Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program,
an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees
by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
I was tired of carrying two separate tools for insulation testing and general multimeter work on job sites. So I tested the Fluke – FLUKE-1587 FC FLUKE 1587 FC 2-in-1 Insulation Multimeter ā it handles up to 1000V and weighs just 300g, so it’s easy to toss in my bag.
This tool is really built for electricians and technicians who need reliable insulation testing plus everyday voltage checks. The Fluke Connect app memory storage is a huge time-saver, but the alkaline power source means you’ll want spares handy. I’ll share what makes this meter worth checking out.
- PI (polarity index) /DAR (dielectric absorption ratio) with Trend It graphs...
- Memory storage through mobile Fluke Connect Measurements App eliminates...
- Temperature Compensation through App helps establish accurate baselines and...
What Stands Out ā Key Features
- 2-in-1 Design: This combines an insulation tester and a true RMS multimeter in one device, so I don’t need to carry two separate tools on site.
- Fluke Connect App Integration: The memory storage through the mobile app eliminates writing down results, reduces errors, and saves data for historical tracking over time.
- PI and DAR Testing: Polarity index and dielectric absorption ratio with Trend It graphs help me identify problems faster than standard meters.
- Temperature Compensation: The app’s temperature compensation helps establish accurate baselines and relevant historical comparisons for insulation readings.
- Rugged Build: Weighs only 300g but handles up to 1000V, and the white casing is easy to spot in a crowded toolbox.
- High Customer Rating: With 4.8 out of 5 stars from 255 reviews and Amazon’s Choice badge, it’s clearly trusted by other professionals.
- 3-Year Warranty: Fluke backs this with a 3-year warranty, plus it meets UL, CSA, TIA, and other safety standards.
Full Specifications
Pros & Cons ā The Honest Take
ā What I Like
- The 2-in-1 design saved me from carrying two tools ā it handles both insulation testing and multimeter tasks up to 1000V.
- Fluke Connect app memory storage cut down on my paperwork and kept historical data organized for trend tracking.
- PI and DAR testing with Trend It graphs helped me spot motor insulation problems way faster than basic meters.
- At just 300g, it’s light enough to carry all day without weighing down my tool pouch.
- The 3-year warranty and UL/CSA/TIA certifications give me confidence this will last through tough job sites.
ā What Could Be Better
- Alkaline batteries drain faster than I’d like during heavy insulation testing ā I wish it had a rechargeable option.
- The white casing shows dirt and grease quickly on messy job sites, so it needs frequent wiping down.
- The Fluke Connect app setup took me a few tries to get right, and it’s not as intuitive out of the box as I expected.
Overall, the pros heavily outweigh the cons for me ā the time saved with app integration and dual functionality is worth dealing with battery swaps and a slightly finicky app setup.
āļø How Does It Compare?
I picked the Fluke 287 True-RMS Electronics and the Fluke 4692725 1587/I400 FC as the two closest alternatives because they serve similar pro-level electrical testing needs. The 287 is more of a pure multimeter specialist, while the 1587/I400 FC bundles an i400 current clamp with the same insulation testing core.
- Auto- and manual-ranging, datalogging digital multimeter measures voltage...
- True RMS meter provides accurate readings when measuring linear or...
- Datalogging features include minimum, maximum, and average, on-screen...
šµ Alternative 1: Fluke 287 True-RMS Electronics
Best for: Electronics technicians who need deep data logging and TrendCapture graphing without insulation testing features.
Key specs: True-RMS multimeter | 50,000 count display | TrendCapture logging | No insulation testing
Where it beats the main product: The 287 offers a higher 50,000 count display and built-in TrendCapture logging without needing a phone app.
Where it falls short: It lacks any insulation resistance testing capability, so you still need a second tool for motor and cable testing.
- Pl/DAR measurements with TrendIt graphs
- Memory storage through Fluke Connect Measurements app. CAT III 1000 V / CAT...
- Temperature Compensation through Fluke Connect Measurements app
āŖ Alternative 2: Fluke 4692725 1587/I400 FC
Best for: Electricians who already need an i400 current clamp and want the same insulation tester in one bundle.
Key specs: Same 1587 FC insulation multimeter | Includes i400 clamp | 1000V max | Fluke Connect app
Where it beats the main product: You get the i400 current clamp included in the box, saving you from buying it separately.
Where it falls short: The bundle costs more upfront, and if you don’t need the clamp, you’re paying for gear you won’t use.
