Fluke 117 Malaysia vs Fluke China 18B+ 

Thank you - I appreciate you!

Thanks Carlos! It is a good meter and will be a solid performer. I think they are priced a bit high especially when they provide such crummy test leads. You can check these leads out which are pretty sweet and are low cost: amzn.to/3b1S0dE

@@KissAnalog Awesomeness!!! What a sweeeeet price, I'll definitely get those, thank you!

@@Carl_rome_ ... no kidding... I think I am getting a set as well !!

Thank you! I appreciate that. I feel bad that I spent so much on these two Flukes that I could have bought a nice Flir;)

Thanks Ian! That does help, and I have to admit - I've done that test myself;) Usually though, if it is really important, it is worth the time to hit each pin and be sure. For a small meter, I like the Aneng meters;) I have one and just used it today;)

@@KissAnalog fast continuity test response is indeed a useful thing in cases where your circuit behave weird, like it shows short for a tiny amount of time and then goes open the very next moment. Also, for testing wires for a cut, a non-latching continuity test is much more appropriate, as its reaction time is not dependent on any background processing.

Yes, I think it is well made. But I find even the low cost meters seem to be well made. I do like the features of the 17B+ better than the 18B+. I have some new meters that I am anxious to review. I really want to try them out;)

Thanks so much. I appreciate you!

Well said! Thank you!

Thanks for your feedback! Yes electronics are pretty reliable these days so I am not surprised - regardless of where it is made.

Thanks for bringing this up. So far, I have not seen a CE (for Chinese Export) on a multimeter. Maybe I just missed it - but I try to pay attention to the safety marks. But also the CE (for compliance) is a self certification. However, I have seen Chinese manufacturers pay 3rd party for this mark. Too many people want to talk badly about Chinese made products - instead of finding ways to compete. I did a video on the CE mark and a Chinese company who paid for this safety marking: CE Safety mark for Certification not for Chinese Export - Kaiweets HT118 Multimeter Certified ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-h6eebkRj7YI.html

LOL Paul! I'm with you. I was a loyal Fluke fan but not anymore! I need to try out the Uni-T. I do like my Uni-T ARB generator.

Thanks John! I appreciate you!

This is an awesome feedback! It is really the meter that you like using and has a good feel that really maters. If you know you don't have TRMS and the measurements that you are taking don't have a lot of noise or are mostly sine wave, then you are fine.

Thanks for the feedback! I wish Fluke would step up their game and supply better leads.

Thank you! I’m sorry it was so long. Maybe I should follow up with a short summary video? I try to keep them short but...

@@KissAnalog It's just me. Some other people may like it. I have just wanted to watch a quick review. Right now I am halfway through the video, while trying to repair something so. I thought the TL75 had silicon cables...

The TL75 leads are worse now than ever! Check these out. amzn.to/366lvrZ

@@KissAnalog Thank you. And It is not expensive.

Thanks for this comment. I agree, but it is just too sensitive. Maybe if I wore rubber gloves;) When my hand sets it off, you just don't know if it is your body or something close to the meter...

Thank you! I agree, it is like the LED test is more interesting because it lights up;) I need to get a Uni-T meter to evaluate.

Thanks Tony! I appreciate your feedback;) I just think that if you have been purchasing Fluke meters for as long as I have, and know their part numbers, then it is a big suprise when the leads come out like this. They should change the PN when they change the material. At Fluke prices they should provide great test leads, not be coming up with the worst leads in the market. It is shameful. And sad - to see the bean counters ruining what used to be a market leader:( Wow, that sounds like an interesting meter! I'll have to see what you do with it.

@@KissAnalog Well, last night my laser printer stopped working so I had to replace it.... Than I always disassemble everything that is broken and use the parts, so it was after 10PM and right now, I must do some work... but I hope to play with it shortly. The manual is just one page - double sided and little more on the second page - that is it. The reason I purchased it is to run it as a adjustable power supply from 500V to 5K volts for some of my experiments - I love sparks and making people uncomfortable so they get scared a little and WOW at the end. ha ha ha I also like to scare myself, so when I get my big Tesla Coil assembled, I'll take it outside, when testing! I'm sure it is safe inside the house, but this one is a very large version!

