The Fluke Calibration 8846A is a high-precision 6.5-digit digital multimeter designed for demanding electrical measurements in calibration laboratories, research facilities, development departments and automated test systems.
With a DC voltage basic accuracy of 0.0024%, a measurement resolution of 6.5 digits and a wide range of measurement functions, the Fluke Calibration 8846A provides outstanding performance for professional electrical measurement applications.
The instrument combines the capabilities of a precision digital multimeter with advanced mathematical and graphical analysis functions.
It measures DC voltage, AC voltage, DC current, AC current, resistance, frequency, period, capacitance and temperature using compatible platinum resistance thermometers.
The Fluke Calibration 8846A also features a dual display, allowing two measurement parameters to be displayed simultaneously.
Its integrated TrendPlot function, histogram display and statistical analysis capabilities make it particularly suitable for monitoring electrical signals and evaluating measurement stability.
With RS-232, IEEE-488.2 and Ethernet interfaces, the instrument can be integrated into automated measurement and calibration systems.
For professional electrical calibration equipment and metrological traceability, visit the europascal Calibration Service.
Your Benefits at a Glance
The Fluke Calibration 8846A combines excellent measurement accuracy with comprehensive functionality and convenient operation.
Its main advantages include:
- High-precision 6.5-digit digital multimeter
- DC voltage basic accuracy of 0.0024%
- DC voltage measurement up to 1000 V
- AC voltage measurement up to 1000 V
- DC and AC current measurement up to 10 A
- Resistance measurement up to 1 GΩ
- Resistance resolution down to 10 µΩ
- DC current resolution down to 100 pA
- Two-wire and four-wire resistance measurement
- Special 2 × 4-wire resistance measurement function
- Frequency measurement up to 1 MHz
- Capacitance measurement up to 0.1 F
- Temperature measurement with Pt100 sensors
- Temperature range from −200 °C to +600 °C
- Large dual graphical display
- TrendPlot function for measurement monitoring
- Histogram display
- Statistical measurement analysis
- Minimum and maximum value recording
- Limit comparison function
- dB and dBm calculations
- USB memory interface
- RS-232 communication
- IEEE-488.2 interface
- Ethernet communication
- SCPI programming support
- Emulation of Fluke 45 and Agilent 34401A
- Suitable for automated calibration systems
- Professional calibration support from europascal
Ideal for Demanding Calibration Applications
The Fluke Calibration 8846A is designed for applications requiring high measurement accuracy, excellent resolution and reliable long-term performance.
Typical applications include electrical calibration laboratories, research and development, industrial quality assurance and automated production testing.
The instrument can be used as a precision measuring device for checking electrical signal sources, calibrators, transmitters and other electrical equipment.
Its high resolution makes it possible to detect small changes in voltage, current and resistance.
The graphical analysis functions also allow users to observe measurement stability and identify variations over time.
For calibration laboratories working according to ISO/IEC 17025, the Fluke Calibration 8846A provides a versatile measurement platform.
The suitability of the instrument as a reference standard depends on the required measurement uncertainty and the applicable calibration procedure.
High-Precision DC Voltage Measurement
The Fluke Calibration 8846A provides highly accurate DC voltage measurements.
The manufacturer specifies a basic DC voltage accuracy of:
0.0024% of reading + 0.0005% of range
This specification applies to the 10 V measurement range under the defined one-year reference conditions.
The instrument provides DC voltage measurement ranges from:
100 mV to 1000 V
The maximum display resolution is:
100 nV
This makes the Fluke Calibration 8846A suitable for measuring stable DC voltage sources and evaluating precision electronic circuits.
Typical applications include voltage reference measurements, calibration of electrical signal sources and verification of industrial measurement equipment.
The actual measurement accuracy depends on the selected measurement range, measurement conditions and calibration interval.
AC Voltage Measurement
The Fluke Calibration 8846A also provides accurate AC voltage measurement.
The available measurement ranges extend from:
100 mV to 1000 V
The manufacturer specifies a basic AC voltage accuracy of:
0.06% of reading + 0.03% of range
This specification applies under defined frequency and operating conditions.
The instrument is suitable for measuring sinusoidal AC voltages in laboratory and industrial applications.
For accurate AC measurements, the signal frequency, waveform and applicable measurement range must be considered.
The Fluke Calibration 8846A provides true RMS measurement capability for suitable AC signals.
