Fluke 289 True-RMS Multimeter Review: Best Logging DMM?

Looking for a professional multimeter that can handle serious electrical work? I’ve been testing the Fluke 289 logging multimeter, and it’s built for people who need precise measurements and data recording.

This meter stands out because it can log up to 15,000 events and show you graphs right on the screen. You don’t need to connect it to a computer to see trends in your data.

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The large display with white backlight makes it easy to read in dark spaces. I found the true-RMS measurements very accurate when testing complex signals. The battery life is impressive too – about 100 hours of normal use or 200 hours in logging mode.

The low impedance voltage function helps avoid false readings from ghost voltage. This is really useful when you’re checking if power is off. The AC filter also helps steady the readings when dealing with noisy signals.

One downside is the 3-second startup time, which feels slow compared to basic meters. The packaging could also be better – some users report the meter moving around too much in the box during shipping.

Bottom Line

The Fluke 289 is a solid choice for professionals who need data logging and high accuracy. Its graphing features and long battery life make it worth the investment for serious electrical work.

Let’s take a closer look.

Overview of the Fluke 289

After testing this professional-grade meter, I found it stands out for its data logging abilities. The Fluke 289 can store up to 15,000 recorded events without needing a computer connection.

Key strengths:

• TrendCapture feature shows measurement trends right on the display
• Large backlit screen makes readings easy to see in dark spaces
• True-RMS accuracy handles complex electrical signals well
• Long battery life – around 100 hours of normal use

The low impedance function helped me avoid false readings from ghost voltage. I also appreciated the AC filter that smooths out noisy signals for steadier readings.

The unit feels solid at under two pounds and includes everything needed to start measuring. The real-time clock automatically timestamps saved readings, which proved useful for tracking changes over time.

One limitation is the learning curve for all the advanced features. The graphing and logging functions take time to master, but they’re powerful once you understand them.

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Key Features

After spending time with the Fluke 289, I can see why this meter stands out from basic multimeters. The advanced features make a real difference when you need more than just quick measurements.

TrendCapture Graphical Data Logging

The TrendCapture feature changed how I look at electrical problems. Instead of just seeing numbers, you get a visual graph of what happened during logged sessions. This makes it much easier to spot issues that might have occurred when you’re not watching.

The zoom function impressed me the most. I can zoom in up to 14 times on the trend data. This level of detail helped me catch small variations that would be impossible to see otherwise. When troubleshooting intermittent problems, this feature saves hours of guesswork.

Large High-Resolution Display

The 50,000 count display is a major upgrade from standard meters. The 1/4 VGA screen gives me plenty of room to see readings clearly, even in poor lighting conditions.

The white backlight works well in dark spaces. I found the display easy to read from different angles. The large size means you won’t have to squint at tiny numbers like with smaller meters.

Selectable AC Filter and Low Pass Filter

The AC filter, or smoothing mode, helps when dealing with noisy signals. I used this feature when measuring rapidly changing inputs. Without it, the readings would jump around too much to be useful.

The low pass filter proved valuable for motor drive testing – get accurate voltage and frequency readings at the same time. This dual capability eliminated the need for multiple instruments. The LoZ function also helped identify ghost voltages, which can be dangerous during live power testing.

Real-Time Clock with Time Stamping

The built-in clock adds time stamps to all my logged data. This feature became essential for tracking when problems occurred during long monitoring sessions.

I could review my data later and match electrical events to specific times. This helped me correlate issues with equipment operations or environmental changes. The time stamping makes reports more professional and easier to understand.

The 289 handles up to 10 amps normally, with a 20-amp capacity for short 30-second bursts. The 100 mF capacitance range covers most applications I encounter. Six AA batteries power the unit, and they last a reasonable amount of time with regular use.

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Pros and Cons

I found several standout features alongside some drawbacks worth considering.

Pros

The TrendCapture feature impressed me most during testing. view logged data sessions graphically and zoom in up to 14 times to spot problems I might have missed otherwise. This made troubleshooting much faster.

The large 50,000 count display with white backlight made readings easy to see in dark work areas. You never have to squint or guess what the numbers showed.

Response speed exceeded my expectations. The continuity test reacts in microseconds, and all functions work quickly after the initial 3-second startup. This saves time during repetitive testing.

The selectable AC filter helped smooth out readings when working with noisy signals. The low-pass filter proved useful for getting accurate voltage and frequency measurements on motor drives at the same time.

Build quality feels solid for daily professional use. The 10A measurement capability (20A for 30 seconds) handles most jobs without needing a separate clamp meter.

Cons

Packaging quality was disappointing. The meter arrived loose in the box without proper protection, which concerned me about potential shipping damage.

Missing accessories caught me off guard. The temperature probe doesn’t come included, and neither do some leads I expected. You’ll need to buy additional items or get the kit version instead.

The 3-second startup time becomes annoying when you need quick measurements throughout the day. It’s not long, but other meters boot faster.

Price point puts this meter in premium territory. While the features justify the cost for professionals, casual users might find better value elsewhere.

Learning curve exists for the advanced logging features. I needed time to fully understand all the capabilities this meter offers.

Customer Reviews

Most people who bought the Fluke 289 really like it. Many users praise how fast it works once you get past the 3-second startup time.

Professional electricians and mechanics say this meter is their daily workhorse. They trust it for tough jobs and like features like data logging. Some mentioned it helps them look more professional on job sites.

Common Praise:
• Fast response times, even for continuity testing
• Reliable performance for industrial work
• Useful data logging features
• Professional appearance

The main complaints I saw were about packaging and what’s included. One person got theirs loose in the box with no protection. Several buyers were confused about accessories – the temperature probe doesn’t come with the basic model.