Thanks for all the great feedback! I agree with so much of what you said, but I do want to point out a few things that I believe. First, Fluke was originally made for the every day user - but as time has gone on that has changed - but that is how they made such a great name for themselves. Everyone in school, hobbyist, and professional used them. But today they are just too expensive. Second point I want to make, is I have worked in military projects and have been in the Airforce, and I don't know of any documents that require Fluke to be used. They might point out some Fluke model, but almost assuredly they will say this or equivalent. There are many makers that will offer calibration services and drift is not an issue as they require calibration every year. The truth as I see it, buyers and lab managers have already had certain equipment approved, so if engineers like me don't ask for something different, then they just buy the same model every year. IMHO that's why the 189 was killed because Fluke realized their mistake and didn't want the 87 killed. Don't rock the boat...if buyers had to go out for new approvals - they would have to compare to other equipment and they are simply too lazy to do that. And Engineers like me just accept what is in the lab. It is only this channel that opened my eyes.

LOL :)

Thank you!

Thanks Jonathan, you are right! I actually had that in my notes to show and I must have forgotten. Have you seen this video that I show the 117 in? ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-QE-GLS_dZI0.html

I think you are right. It bothers me because it puts too much emphases on speed and not the tone or loudness. And the speed thing is so subjective and has too many variables. I think it evolved into a circus show;)

Yes that is true. But neither is made in the US or comes with the limited lifetime warranty. This is new news to many who think Fluke is still the US made meter that comes with a lifetime warranty. Only the higher cost meters actually made in the US come with the 'limited' lifetime warranty. This is to the best of my knowledge.

thanks i think ill just get the fluke 87-V (right?)

@@JasonSmith-fu6oi ??? As you say, Fluke is overpriced. Finding a responsive meter that meets one's needs is the most important thing. I was just amazed how a Fluke 87, two days older than dirt, is better and more responsive than some meters available today. You also mention that testers skipping the probes together to test the continuity beeper is garbage. It may not be how you realistically use a meter, but I think what they are trying to test/show, it the responsiveness of the continuity beeper, in order to have confidence in it (AND THE PROBE TIPS). I have experienced myself using those junk fluke probes poor responsiveness out of continuity. Replace them with a good probe set with good plates probe tips and that can make a world of difference. So skating the probe tips across each other does have some merit. Add some crappy probe to a DVM that is less responsive and one looses confidence is a DVM that your not watching the screen all the time. I had that issue with the 121GW, which probably knee jerked me back to using a Fluke 87, two days older than dirt and scared me off of new non-fluke meters. Fluke was all I knew and trusted. It is all that we ever had at the company I worked at for 37 years. We knew of no other meter brands. With your videos I see there is a lot other stuff out there. I had tried cheap DVMs and my #1 complaint was probably the responsiveness of the auto ranging ohms readings, especially reading low resistance. I assumed the more you paid for a meter, the better is was. I assumed if it was designed by an engineer that you admired, the better it was. I got burned in the responsiveness category. This particular guy seems to have redeemed himself with the BM786. Before that, I thought that Agilent might of had the best hand held DVM, but big big bucks. So, I do very much appreciate your hand held meter examinations.

Thanks @Daveyk021, you make many great points! I liked the Fluke 87, and the original had a better kickstand and test leads. I've used the newer versions over the years as it is the basic meter that all labs seem to choose. When we got the a 189, we all wanted to use it;) Much better meter with much better display. Now, the 87 is showing its age and has climbed to a ridiculous price - mostly be cause labs buy it by default. I think that's why Fluke doesn't change it too much - they don't want to rock the boat. I do think that the price and lack of innovation will hurt Fluke in the near future. I think there are enough other choices out there now, that they have to be losing revenue. But Danaher owns them and Tektronix, so they have an in automatically with many labs. And there is the false belief that Fluke is still the best. IMHO

Yes these leads do need to be tossed. But honestly, after being ripped off by Fluke - I would buy a lower cost silicone lead from someone else. It is a shame that they get our business by default, and no longer have to earn it. Thank you fir making this point;) I appreciate you!

Yes, some are made in China, but others are made in Malaysia as I showed here. The current clamp meters, I think, have always been made in Taiwan. Only the most expensive models are made in the US - from what I understand. I agree - I don't think they compete anymore - at the price point.

Always welcome! I appreciate you!

I think Flukes are too expensive and don't offer the features that meters from say Hioki or FLIR offer. The 70 Series and 80 Series are made in the US, but they are around 20 years old - and cost more than better competitors IMHO;) The 289 is made in the US but is my least favorite meter that I have because it is so big and goes thru batteries like crazy - also the screen isn't awesome. I'd like to see them get competitive again as I used to be a Fluke fan. One of my favorite meters is the 189, but sadly it isn't made anymore and was over priced too. Buying used is a crap shoot because you don't know how old the meter might be and if it is beat up. The pix of the 189 looked good, but the terminals are beat up:(

@@KissAnalog You not the first person to mention that the 189 was their favourite meter! I have the Brymen 867s and I love it. I feel technology has overtaken regular multimeters with what smart phones are capable of now. Maybe multimeters should have more features, colour screens, graphing readouts and higher resolution? I don’t know……

Thanks for the great feedback!