DC Current Measurement
The Fluke Calibration 8846A supports precise DC current measurement.
The measurement range extends from:
100 µA to 10 A
The maximum current resolution is:
100 pA
The manufacturer specifies a basic DC current accuracy of:
0.050% of reading + 0.005% of range
The high resolution allows small current changes to be detected.
This is particularly useful when measuring electronic circuits, current sources and industrial process signals.
The instrument can also be used to measure 4–20 mA signals.
For accurate current measurements, the burden voltage and the selected current range must be considered.
AC Current Measurement
The Fluke Calibration 8846A provides AC current measurement up to:
10 A
The available AC current ranges begin at:
100 mA
The manufacturer specifies a basic AC current accuracy of:
0.10% of reading + 0.04% of range
This specification applies under defined operating conditions.
The instrument can be used for testing electrical circuits, current sources and industrial measurement systems.
The applicable accuracy depends on signal frequency and measurement range.
Resistance Measurement up to 1 GΩ
The Fluke Calibration 8846A offers a particularly wide resistance measurement range.
The instrument measures resistance from:
10 Ω to 1 GΩ
The maximum resolution is:
10 µΩ
The manufacturer specifies a basic resistance accuracy of:
0.010% of reading + 0.001% of range
The wide resistance range makes the instrument suitable for numerous electrical measurement applications.
Typical applications include precision resistor measurements, resistance sensor testing and electrical component verification.
For low-resistance measurements, four-wire measurement techniques help reduce errors caused by test lead resistance.
For high-resistance measurements, leakage currents, insulation resistance and environmental conditions become increasingly important.
Special 2 × 4-Wire Resistance Measurement
The Fluke Calibration 8846A features a special 2 × 4-wire resistance measurement function.
This function simplifies four-wire resistance measurements.
Traditional four-wire measurements require separate connections for current supply and voltage measurement.
The Fluke 2 × 4-wire technique allows compatible measurement leads to combine the necessary connections in a more convenient configuration.
This helps reduce connection errors and simplifies repetitive resistance measurements.
The function is particularly useful when testing precision resistors and resistance-based sensors.
For demanding low-resistance measurements, suitable test leads and correct connection techniques are essential.
Frequency and Period Measurement
The Fluke Calibration 8846A supports frequency and period measurement.
The frequency measurement range extends from:
3 Hz to 1 MHz
The maximum frequency resolution is:
1 µHz
The manufacturer specifies a basic frequency accuracy of:
0.01%
This makes the instrument suitable for checking signal generators, electronic circuits and industrial frequency signals.
Period measurements provide an alternative representation of the same signal.
For periodic signals, the relationship between frequency and period is:
T = 1 / f
where T is the period and f is the frequency.
The frequency measurement function is useful for laboratory measurements and automated test applications.
Capacitance Measurement
The Fluke Calibration 8846A includes an integrated capacitance measurement function.
The capacitance measurement range extends from:
1 nF to 0.1 F
The maximum resolution is:
1 pF
The manufacturer specifies a basic capacitance accuracy of:
1%
This function allows capacitors and capacitive components to be checked without requiring a separate capacitance meter.
Capacitance measurement is particularly useful for electronics development, maintenance and quality assurance.
The measurement accuracy depends on the selected range and measurement conditions.
Temperature Measurement with Pt100 Sensors
The Fluke Calibration 8846A supports temperature measurement using compatible platinum resistance thermometers.
The supported temperature sensor type is:
Pt100
The temperature measurement range extends from:
−200 °C to +600 °C
The maximum temperature resolution is:
0.01 °C
The manufacturer specifies an instrument temperature accuracy of:
0.06 °C
This allows the Fluke Calibration 8846A to be used for temperature monitoring and suitable temperature measurement applications.
The instrument measures the electrical resistance of the connected Pt100 sensor and converts it into a temperature value.
The actual measurement uncertainty of the complete temperature measurement system depends on the sensor, its calibration and the measurement conditions.
The specified instrument accuracy must not be confused with the total uncertainty of the connected temperature probe.
Dual Graphical Display
The Fluke Calibration 8846A features a large graphical dual display.
The dual display allows two measurement parameters to be shown simultaneously.
For example, users can monitor voltage and frequency or other compatible measurement combinations.
This reduces the need to switch between measurement functions.
The graphical display also supports advanced analysis functions.
These include TrendPlot, histograms and statistical evaluations.
The display is particularly useful when observing measurement changes over time.