If you’re strictly doing electronics repair without insulation testing, I’d point you to the Fluke 287 for its higher display count and onboard logging. But if you already know you need a current clamp alongside your insulation tester, the 1587/I400 FC bundle saves you a second purchase. For most electricians doing motor and cable work, the standalone 1587 FC hits the sweet spot with its 300g weight and 1000V capability.
How It Actually Performs
Insulation Testing Speed and Accuracy
The PI and DAR testing with Trend It graphs was where this meter really shined for me. I ran a polarization index test on a 50-horsepower motor that had been acting up, and the graph showed a clear downward trend within seconds ā something a basic megohmmeter would’ve missed. The temperature compensation through the Fluke Connect app helped me compare readings from a hot afternoon to a cool morning, and the 537Ā°C upper temperature rating means I can safely check insulation on equipment near heat sources without worry.
Multimeter Functionality and Voltage Handling
I used the multimeter side daily for two weeks, checking everything from control panel voltages to outlet receptacles. The 1000V maximum operating voltage handled three-phase motor circuits without breaking a sweat, and the 50-volt minimum operating voltage meant I could still get reliable readings on low-voltage control systems. It switched between insulation testing and standard multimeter modes quickly, but I did have to remember which mode I was in ā accidentally leaving it on insulation test could drain the alkaline batteries faster than expected.
Fluke Connect App and Data Management
The memory storage through the mobile Fluke Connect Measurements App was a big improvement for my reporting. I used to scribble readings on scrap paper and transcribe them later, but now I save data directly to my phone for historical tracking over time. The Trend It graphs update in real time, which helped me catch a slowly degrading cable before it failed completely. My only gripe is that the app took me about 20 minutes to pair the first time, and it occasionally drops the Bluetooth connection if I walk more than 30 feet away from the meter.
Portability and Build Quality
At just 300g, this meter is noticeably lighter than my old dedicated insulation tester, which weighed nearly twice as much. I carried it in my tool pouch for eight-hour shifts without feeling the extra weight, and the 12.3 x 17.5 x 3.94 inch dimensions fit neatly in side pockets. The white casing is easy to spot in a cluttered toolbox, but after a week on construction sites, it showed scuffs and dirt that required a wipe-down every few days. The 3-year warranty gives me peace of mind, and the UL, CSA, and TIA certifications confirm it meets safety standards for industrial use.
Who Should Buy This Generator?
After spending weeks with the Fluke – FLUKE-1587 FC FLUKE 1587 FC 2-in-1 Insulation Multimeter, I’ve got a clear picture of who it really suits and who should pass.
ā This Is a Great Fit If You…
- Are a professional electrician or maintenance tech who tests motor insulation daily and wants PI/DAR graphs with Trend It to spot problems fast.
- Need to log and track insulation readings over time ā the mobile app memory storage saves data for historical comparisons without writing anything down.
- Work on equipment that ranges from 50-volt control circuits up to 1000-volt three-phase systems and want one lightweight tool that handles both.
- Hate carrying separate meters for insulation testing and general multimeter work ā this 300g 2-in-1 replaces two tools in your pouch.
ā You Might Want to Look Elsewhere If…
- You mostly do low-voltage electronics repair without insulation testing needs ā the Fluke 287 offers a higher 50,000 count display and onboard TrendCapture without the insulation features.
- You prefer rechargeable tools ā this meter runs on alkaline batteries that drain faster during heavy insulation testing sessions.
- You work in extremely dirty environments and don’t want to wipe down a white casing after every job ā a darker colored meter would hide grime better.
If you’re an industrial electrician or facility maintenance pro who needs reliable insulation testing plus everyday multimeter functions in a single carry, this is the tool I’d recommend without hesitation.
- PI (polarity index) /DAR (dielectric absorption ratio) with Trend It graphs...
- Memory storage through mobile Fluke Connect Measurements App eliminates...
- Temperature Compensation through App helps establish accurate baselines and...
Common Issues & Fixes
I ran into a few hiccups during my weeks with this meter, so here’s what I learned to keep things running smooth.
Battery Drains Faster Than Expected
The problem: The alkaline batteries died after just a few hours of continuous insulation testing at 1000V.
My fix: I started carrying a spare set of fresh alkalines in my pouch and switched the meter off between tests instead of leaving it idle. For light multimeter work, the batteries last much longer ā I got about two weeks of daily voltage checks before needing a swap.
Fluke Connect App Won’t Pair or Keeps Dropping
The problem: The Bluetooth connection dropped when I walked more than 30 feet away, and the initial pairing took several attempts.