Thanks for the feedback! But I'll have to disagree with that. Anyone that can stand up and explain why another piece of equipment is being used has my respect. I have worked in SPACE and Defense industries for much of my career and I have never heard of anyone caring what equipment was being used. I have never written a troubleshooting spec calling out a specific instrument. I might call one out and say 'this XXX or something equal'. And that's the way I've seen others write specs. The only thing I've ever seen challenged is whether or not the thing is in cal. A multimeter is so trivial that most of us never ask for a specific meter. When it comes to scopes - now that's another subject;)

Great point! It seems like every feature is a new model number with a higher cost.

Thanks Marc from Texas;) I appreciate you!

They do use good components on par with other higher end multimeter makers. The lowest cost meters will use aluminum caps. You know, at first I thought it was a shield but then I was looking for the non-contact voltage antenna - and it looked like it was using this metal thing;) It could function as both, a shield for the circuitry and a pick up for the non-contact... It was the most sensitive detector that I've found...unusable I think on the Hi setting.

That is awesome! I think I just bought the same meter and didn’t even realize it was a clone;) I’ll do a video very soon on it! Looks great so far!

The TL71 are nice leads. They should provide those by default. I agree, if you look back - i think their fall or 'hold-fast' mentality took over then. And then the sold out to Danaher, so the bean counters are in control now. And Danaher had Tektronix stop making their meters, so Fluke took that tech - which brought about the 189. Since - nothing good... Too bad:(

Thank you!

Thank you for your feedback! I appreciate you taking the time! I like that idea. I need to get more creative and do that.

Viewers typically have an attention span of around 15 minutes, many even play videos at faster speeds. I watch far too many RU-vid videos and tend to avoid the longer videos.

@@KissAnalogdon’t worry, many of us search out long videos for the reason we enjoy them as background learning, I personally avoid short videos so I like your format.

Thanks for the great feedback! There are also lower cost options that are not cheap Chinese meters that are built with equal quality and better features than the Fluke meters. Amprobe AM570 is better and they are owned by the same company that owns Fluke. Testo is also a great option. Fluke is charging too much for what you get IMHO;)

@@KissAnalog Actually the AM570 is currently 15 bucks more expensive than the 17B+ on Amazon, for the moment anyway. I do like Amprobes, however, and yes they tend to sport more features than the Fluke counterparts.

@@Sui778 The Amprobe is worth more than this Fluke as it is TrueRMS and has much better leads. IMHO of course;)

@@KissAnalog Agreed.

Thanks for your feedback. But, I do want to clarify - the Fluke 117 (I think is what you meant the 17 is even lower in capability), and it can read both AC and DC voltage and current (which most meters can) - but it does not have AC+DC mode. This is found on higher end multimeters. IMHO the testo 760-2 is a far superior meter that can do both the lowZ and also has the high frequency filter for noise voltage measurements as found on variable frequency drives. It also comes with silicone leads and has an IP64 rating (Ingress Protection) - which I don't think the 117 is even rated. It even cost $50 less. amzn.to/3uTYzeI

Thanks for the great question. I like the UT195E as it has a better IP rating so better protection against dust and water. It is also a much better price - about half I think ;) Please use my affiliate link: amzn.to/4fCQWfB

Thanks for your feedback! I have always believed that you get what you pay for. But, I don’t think that when we are talking about these yellow meters - IMHO. I think in some cases like this you pay for the name - blindly. I think there are better options for much less, so you don’t have to pay so much for what you get. Here’s a great example. IMHO this meter is far better and cost less than either of these two in this video. Best Electricians Multimeter Shootout and Extech EX355 Review - audio corrected:) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-d5F3-EWLI-I.html

Well cost cutting is needed to hit price point. But these el cheapo meters work okay. Measurements are still spot on though. Isn't that what matters.

@@jonfreeman9682 you Sir must be a very lucky ... I've been fiddling with matters of electronics for 60 odd years, and I am yet to find an accurate 'cheep' measuring device ... the old "you only get what you pay for" still applies, in my opinion ...

@@oldskeptic1513 You're right. My el cheapo meters have hardly any components inside so it's accuracy is suspect. I've never baseline tested them to better spec'd certified equipment. Also there's hardly any protection for high voltage as well. It's good for basic home applications but not for commercial or industrial use.