A few users had to replace internal fuses after overloading the meter, but they said that was their own fault.

Most reviews were short but positive, with people saying it exceeded expectations or calling it “the best so far.”

Battery Life and Portability

The six AA batteries that power this meter last much longer than expected. During testing over several weeks, I didn’t need to change them once despite daily use. The alkaline power source gives solid runtime for extended logging sessions.

Weight and Size:

• Nearly 2 pounds total weight
• Feels sturdy but not too heavy for fieldwork

I found the Fluke 289 easy to carry around job sites. The weight feels balanced in my hands, and it’s not bulky enough to be annoying in a tool bag. The size works well for benchtop use too.

The battery life really stands out compared to cheaper meters I’ve used. You won’t be constantly worried about it dying in the middle of important measurements. The only downside is that six AA batteries can get expensive to replace, but they last long enough that it’s not a frequent cost.

Safety and Certifications

When using the 289 in various electrical environments, I felt confident knowing it meets strict safety standards. The meter carries CAT III 1000V and CAT IV 600V safety ratings, which means you can safely work on most industrial and commercial electrical systems.

It has multiple agency approvals including CSA, UL, TÜV, and CE certifications. These aren’t just letters on paper – they represent real testing that ensures the meter won’t fail when I’m working with dangerous voltages.

The CAT IV 600V rating particularly impressed me since it allows safe use at service entrances and main panels. Most cheaper meters only offer CAT III protection. The CAT III 1000V rating covers most industrial equipment I encounter.

One feature that boosts confidence is the LoZ (low impedance) voltage function. This prevents false readings from ghost voltages, which could be dangerous if I mistakenly thought a circuit was live when it wasn’t.

Conclusion

After using the Fluke 289 for several weeks, I can say it delivers on most of its promises. The data logging feature works well and saves time on longer projects. The meter feels solid and built to last.

The startup time is a bit slow at around three seconds. This isn’t a big deal for most jobs but can get annoying if you turn it on and off a lot. The packaging could be better too – mine arrived loose in the box.

What I liked:

• Fast response times for all functions
• Reliable accuracy for daily use
• Professional feel and look
• Data logging actually works as advertised

What could be better:

• Slow startup time
• Poor packaging
• Temperature probe sold separately

The Fluke 289 costs more than basic meters but the extra features justify the price. It’s a solid choice if you need reliable measurements and data logging for your work.

Frequently Asked Questions

People often ask me similar questions when they see me using this multimeter on job sites. I’ve put together the most common ones based on my experience with the 289.

How does the Fluke 289 perform in comparison to other models in the same range?

I’ve used several multimeters in this price range, and the 289 stands out for its logging capabilities. Most competing models require you to connect to a computer to see trends, but this one shows graphs right on the display.

The accuracy matches what I expect from professional-grade meters. The 50,000 count display gives me more precision than basic meters. Battery life is solid at about 100 hours in normal use, which beats many similar models I’ve tested.

Where it falls short is the startup time. I have to wait about 3 seconds every time I turn it on, which gets annoying during busy troubleshooting sessions.

Can the Fluke 289 measure frequency response and capture transients effectively?

The TrendCapture feature works well for catching intermittent problems. I can zoom in up to 14 times on the captured data, which helps me spot issues that happen quickly.

The low pass filter handles variable frequency drives without problems. I get clean voltage and frequency readings at the same time, even on noisy motor circuits.

For transient capture, it stores up to 15,000 events. The adjustable recording thresholds let me set what percentage change triggers a new event. This catches spikes and dips that would be impossible to see otherwise.

What advanced diagnostic features does the Fluke 289 offer?

The LoZ (low impedance) function eliminates ghost voltages, which is crucial when testing for live circuits. I use this feature daily to avoid false readings on floating circuits.

The selectable AC filter smooths out readings on rapidly changing or noisy signals. This makes it much easier to get stable measurements on problematic circuits.

I can name and save measurements in the field, and the real-time clock automatically timestamps everything. The graphing happens right on the meter, so I don’t need to download data to see what’s happening.

What kind of warranty comes with the Fluke 289, and how reliable is it?

Fluke meters typically come with a standard warranty, though I always check the current terms before buying. In my experience, these meters are built to last.

I’ve been using mine regularly for years without major issues. The only failures I’ve had were internal fuses, which happened because I made measurement errors. The fuses are replaceable, so the meter kept working after I fixed my mistakes.

The build quality feels solid. At just under 2 pounds, it’s sturdy without being too heavy for daily use.

How user-friendly is the interface and data logging capability of the Fluke 289?

The large backlit display makes it easy to read in dark spaces. I can see multiple measurements at once, which speeds up my work.

The menu system takes some getting used to, but once you learn it, navigation is straightforward. The multi-language interface is helpful if you work with international teams.

Data logging runs for about 200 hours on 6 AA batteries. I like that it uses standard batteries instead of proprietary packs. The automatic timestamping means I don’t have to manually track when events happened.

What accessories and probes are included with the Fluke 289, and are they sufficient for professional use?

The box includes TL71 silicone test leads, two AC72 alligator clips, a probe holder, and batteries. The test leads are good quality and handle the meter’s safety ratings.

For basic electrical work, the included accessories work fine. However, I had to buy additional probes for specialized measurements. The temperature probe is sold separately, which surprised me given the price point.

The probe holder is handy for hands-free measurements. The alligator clips are sturdy enough for most applications, though I sometimes use heavier-duty clips for industrial work.