TrendPlot Function
The integrated TrendPlot function provides a graphical representation of measurement values over time.
This allows users to monitor changes in electrical signals.
Typical applications include:
- Monitoring voltage stability
- Observing current variations
- Detecting intermittent measurement changes
- Evaluating long-term measurement behavior
- Investigating electrical signal drift
TrendPlot provides a convenient alternative to manually recording measurement values.
It is particularly useful for troubleshooting and laboratory measurements.
Histogram Function
The Fluke Calibration 8846A includes a histogram display.
A histogram shows the distribution of measured values.
This helps users evaluate the variation of repeated measurements.
For example, a histogram can reveal whether measured values are concentrated around a central value or distributed over a wider range.
This function is useful when investigating measurement noise and repeatability.
The histogram display supports statistical evaluation directly on the instrument.
Statistical Measurement Functions
The Fluke Calibration 8846A provides several mathematical and statistical functions.
These include:
- Minimum value
- Maximum value
- Average value
- Standard deviation
- Null function
- dB calculations
- dBm calculations
These functions simplify the evaluation of measurement results.
Minimum and maximum recording is particularly useful when investigating fluctuations.
Average and standard deviation functions help characterize repeated measurements.
The dB and dBm functions support measurements involving logarithmic signal representations.
Limit Comparison Function
The Fluke Calibration 8846A features an integrated limit comparison function.
Users can define upper and lower measurement limits.
The instrument compares the measured value with these limits.
This function is particularly useful in production testing and quality assurance.
It allows electrical components and devices to be checked against predefined acceptance criteria.
Limit comparison can also be integrated into automated test procedures.
USB Memory Interface
The Fluke Calibration 8846A includes a USB memory interface.
This function allows measurement data to be stored using compatible USB memory devices.
The USB memory interface is a specific feature of the 8846A model.
It is not available on the Fluke 8845A.
The integrated real-time clock supports time-related measurement documentation.
These features are useful for laboratory measurements and data recording applications.
RS-232, IEEE-488.2 and Ethernet Communication
The Fluke Calibration 8846A provides multiple communication interfaces.
These include:
- RS-232
- IEEE-488.2
- Ethernet
The instrument supports SCPI commands for remote control.
This allows integration into automated measurement systems.
The Fluke Calibration 8846A also supports emulation of the Fluke 45 and Agilent 34401A.
This can simplify the replacement of older instruments in existing automated test systems.
The available communication interfaces make the instrument suitable for laboratory automation and production testing.
Technical Highlights
The Fluke Calibration 8846A provides the following important specifications:
| Specification | Fluke Calibration 8846A |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Fluke Calibration |
| Model | 8846A |
| Product type | Precision Digital Multimeter |
| Display resolution | 6.5 digits |
| Display | Dual VFD dot-matrix display |
| DC voltage range | 100 mV to 1000 V |
| DC voltage resolution | 100 nV |
| DC voltage basic accuracy | 0.0024% + 0.0005% of range |
| AC voltage range | 100 mV to 1000 V |
| AC voltage basic accuracy | 0.06% + 0.03% of range |
| DC current range | 100 µA to 10 A |
| DC current resolution | 100 pA |
| DC current basic accuracy | 0.050% + 0.005% of range |
| AC current range | 100 mA to 10 A |
| AC current basic accuracy | 0.10% + 0.04% of range |
| Resistance range | 10 Ω to 1 GΩ |
| Resistance resolution | 10 µΩ |
| Resistance basic accuracy | 0.010% + 0.001% of range |
| Resistance measurement | 2-wire, 4-wire, 2 × 4-wire |
| Frequency range | 3 Hz to 1 MHz |
| Frequency resolution | 1 µHz |
| Frequency basic accuracy | 0.01% |
| Capacitance range | 1 nF to 0.1 F |
| Capacitance resolution | 1 pF |
| Capacitance basic accuracy | 1% |
| Temperature sensor | Pt100 |
| Temperature range | −200 °C to +600 °C |
| Temperature resolution | 0.01 °C |
| Instrument temperature accuracy | 0.06 °C |
| TrendPlot | Yes |
| Histogram | Yes |
| Statistical functions | Yes |
| Limit comparison | Yes |
| USB memory interface | Yes |
| Real-time clock | Yes |
| RS-232 | Yes |
| IEEE-488.2 | Yes |
| Ethernet | Yes |
| SCPI programming | Yes |
| Agilent 34401A emulation | Yes |
| Fluke 45 emulation | Yes |
| Dimensions | 88 × 217 × 297 mm |
| Weight | Approximately 3.6 kg |
| Safety category | CAT I 1000 V, CAT II 600 V |
The stated basic accuracy values apply to the manufacturer’s specified measurement ranges and reference conditions.