Thanks so much Gerardo! Great question, but my answer is to buy neither;) I think the Amprobe AM570 is a much better meter and comes with better test leads. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-eXpOGmTzqts.html

Sorry you didn't like it Ike. All good meters, but did they come with these new super stiff leads? My Flukes that I bought not that long ago had much better leads. Nota acceptable quality for a top priced meter.

@@KissAnalog I can agree about the included leads, but these are easy enough to replace, though buying OEM Fluke leads can be pricey.

@@MrPenguinLife You are right Ike, but at this price Fluke should be supplying better leads, at least as good as their older leads (before going to this new material). Especially when the company that owns them also owns Pomona who makes there better leads, and could supply them with better leads. Just seems like penny pinching (bean counters ruining the company).

Thanks for this question! I have looked at Hioki meters, but the price is a bit high here in the US. I do want to get one though;)

I haven't used that to calibrate. Would the relative feature help in your measurements?

Thanks for asking but I don’t think Fluke would loan me one an that thing costs $5000 USD😳

Thanks Winston! I respect your point.

Thanks for asking! I think this meter is a much better meter at a much better price IMHO;) amzn.to/3UCgOQP

I see ETL becoming more of a competitor to UL, so I like to see one of these if I want to recommend for CAT III or especially CAT IV work. I'm surprised the lower cost Amazon Commercial comes with the mark;)

Thanks and sorry about that;)

@@KissAnalog It would be awesome if you reviewed some budget bench top multimeters :) Since I have a halfway decent hand held one I'm looking for a good bench top unit next :)

Thanks for that feedback! I agree, you can get good results from less expensive meters for sure!

@@KissAnalog sometimes im thinking of buying good quality meters but damd even that fluke 18b+ from china is very expensive here in the Philippines it ranges 5 to 7k pesos, which is about mybe 140 usd..

Wow, that is expensive! What other brands do you find common in the Philippines?

LOL Thanks for that Lasse!

I agree with you. I would choose the 17 from these, but I'd actually rather choose a meter with a different name on it. I just feel that you don't get as much for your money - and you give up features that others provide.

Thanks! Not a bad meter - just expensive. ;)

Thanks for the feedback! I think that price is just too high;) The Amprobe AM570 is such a better option IMHO at $50 less, and comes with much better test leads (and owned by the same company as Fluke). The Testo is also worth looking at: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-QE-GLS_dZI0.html

Thanks for your feedback!

I think any 3 of these would have great support. I’d throw in the GW Instek into this group, and for the price of the Keysight, you can get a much better scope from GW Instek, who has been around for a long time. I get immediate support on any question from GW Instek, and am put into contact with the tech support engineer. At Siglent I have one contact as the filter. They are helpful but I don’t have direct access to the guy with the answers. I think you will find Keysight that way too. Rigol doesn’t respond to me, but then I don’t own any of their equipment.

Thanks - great question. The 117 is so high priced IMHO. I don’t think the 18B+ was even supposed to be sold in the US. I think this is a far better option: amzn.to/46DWvq0

I think you are right. I think it is the lack of a good display, they can't use a color like some 'cheep' Chinese meters;) And they don't have a dual display to show what's going on, so the 'blanket' warning sounds right;)

Thanks for the feedback. Which meter is this? Is it this new one that seems to come with a nice set of leads and probes? amzn.to/457scFO

Actually it's the ANENG AOS02 which looks like the same thing

Thanks!

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-i9jpwGTy66g.html&si=kCFAG9p1zZTjIKhz

Great question! I think both meters will be very safe when used properly. The BM869s is tested and certified to CAT IV at 1000V where these Flukes are certified at one level lower at CAT III at 600V. They both come with high rupture fuses, so that test in the video link would probably be no big deal for either meter - but then we don't know the voltage used in the test. High rupture fuses are necessary for opening when there is a high level of available current - but it also has to be within the voltage rating. BTW, that test was with the leads in the current port - and it looked like a low cost meter, and probably not certified at any CAT rating.

