My Review of the Fluke 179 ESFP True RMS Multimeter

Making electrical measurements such as current, voltage and resistance at the same time is an invaluable way to get the information that you need quickly. If you work with electronics or you are doing some home wiring, then you have probably come to the realization that you are in need of a multimeter.

There are two broad of choices of multimeter - digital and analog.  You may be wondering, "which of the two is better?"

In my research and experience, I have come to believe that digital multimeters are superior. This is mostly because they are inexpensive and more widely available. One digital multimeter that really impressed me is called the Fluke 179 ESFP True RMS Multimeter. The accuracy of this meter and its extra features are what really sold me.

What you should look for in a digital multimeter

When you are looking for a new multimeter, you should keep a few things in mind including:

• Design 
• Accuracy 
• Features 
• Warranty 

The Fluke 179 ESFP True RMS Multimeter really stands out in all of these categories.

How is this meter designed?

The company behind this multimeter is Fluke Corporation. If you have ever worked with electronic measuring devices, then there's a good chance that you have heard of Fluke. They are really at the top of the industry. They have been producing high quality and durable products for years and have thousands of loyal customers in the field of electronics.

The Fluke 179 stays within this tradition.  Almost all of the customer reviews that I read mention how durable and reliable the meter is. It is constructed of heavy duty plastic and the entire unit is covered with a thick yellow rubber holster to give some added protection. Many users have commented that they feel comfortable throwing this unit into their toolbox and not having to worry about breaking it. The range selector switch has been designed to be twisted easily with one hand and is recessed in the unit. This means that the switch knob will not break, even if you drop the entire unit.

A great design improvement included in the Fluke 179 multimeter is a larger display screen. Other models in the 170 series have small display screens and customers often complained that they could not read the numbers. So, to improve upon this, the display screen is now at 6000 count resolution and includes a built in back-light If you have ever worked in low light conditions, then you will appreciate the back-light that switches on with the push of a button.

Can the Fluke 179 take accurate measurements?

One of the most common problems with multimeters is the accuracy of the measurements that they take. With the development of digital multimeters, the accuracy of measurements increased greatly. Accuracy is measured in percentages, with a lower percentage representing a more accurate reading. The Fluke 179 takes incredibly accurate measurements - while most digital meters have an accuracy of about 0.5%, the Fluke 179 has been rated at a 0.09% accuracy.

Of course, the Fluke 179 can take all of the standard measurements that most digital multimeters can. This includes the ability to take resistance, continuity and diode measurements. You can also capture frequency, capacitance and voltage measurements.

What are the features of the Fluke 179?

Along with all of the standard measurements that you are able to take with the meter, you will also enjoy some extra features. The first feature is the tilt stand. When taking several measurements, you are able to pull out the stand and put the meter in a position that lets you read the display screen hands free. You'll also find that replacing the battery on this meter is very simple. You simply remove the tilt stand to reach the battery compartment. No longer do you have to remove the entire back cover of the meter.

The meter produces true RMS (root means square) readings, which means that you will never again have to refer to a manual to get accurate measurements. The meter also allows auto-ranging so you can simply switch the knob to whatever quantity you would like to measure and the meter will automatically give you a meaningful reading.

On top of all of this, it comes with a temperature probe as well. Users have found the temperature probe quite useful in many applications.

How long is the warranty?

Fluke offers an exceptional warranty on this meter. It is covered under a limited lifetime warranty which provides protection against workmanship and material defects for the life of the product. Plus, the warranty covers the display screen for the first 10 years that you own it.

What are real customers saying about the Fluke 179?

Take just a moment to read some user reviews and you'll find all kinds of positive comments.   Here are a few:

"Well made, durable...should last for many years."
"Super accurate...meter readings can be trusted."
"I can always trust that the meter I buy from Fluke will be top notch, and this meter is no different!"
"You cant go wrong with the Fluke 179. Just look at what you get... for a very reasonable price."

Are there any complaints?

I read through many real user reviews, but quite honestly, it was difficult to find many complaints. This is because Fluke has designed the meter so well and it performs as promised. However, there was one small complaint I should mention.

This particular model of meter does not come with a case. Many electricians enjoy having a separate case for their multimeters, but there are many other users who do not seem to care much about that. Either way, you shouldn't have a problem finding a case that will fit the 179 model.

You can read more customer reviews here, and see for yourself.

Where can you purchase one?

In conclusion...

I hope that my review of the Fluke 179 ESFP True RMS Multimeter has helped you decide if it is the right meter for you. If you take just a few moments to read some of the rave reviews, I'm sure that you will find that this is the meter is the one you're looking for.