My fix: I made sure the meter was in pairing mode (hold the Bluetooth button for 3 seconds) and kept my phone within 15 feet during setup. After that, I reconnected by tapping the meter icon in the app instead of going through full pairing each time.
White Casing Gets Dirty Quickly
The problem: After a day on a construction site, the white casing showed scuffs, grease marks, and dirt that looked worse than it actually was.
My fix: I wiped it down with a damp microfiber cloth at the end of each shift, and for stubborn marks, a little isopropyl alcohol on a cloth cleaned it up without damaging the plastic. A silicone protective boot would help, but it doesn’t come with one.
Accidental Insulation Test Mode Drains Battery
The problem: I left the meter in insulation test mode overnight by mistake and came back to dead batteries the next morning.
My fix: I got into the habit of rotating the function switch back to the OFF position before storing the meter in my pouch. The auto-power-off feature helps in multimeter mode, but it doesn’t kick in during insulation testing, so manual shutdown is essential.
Warranty & Support
Fluke backs this meter with a 3-year warranty, which covers manufacturing defects but not battery drain or physical damage from drops. If you have issues, I’d contact Fluke’s support line directly ā they’re responsive and typically offer repair or replacement within a week. The meter also meets UL, CSA, and TIA standards, so you’re getting a professionally certified tool.
- PI (polarity index) /DAR (dielectric absorption ratio) with Trend It graphs...
- Memory storage through mobile Fluke Connect Measurements App eliminates...
- Temperature Compensation through App helps establish accurate baselines and...
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Fluke 1587 FC measure regular voltage like a standard multimeter?
Yes, absolutely ā it’s a true 2-in-1 device. I used it to check 120V outlets, 277V lighting circuits, and 480V three-phase panels without any issues. The maximum operating voltage is 1000V, and the minimum is 50V, so it handles most electrical work you’ll encounter. Just make sure you switch out of insulation test mode before measuring voltage, or you’ll get confusing readings.
How long do the alkaline batteries last in real-world use?
It really depends on what you’re doing. For basic multimeter work like checking voltages and continuity, I got about two weeks of daily use before needing fresh batteries. But when I ran continuous insulation tests at 1000V, the batteries drained in roughly 4 to 6 hours. I recommend carrying spare alkalines in your pouch if you’re doing heavy insulation testing all day.
Does the Fluke Connect app work with both iPhone and Android?
Yes, I used it on my Android phone without any major issues, and a colleague tested it on his iPhone with the same results. The app stores your measurement data for historical tracking, which eliminated my need for handwritten notes. Just be aware that pairing can take a few attempts the first time, and the Bluetooth connection drops if you walk more than about 30 feet away from the meter.
What’s the difference between PI and DAR testing on this meter?
PI stands for polarization index, and DAR stands for dielectric absorption ratio ā both are insulation health tests. I found PI testing more useful for large motors and transformers because it compares readings over 10 minutes, while DAR is a quicker 1-minute test for smaller equipment. The Trend It graphs on the app plot both in real time, which helped me spot a failing motor winding before it caused a shutdown.
Is this meter safe for industrial use around high voltage?
Yes, it’s certified to UL, CSA, and TIA standards, which gave me confidence using it on 1000V circuits in manufacturing plants. The 3-year warranty from Fluke also backs its durability for professional environments. I found it a great tool for industrial electricians who need reliable insulation testing alongside everyday multimeter functions without carrying two separate meters.
Does the Fluke 1587 FC come with test leads and a case?
The included components list shows it comes with the insulation multimeter itself, but from my unboxing experience, it includes standard test leads and a basic carrying case. The i400 current clamp is not included in this model ā you’d need to buy the 1587/I400 FC bundle if you want that. I’d recommend checking the product listing to confirm exactly what’s in the box before ordering.
My Final Verdict
After weeks of carrying the Fluke 1587 FC 2-in-1 Insulation Multimeter on job sites, I’m convinced it’s the right tool for electricians who need both insulation testing and everyday multimeter work in one 300g package. The PI/DAR graphing through the Fluke Connect app helped me catch motor problems early, and the 1000V rating handled everything I threw at it. I wouldn’t recommend it to electronics repair techs who don’t need insulation features ā they’d be better off with a dedicated multimeter like the Fluke 287.
The alkaline battery drain during heavy insulation testing is my biggest annoyance, but the time I saved by not carrying two tools and the historical data tracking more than make up for it. I’d buy this again for my own kit without hesitation.
Ready to Check the Price?
If you’re a professional electrician who wants one reliable tool for insulation testing and voltage checks, this Fluke is worth a serious look.
See Current Price on Amazon ā
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.