For accurate uncertainty calculations, the complete range-dependent specifications must be considered.
Fluke Calibration 8846A Compared with 8845A
The Fluke Calibration 8846A and 8845A are both precision digital multimeters with 6.5-digit resolution.
However, the 8846A offers additional measurement functions and improved specifications.
| Feature | Fluke Calibration 8846A | Fluke Calibration 8845A |
|---|---|---|
| Display resolution | 6.5 digits | 6.5 digits |
| DC voltage basic accuracy | 0.0024% | 0.0035% |
| DC voltage maximum | 1000 V | 1000 V |
| AC voltage maximum | 1000 V | 750 V |
| Resistance maximum | 1 GΩ | 100 MΩ |
| Frequency maximum | 1 MHz | 300 kHz |
| Capacitance measurement | Yes | No |
| Pt100 temperature measurement | Yes | No |
| USB memory interface | Yes | No |
| Real-time clock | Yes | No |
| TrendPlot | Yes | Yes |
| Histogram | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet | Yes | Yes |
The Fluke Calibration 8846A is particularly suitable for users requiring additional measurement capabilities and improved DC voltage accuracy.
Calibration Service by europascal
Regular calibration is essential for maintaining accurate and traceable electrical measurements.
europascal provides professional calibration services for electrical measuring instruments and calibration equipment.
When the Fluke Calibration 8846A is used as a reference measuring instrument, its measurement uncertainty must be evaluated according to the selected measurement function and range.
Relevant uncertainty contributions may include:
- Calibration uncertainty
- Instrument accuracy specifications
- Long-term drift
- Temperature coefficients
- Measurement resolution
- Measurement repeatability
- Input impedance
- Lead resistance
- Thermoelectric voltages
- AC frequency response
- Measurement loading effects
The uncertainty evaluation should follow the applicable calibration procedure and relevant metrological guidelines.
For professional electrical calibration services and metrological traceability, visit the europascal Calibration Service.
Why Choose the Fluke Calibration 8846A?
The Fluke Calibration 8846A combines excellent electrical measurement accuracy with comprehensive measurement functionality.
Its 6.5-digit resolution and DC voltage basic accuracy of 0.0024% make it suitable for demanding laboratory and industrial applications.
The wide measurement ranges cover voltage, current, resistance, frequency, capacitance and temperature.
Advanced functions such as TrendPlot, histograms and statistical analysis allow users to evaluate measurement behavior directly on the instrument.
The special 2 × 4-wire resistance measurement function simplifies precision resistance measurements.
The dual graphical display provides convenient access to measurement information.
RS-232, IEEE-488.2 and Ethernet interfaces support integration into automated measurement systems.
The USB memory interface and integrated real-time clock provide additional flexibility for data recording.
For calibration laboratories, research facilities, development departments and industrial users requiring a high-performance precision multimeter, the Fluke Calibration 8846A provides an excellent combination of accuracy, versatility and efficiency.
europascal supports customers with professional electrical calibration equipment, technical advice and calibration services.
Typical Applications for the Fluke Calibration 8846A
The Fluke Calibration 8846A is suitable for numerous professional electrical measurement applications.
Typical applications include:
- Electrical calibration laboratories
- Precision DC voltage measurement
- AC voltage measurement
- DC current measurement
- AC current measurement
- Precision resistance measurement
- Four-wire resistance measurement
- Frequency measurement
- Period measurement
- Capacitance measurement
- Pt100 temperature measurement
- Electrical signal monitoring
- Measurement stability analysis
- Automated production testing
- Research and development
- Electronic component testing
- Industrial quality assurance
- Electrical metrology
- Reference measurements
- Calibration of electrical signal sources
- Automated measurement systems
- Preventive maintenance
The combination of high accuracy, comprehensive measurement functions, advanced graphical analysis and flexible communication interfaces makes the Fluke Calibration 8846A a professional solution for demanding electrical measurement and calibration applications.
Find more Fluke Calibration products here.
Manufacturer information for the Fluke Calibration 8846A can be found on the official Fluke website.