I like this meter as it is very powerful and has a free app for your phone so you can set the meter and go turn on a breaker or something and watch the meter. Also, it can measure power factor. Price is good too. Here's a video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GasvW-W3vBw.html

Great question. OK, there is only one difference between the 17b+ and 18B+; the 17B+ has temp and the 18B+ has the LED test (higher voltage). They are both over priced and they both come with crap leads IMHO. Amprobe is owned by the same company as Fluke and the AM570 is lower price, better leads, and more functions: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-eXpOGmTzqts.html

It is IMHO that these are all over priced and there are many better options. Here's one here by EEVblog: amzn.to/41HAXWR

​@@KissAnalogbrymen bm789 or brymen bm869s? Bm789 has non-contact voltage detection but resistor measurement parameters are lower. And bm869s is more accurate but does not have ncv. And which one is better? Because both have similar parameters. I would take it with ncv, but the accuracy is 0.03% and bm869s is 0.02%. Is there not much difference here?

I am really disapointed that they take advantage of the loyalty that we give them. It is one thing to ask top dollar - but another level of uck, when the leads need to be replaced. The TL175 are some of my favorites - but at $35 they are also over priced. And they are made by Pomona - another Danaher company. Danaher owns Pomona and Fluke, you would have thought that they did that to help Fluke with better leads.

Thank you! Your answer - these Flukes are not as nice. Plain and simple. I need to get one of those Uni-T195E units - it sounds fantastic!!

@@KissAnalog I appologize for the misinformation. UT195E doesn't have a dual display, UT195DS has.

Right now, I like the Amprobe and Testo. amzn.to/3cm7p7S

Good question - but I don’t think so.

Thanks Tim - great feedback! I think recent technology where large ICs do most the work and everyone now is using the same plastics (which plastic technology is so much better the last decades), that all electronics should last many years (except for the batteries of course). I think it is too bad that Fluke hasn't improved their displays (Much), and they savings manufacturing in asia hasn't lowered their prices. I really think it is because so many buy them based on their old reputation.

Thanks - I'm on the lookout;)

Fantastic point - and it is only a 4k count meter. This Uni-T is a much better buy IMHO. Please use my affiliate link: amzn.to/4fCQWfB

Thank you for the great feedback! I agree with you, and I don’t think any of the + models are worth $100. Yes that is a Greenlee and I understand that it is a rebadged Btymen. It would compare closer to the 87 but would blow the 87 away;) Thank you, I do need to do a video on that meter.

Thanks for asking. Sorry, I don't know where to purchase in China? You want the Fluke 28II?

Thanks Fried mule!! The CE mark is a self certification. So, it is actually the lowest cost and easiest mark to get. That CUL is probably the next lowest cost and that’s why the lower cost Flukes have them. Everyone has the CE by example. The UL, ETL, and TUV are harder to get and cost much more.

Thanks for asking. There's also the Q1 which is like an automatic version of the Q10. amzn.to/48AnJNP

The BM869s is a far better meter than either of these in this video IMHO. But it is more expensive too. The BM786 is also a far better meter and is a great price. amzn.to/41HAXWR

​@@KissAnalogAnd the accuracy?bm786?

@@KissAnalog Resistance measurement accuracy, good? I would buy a more expensive one. But I don't know about the battery contacts in the device? Will they last me a long time? More reliable looks in a cheaper device.

That's a great question! I heard that they sent these overseas, but ended up bringing the 179 back to the states. I think it is just been in the lineup too long and is a flagship meter, so they brought it back. Currently, I think there is a 179-C version still made in China that comes with their global warranty, but the US made version comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Probably public perception...IMHO Not sure about this information, but it is

I agree;) Thanks for the feedback!

LOL, there are actually 2 CE marks, and one is Chinese Export, but the CE marking on these meters is for the multimeter safety rating for EN 61010

Sorry, I usually measure that. The loaded voltage is specified at 2 V, but I think it is near 2.5 V unloaded.

@@KissAnalog ok sir thankyou

I think you’ll be happy with it. I actually like it far more than the Flukes;)

LOL sorry about that...I'll be more careful next time;)

Thanks Jerry - and yes - Flukes are made with quality. But so are lots of other meters. Well, actually the new Fluke leads bite big time IMHO:)

Not talking about $9.99 specials. Anything $30+

I have to agree with you Steven!

LOL ;)

Not at all - I used to be a big fan, but now know that there are so many better options IMHO. I am trying to help people understand the truth about all the great options of meters. There are so many people that think that Flukes are made in the US, and yes a few are - the higher cost models. But these lower cost models are obviously not. So many people knock meters that are made in the same places that cost several times less.

Thank you! Another reason it is way overpriced! ;) IMHO

Yes - today Fluke is just name owned by the danaher Corp. Some are made In Malaysia too;)

Yes - I would have to agree. There are just too many great options today.

What do you mean 'Knock off'? These are made by Fluke - just in other countries than some might think.

Great option;)