun 4 жыл бұрын

As I have no idea what particular features a Gas Engineer would be looking for in a multi-meter, I have no idea if the 116 would be a good choice or not. The 116 as you likely know is marketed toward the HVAC technician, with features an HVAC tech would find useful such as min/max/average temperature, true RMS, frequency and duty cycle. Of course, with Fluke's customary rock solid robustness, reliability, calibration, and tested/realistic CAT ratings.

@ivanthegreat79 4 жыл бұрын

@@Rchelicopterfun Thanks for your reply. I think a 116 would be great choice for gas engineers.

@daixtr 3 жыл бұрын

Check what CAT rating a gas engineer needs, and choose the appropriate Fluke model for it

@miko2694 Жыл бұрын

Diode test has no beeps on 17b+ i prefer to have beeps like 87v its more useful hearing the beeps

@keenowl1410 Жыл бұрын

😄 that's great. For 700 dollars you can have that feature. 😄

@joseheredia9275 4 жыл бұрын

Do they need periodical calibration?

@robc8468 4 жыл бұрын

Flukes hold calibration almost "forever" only if you are doing very very precise lab work should you need calibration and traceability.

@howie119 4 жыл бұрын

The 87 v is damn near perfect.

@Rchelicopterfun 4 жыл бұрын

Yes it is, and for $500+ CND I would expect no less.

@cardsigner 2 жыл бұрын

I have a new Fluke 17B+ and it could not read the ohm value of a light bulb, despite the bulb is ok. The ohm resistance is just too high. And then I used an analog Sanwa YX360, and it move very slightly, almost un-noticeable so at least the analog meter detected a connection. Today, my ordered Aneng 8009 arrived and I tested the light bulb and it read 6MOhm and 16MOhm of the two light bulbs. Is the 6Mohm beyond the read capacity of Fluke 17B+? Can you try to read such value?

@Rchelicopterfun 2 жыл бұрын

All the specs are listed in the 17B+ manual which I link to in the description - you can find your answer there. Sounds to me like you might have not been in a low enough range? In the 4.000 M-Ohm range, resolution is stated at 0.001 MOhm +/- 1.5%

@cardsigner 2 жыл бұрын

@@Rchelicopterfun I already tried every manual range, still didn't get a read. Can you try some?

@Rchelicopterfun 2 жыл бұрын

@truth adjustr - Tried my 17B+ last night on the highest value resistor I could find in my resistor bin (4.7 M Ohm), worked fine. No problem, even using the auto scale. If I went to manual, it read over OL in every scale but the highest M Ohm scale where it worked fine again. Tried it again checking the internal input resistance of another DMM to see if it would work with a high voltage probe (needs 10 M Ohm to function correctly), and the 17B+ had no issue reading the internal resistance. It read 11 M-Ohms on that particular meter. So the 17B+ has no issues reading high resistance values in that range - just as the specifications indicate.

@hvacae6904 4 жыл бұрын

Its also available in middle east

@Rchelicopterfun 4 жыл бұрын

Good to know :)

@cardsigner 2 жыл бұрын

Why can't it read ohm readings of a working bulb? I used Aneng 8009 it gave me 6Mohm

@Rchelicopterfun 2 жыл бұрын

You tell me why... 1. Faulty meter. 2. Faulty test leads. 3. Operator fault. Mine reads fine down to 4.7 M-Ohm and could likely even go lower if I had a higher value resistor to check.

@kioti15 2 ай бұрын

My 17B+ had English text on the box.

@Rchelicopterfun 2 ай бұрын

Nice

@mikeadler434 Жыл бұрын

👍👍

@oscarmarfori613 11 ай бұрын

2:07 Why you bought the Chinese version? Is it any good?

@Rchelicopterfun 11 ай бұрын

I stated the reason in the video. The 17B+ along with the 15 & 16 are ONLY AVAILABLE FOR THE AISIAN MARKET. Yes, it's been a great DMM, just like every other Fluke meter I've used over the years.

