The Fluke 787B is a versatile ProcessMeter that combines a professional True-RMS digital multimeter with a precision mA loop calibrator in a single portable instrument.
Designed for industrial maintenance, process instrumentation and electrical troubleshooting, the Fluke 787B allows technicians to measure, source and simulate current signals while providing the essential measurement functions of a digital multimeter.
With a DC voltage measurement range up to 1000 V, current measurement up to 30 mA, resistance measurement up to 40 MΩ and frequency measurement up to 20 kHz, the instrument provides extensive functionality for demanding industrial applications.
The integrated mA loop calibrator supports current sourcing and simulation from 0 to 20 mA or 4 to 20 mA, with an accuracy of 0.05% of span.
The Fluke 787B also offers a high safety rating of CAT III 1000 V and CAT IV 600 V, making it suitable for professional electrical measurements in industrial environments.
Its compact construction, backlit display and battery operation make it ideal for technicians who need reliable measurement and calibration capabilities directly in the field.
europascal supports customers with professional calibration equipment, technical advice and reliable metrological services.
For traceable calibration and regular verification of electrical measuring instruments, visit the europascal Calibration Service.
Your Benefits at a Glance
The Fluke 787B combines the functionality of two professional instruments in one compact device.
Key advantages include:
- Digital multimeter and mA loop calibrator in one instrument
- Measurement, sourcing and simulation of 4–20 mA signals
- DC voltage measurement up to 1000 V
- True-RMS AC voltage measurement up to 1000 V
- DC current measurement up to 30 mA
- Resistance measurement up to 40 MΩ
- Frequency measurement up to 20 kHz
- Current output accuracy of 0.05% of span
- Current measurement resolution of 0.001 mA
- Manual and automatic current stepping
- Automatic slow and fast ramp functions
- Simultaneous display of mA and percentage of span
- True-RMS measurement technology
- Diode and continuity testing
- Min/Max/Average measurement functions
- Hold and relative measurement functions
- Backlit display for improved readability
- CAT III 1000 V and CAT IV 600 V safety ratings
- Fluke Connect compatibility with optional IR3000FC module
- Portable construction weighing approximately 600 g
- Battery operation using four AA batteries
- Suitable for industrial maintenance and calibration
Ideal for Industrial Process Calibration
The Fluke 787B is particularly suitable for technicians working with industrial measurement and control systems.
Many industrial processes use standardized current signals to transmit measurement values between sensors, transmitters, controllers and automation systems.
One of the most common signal standards is:
4–20 mA
The Fluke 787B allows technicians to check these signals directly at the installation site.
The instrument can measure the current flowing through a process loop or generate a defined current signal to test connected equipment.
This makes it useful for commissioning, troubleshooting, maintenance and routine calibration.
Typical applications include checking temperature transmitters, pressure transmitters, flow transmitters, level transmitters and process control systems.
4–20 mA Current Measurement
The Fluke 787B provides precise DC current measurement for industrial process signals.
The manufacturer specifies a current measurement range of:
0 to 30.000 mA
The measurement resolution is:
0.001 mA
The best specified accuracy is:
±(0.05% of reading + 2 counts)
This resolution allows small changes in process current to be detected.
For example, a current of 4 mA typically represents the lower range value of a process transmitter, while 20 mA represents the upper range value.
The Fluke 787B can display the measured current and the corresponding percentage of the configured 4–20 mA span.
This simplifies comparisons between the measured process signal and the values displayed by a controller.
Precision mA Current Source
The Fluke 787B can generate precise DC current signals.
The available output ranges are:
0 to 20 mA
or:
4 to 20 mA
The output range can be selected when the instrument is switched on.
The maximum output current is:
24 mA
The manufacturer specifies a current sourcing accuracy of:
0.05% of span
The current output provides a compliance voltage of up to 24 V.
At an output current of 20 mA, the instrument can drive a load of up to 1200 Ω.
This makes the Fluke 787B suitable for testing analog inputs of programmable logic controllers, process indicators and industrial control systems.
A defined current signal can be generated and compared with the value indicated by the connected equipment.
Current Simulation for Process Loops
In addition to current sourcing, the Fluke 787B supports current simulation.
Current simulation is useful when an external loop power supply is already available.
The Fluke 787B controls the current flowing through the externally powered loop.
The manufacturer specifies an external loop supply voltage of:
15 V to 48 V DC
The simulation function supports current values up to 24 mA.
The specified accuracy is:
0.05% of span
This function is particularly useful when testing process control systems without connecting the original transmitter.
Important: The Fluke 787B does not provide the separate integrated 24 V loop power supply available on the Fluke 789. Its current sourcing function is nevertheless capable of driving a compatible load.
