When it comes to process calibration, Fluke is the gold standard. Two popular instruments in their lineup, the Fluke 725 Multifunction Process Calibrator and the Fluke 789 ProcessMeter, often get compared because they both serve process technicians but in very different ways.
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While they overlap in some functions, they are designed with different use cases in mind.
📋 Overview of the Fluke 725
The Fluke 725 Multifunction Process Calibrator is a versatile tool that covers a wide range of process parameters. It is designed specifically as a dedicated calibrator rather than a multimeter hybrid.
Key Features:
- Sources and measures volts, mA, RTDs, thermocouples, frequency, and pressure (with optional modules).
- Simulates and measures current loops (4-20 mA).
- Auto-step and auto-ramp functions for testing.
- Rugged design for field environments.
- No built-in multimeter — it’s a pure process calibrator.
Best For: Process technicians who need to calibrate a wide range of devices beyond current loops, such as temperature transmitters and pressure transducers.
⚡ Overview of the Fluke 789
The Fluke 789 ProcessMeter is a hybrid tool, combining the functions of a digital multimeter (DMM) with a loop calibrator. It builds on the foundation of the Fluke 787B but adds more convenience.
Key Features:
- Full-featured DMM for measuring voltage, resistance, continuity, and frequency.
- mA source, simulate, and measure functions for loop testing.
- Built-in 24 V loop power supply (eliminates need for external power).
- Dual backlit display with high visibility.
- Designed more for current loop calibration and electrical troubleshooting.
Best For: Field technicians who need both a multimeter and a loop calibrator in one device.
⚖️ Fluke 725 vs 789: Side-by-Side
| Feature | Fluke 725 | Fluke 789 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Multifunction calibrator | DMM + loop calibrator |
| Loop Power Supply | ❌ No | ✅ Yes, 24 V |
| Multimeter Functions | ❌ None | ✅ Full-featured |
| Measurement Capability | Volts, mA, RTDs, TCs, frequency, pressure | Volts, ohms, frequency, continuity, mA |
| Simulation Functions | mA, volts, RTDs, TCs | mA only |
| Display | Single LCD | Dual backlit LCD |
| Best For | Multi-parameter process calibration | Loop-powered device testing and troubleshooting |
| 💳 Pricing | 💲Check Price | 💲Check Price |
✅ Pros and Cons
Fluke 725
✔ Covers a wide range of process signals (temperature, pressure, etc.)
✔ Dedicated calibrator with simulation and measurement modes
✔ Rugged and reliable in industrial settings
✘ No built-in multimeter
✘ No internal loop power
Fluke 789
✔ Combines DMM and loop calibrator in one
✔ Built-in 24 V loop power
✔ Dual display with backlight
✘ Limited to electrical and current loop calibration
✘ Bulkier than a standard DMM
📝 Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose the Fluke 725 if your job requires calibrating multiple types of process instruments — temperature transmitters, pressure transducers, frequency-based devices, and more.
- Choose the Fluke 789 if you mainly deal with 4–20 mA current loops and also want the convenience of a built-in DMM and loop power supply.
In short, the 725 is a true multifunction calibrator, while the 789 is the ultimate loop troubleshooting tool with multimeter functionality.