@Munzer1977 6 ай бұрын

What’s the difference between this and the 18B meter ?

@Rchelicopterfun 6 ай бұрын

The 18b doesn't have temperature testing.

@ianrosal1235 4 ай бұрын

is this True RMS like UNI T UT61E+?🤔

@kioti15 2 ай бұрын

Any of the 17b, 17b+ and such are not True RMS

@Catstorm99 5 жыл бұрын

Hi could you answer a question for me? In the Diode range does it do that little Chirp then display the forward voltage? I used to use a fluke to fault find and you could go through a board without looking up hardly. Thanks. I have a Brymen which is a good meter but no little chip/beep on forward diode.

@Rchelicopterfun 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Dave, Nope, unfortunately, no audible chirp; it just shows the minimum forward voltage. My old Fluke 79 does the chirp however so obviously the more "pro-tech" features are omitted on these "priced down" Flukes. I'm pretty sure the 175, 177, 179, and of course the 85 all have that forward bias chirp confirmation (but don't quote me on that) :-)

@Catstorm99 5 жыл бұрын

@@Rchelicopterfun Thanks for checking on this for me John. Hmmm the 175 looks nice. I'll Have to save up a bit. 😊

@Brian-uq6jm 5 жыл бұрын

The 110 series have this. My 117 has a churp sound when detecting a forward voltage drop.

@jackpinecreed6587 4 жыл бұрын

See above

@zexelM 5 жыл бұрын

I belive Uni-t makes this meter for Fluke, same as 113,114,115 and 117 series.

@Dextermorga 4 жыл бұрын

You believe wrong

@miss.wright3035 3 жыл бұрын

what's diff between 17B+ and 17B ?

@Rchelicopterfun 3 жыл бұрын

+ is newer with more fuctions

@miss.wright3035 3 жыл бұрын

@@Rchelicopterfun seems like the 17B is clandestine, Fluke don't want anyone in N. America knowing about it.

@daixtr 3 жыл бұрын

The 17B+ has backlight, a LED alert

@markhb3346 3 жыл бұрын

So after 2 years how is it holding up ? I'm thinking of getting one myself to replace my Fluke 27/FM

@Rchelicopterfun 3 жыл бұрын

Like a Fluke should... No problems, no dramas, and haven't even had to change the batteries yet. Most recent video I did with it was last summer while reviewing a high voltage probe and it worked a treat: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/sN-BqbZ0r5rVXYk.html I still give the 17B+ an enthusiastic 👍 up.

@kaybhee6 2 жыл бұрын

turn on its light

@Robert-ug5hx 2 жыл бұрын

I would disagree with to much meter, everything has control boards now the ability to check them is necessary

@Alex-rv8gw 4 жыл бұрын

Why the user manual is in the Chinese language?

@robc8468 4 жыл бұрын

It's a gray market meter it is made in China to Fluke US design specifications. Fluke never really intended to sell this in the USA market and undercut their higher priced US products I read somewhere there is a pdf file 15b+ user manual available online try google to find it. Also Fluke will not honor the warranty in the USA since this product is a gray market item.

@mark006868 4 жыл бұрын

@@robc8468 It's not a "gray market meter "....It's a meter that is marketed by Fluke for the Chinese market...and bought on the "grey market"...(Grey market products are products traded outside authorized manufacturer channel)....Fluke is a multi-national corporation headquartered in Everett, Washington, USA... Manufacturing centers are located in the USA, the UK, Asia and The Netherlands. ...And just for the record...If you buy a Fluke meter that was marketed North American market....Fluke will not honor the warranty in China because it would be a " gray market item" in China...Fortive owns Fluke and has several Divisions: Professional Instrumentation,Industrial and Technologies.They also have several Subsidiaries besides Fluke Corporation... Gems Sensors & Controls Gilbarco Veeder-Root Advanced Sterilization Products Hengstler GmbH Industrial Scientific Corporation Jacobs Vehicle Systems Matco Tools Qualitrol Setra Systems Tektronix Teletrac Gordian...in closing let me share a little fact....Just because a product comes with a Chinese user manual does not necessarily mean it was made in China...It just means it was supposed to be sold in the Chinese market....