Automatic Current Ramping
The Fluke 787B provides automatic current ramping functions.
These functions allow the output current to change automatically over a defined range.
Available modes include:
- Slow ramp
- Fast ramp
- Automatic 25% steps
Automatic ramping is particularly useful for checking the response of control systems and process indicators.
For example, a 4–20 mA signal can be varied automatically while observing the response of a connected display or controller.
This allows technicians to identify incorrect scaling, unstable indications or signal processing problems.
Manual Current Stepping
The Fluke 787B also supports manual current adjustment.
Available functions include coarse adjustment, fine adjustment, 25% steps and 100% steps.
For a standard 4–20 mA signal, typical test points are:
| Percentage | Current |
|---|---|
| 0% | 4 mA |
| 25% | 8 mA |
| 50% | 12 mA |
| 75% | 16 mA |
| 100% | 20 mA |
These test points are commonly used for checking the linearity and scaling of industrial process instruments.
Manual stepping allows technicians to select individual test points without repeatedly entering numerical values.
True-RMS Digital Multimeter
The Fluke 787B incorporates the functionality of a professional True-RMS digital multimeter.
True-RMS measurement technology allows the instrument to determine the effective value of AC signals, including suitable non-sinusoidal waveforms within the specified measurement conditions.
This is particularly important in industrial environments where electrical signals may be distorted.
The instrument supports AC and DC voltage measurement, AC and DC current measurement, resistance measurement and frequency measurement.
Additional functions include diode testing and continuity testing.
This combination makes the Fluke 787B suitable for both electrical troubleshooting and process signal calibration.
DC Voltage Measurement up to 1000 V
The Fluke 787B provides DC voltage measurement up to:
1000 V
Available measurement ranges include:
400 mV, 4 V, 40 V, 400 V and 1000 V.
The best specified DC voltage accuracy is:
±(0.1% of reading + 1 count)
This makes the instrument suitable for checking industrial power supplies, electrical circuits and control system signals.
The appropriate measurement category and safety precautions must always be observed.
True-RMS AC Voltage Measurement
The Fluke 787B measures True-RMS AC voltage up to:
1000 V
The best specified accuracy is:
±(0.7% of reading + 2 counts)
This function is useful for checking electrical supply voltages and industrial equipment.
The True-RMS capability provides advantages when measuring suitable distorted AC waveforms.
Measurement accuracy depends on the signal characteristics, frequency and selected measurement range.
Resistance Measurement up to 40 MΩ
The Fluke 787B provides resistance measurement over several ranges.
The maximum resistance measurement range is:
40 MΩ
The best specified accuracy is:
±(0.2% of reading + 1 count)
Resistance measurement is useful for checking electrical components, cables and circuit connections.
The instrument also includes a continuity test function with an audible signal.
This allows technicians to identify electrical connections quickly.
Frequency Measurement up to 20 kHz
The Fluke 787B supports frequency measurements from approximately:
0.5 Hz to 20 kHz
The best specified accuracy is:
±(0.005% of reading + 1 count)
Frequency measurement is useful for checking electrical signals and industrial control circuits.
The instrument provides measurement ranges up to 19.999 kHz.
This extends its functionality beyond conventional process current calibration.
Diode and Continuity Testing
The Fluke 787B includes diode testing and continuity testing.
The diode test displays the forward voltage drop of a semiconductor junction.
The continuity function provides an audible signal when the measured resistance is below approximately 100 Ω.
These functions are useful for troubleshooting electrical circuits and checking connections.
They allow technicians to perform routine electrical maintenance without changing instruments.
Min/Max/Average Functions
The Fluke 787B provides additional measurement functions for analyzing changing electrical signals.
Available functions include:
- Minimum value
- Maximum value
- Average value
- Hold
- Relative measurement
These functions help technicians identify fluctuations and changes in measurement values.
For example, the minimum and maximum functions can be used to investigate voltage variations in an electrical system.
The Hold function allows a displayed measurement value to be retained for convenient reading.
Fluke Connect Compatibility
The Fluke 787B supports Fluke Connect functionality when used with the optional IR3000FC communication module.
This enables compatible wireless communication and measurement data transfer.
Technicians can use supported software to monitor, record and share measurement information.
The optional module is not included in the standard instrument configuration.
This feature can be useful for documentation and collaboration during industrial maintenance.
High Electrical Safety
The Fluke 787B is designed for professional electrical measurement applications.
The instrument meets the following measurement categories:
CAT III 1000 V
and:
CAT IV 600 V
The safety classification is based on the applicable IEC 61010 requirements.
These ratings make the instrument suitable for measurements in demanding industrial electrical environments when used correctly.
Appropriate test leads, accessories and personal protective equipment must be selected according to the application.
Portable and Robust Construction
The Fluke 787B is designed for mobile industrial use.
The instrument measures approximately:
203 × 100 × 50 mm
Its weight is approximately:
600 g
The compact construction makes it convenient to carry between different measurement locations.
The instrument operates using four AA alkaline batteries.
Typical battery life is approximately 140 hours during measurement operation.
When continuously sourcing 12 mA, the typical battery life is approximately 10 hours.
Technical Highlights
| Specification | Fluke 787B |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Fluke |
| Model | 787B |
| Product type | ProcessMeter |
| Instrument functions | Digital multimeter and mA loop calibrator |
| DC voltage | Up to 1000 V |
| AC voltage | Up to 1000 V True-RMS |
| DC current measurement | Up to 30 mA |
| DC current measurement accuracy | ±(0.05% of reading + 2 counts) |
| Current source | 0–20 mA or 4–20 mA |
| Maximum source current | 24 mA |
| Current source accuracy | 0.05% of span |
| Current source compliance | Up to 24 V |
| Maximum source load at 20 mA | 1200 Ω |
| Current simulation | 0–20 mA or 4–20 mA |
| External supply for simulation | 15–48 V DC |
| Resistance measurement | Up to 40 MΩ |
| Frequency measurement | 0.5 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Diode test | Yes |
| Continuity test | Yes |
| Automatic current ramp | Yes |
| Manual current stepping | Yes |
| Fluke Connect | With optional IR3000FC |
| Safety rating | CAT III 1000 V / CAT IV 600 V |
| Operating temperature | −20 °C to +55 °C |
| Power supply | Four AA batteries |
| Typical battery life, measurement | 140 hours |
| Dimensions | 203 × 100 × 50 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 600 g |
| Manufacturer warranty | 3 years |
Fluke 787B or Fluke 789?
The Fluke 787B and Fluke 789 combine digital multimeter functions with process current calibration.
Both instruments support the measurement, sourcing and simulation of 4–20 mA signals.
The Fluke 787B is particularly suitable for technicians who require a compact multimeter and current loop calibrator.
The Fluke 789 provides additional functionality, including an integrated 24 V loop power supply.
This makes the Fluke 789 particularly useful when testing transmitters that require an external loop supply.
The appropriate instrument should be selected according to the required measurement functions and process calibration applications.
Calibration Service by europascal
Regular calibration is essential for maintaining reliable and traceable electrical measurements.
europascal provides professional calibration services for electrical measuring instruments and process calibration equipment.
The Fluke 787B combines several measurement functions that should be considered when planning a calibration.
These include DC voltage, AC voltage, DC current, AC current, resistance, frequency and current sourcing.
During calibration, the instrument indication or output is compared with a suitable reference standard.
Relevant measurement uncertainty contributions may include reference instrument uncertainty, measurement resolution, repeatability and environmental conditions.
For current sourcing and simulation, the influence of connected loads and external loop supply conditions must also be considered.
europascal supports customers with calibration services and technical advice for professional electrical measurement equipment.
Learn more about the europascal Calibration Service.
Why Choose the Fluke 787B?
The Fluke 787B combines the essential functions of a digital multimeter and a process current calibrator in one portable instrument.
Its ability to measure, source and simulate 4–20 mA signals makes it particularly useful for industrial maintenance and process instrumentation.
The True-RMS multimeter provides extensive electrical measurement functions, while the integrated current source supports the verification of analog process inputs.
Automatic ramping and manual stepping simplify routine testing.
The backlit display, robust construction and high electrical safety ratings make the instrument suitable for demanding industrial environments.
For technicians requiring a versatile measurement instrument for electrical troubleshooting and process calibration, the Fluke 787B provides a practical and efficient solution.
Typical Applications for the Fluke 787B
The Fluke 787B is suitable for numerous industrial measurement and calibration applications.
Typical applications include:
- 4–20 mA loop calibration
- Process transmitter testing
- Pressure transmitter verification
- Temperature transmitter testing
- Flow transmitter testing
- Level transmitter testing
- PLC analog input testing
- Industrial electrical troubleshooting
- DC voltage measurement
- AC voltage measurement
- Resistance measurement
- Frequency measurement
- Industrial maintenance
- Process instrumentation
- Commissioning
- Preventive maintenance
- Quality assurance
- Calibration laboratories
The combination of digital multimeter functionality, precise current generation and industrial safety makes the Fluke 787B a professional solution for demanding process measurement applications.
Find more Fluke products here.
Manufacturer information for the Fluke 787B can be found on the official Fluke website.