@robc8468 4 жыл бұрын

@@mark006868 Grey Market definition on investopedia: "A grey market is a market in which goods have been manufactured by or with the consent of the brand owner outside the brand owners approved distribution channels. " Of course the these Meters are real Fluke Meters meters but you can not buy the asian/global models like a 15B+ or 17B+ from a authorized USA Fluke Distributor so by bringing them into the US you have made it a grey market meter.. You seem confused between the term Grey Market and Counterfeit. Lastly I Own one USA Fluke and 2 China market imported Fluke meters and I like all of them.

@Rchelicopterfun 3 жыл бұрын

It's available in English on Fluke's Website. Link to the English manual is in the description.

@joey24698 Жыл бұрын

you should have pointed out an important spec it doesn't have, when measuring voltage from a standard generator or average home ups the voltage reading will be wrong because this meter isn't True RMS and thus can't correctly measure non sinewaves

@Rchelicopterfun Жыл бұрын

I did @ 26:44. And no, the AC voltage won't be wrong when measuring mains because like most average-responding DMM's, the AC voltage calculation is calibrated for a symmetrical (pure) sinewave. Only when measuring non-sinusoidal waveforms will the values be off from true RMS. Specifically in your two examples, the generator will be accurate as it's producing a pure sinusoidal waveform. The UPS - it depends. Most UPS's output a square waveform in which case an average responding DMM will read a little high, although I have seen some UPS's fairly accurately output a sinewave or at least a rounded off square wave. In either case it will be within 5 to 10% of true RMS.

@CO-ih2vm 6 ай бұрын

I am having issues with capacitor measure it takes too long and eventually gives wrong readings 😢

@mohammedkito9860 3 жыл бұрын

hey country of origin Multimeter Fluke 117,179

@Dextermorga 4 жыл бұрын

For a110$ it will be great second multimeter to fluke 289.

@jarokowalski3355 Жыл бұрын

ANENG AN870

@jarokowalski3355 Жыл бұрын

ANENG AN870 only £30.

@sujitsingh7446 3 жыл бұрын

It's not TRUE RMS🙁.

@Rchelicopterfun 3 жыл бұрын

If that's a question... correct, it doesn't support true RMS. I do mention that fact in the video @ 26:44

@karlhartl7371 5 жыл бұрын

Its continuity is not spot on becoz of the probe. Try using probe master probes u will be amazed

@aallan8830 5 жыл бұрын

I tried the gold plated Probe Master probes on the 17b+ and it really didn't make much difference at all for continuity testing so, if fast fault testing using continuity is what you require most, this is not the meter for you.

@Brian-uq6jm 5 жыл бұрын

The default TL75 leads for the 17b+ is superb for continuity test. Yeah the wires are stiff, but it's a pair of high quality leads. The problem is the meter itself. Use the TL75 leads on a meter with good continuity test, they'll produce perfect results.

@lllottolll 2 жыл бұрын

You made a 30 minute video but never mention that Fluke will not warranty this meter outside of China. Was that omission on purpose, or just a lack of knowledge?

@Rchelicopterfun 2 жыл бұрын

LOL - Maybe you should actually listen to & watch the video. Perhaps right at the beginning around time index 2:35 ; you know, the part where I specifically mention *"there is no warranty when sold outside of China"* 🖕

@ichiwo1526 Жыл бұрын

wow, you made an ass out of yourself lol...

@keenowl1410 Жыл бұрын

Lol wow....

@keenowl1410 Жыл бұрын

@John Salt lol