Fluke 28 II EX (Pre-production model) - A look inside / mini review

[MJLorton]

Hi Folks,

Gavin of Comtest (Fluke agents) happened to have this in the boot of his car and asked if I wanted to have a look at it....

Thanks to Comtest for the loan of the Fluke 28 II EX Intrinsically Safe True-rms Digital Multimeter: www.Comtest.co.za

http://www.fluke.com/fluke/m2en/digital-multimeters/Specialty-Multimeters/Fluke-28-II-Ex-Intrinsically-Safe-True-rms-Digital-Multimeter.htm?PID=74148

The video review is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDsVQVwGbq4

Pics attached....see if you can note what is missing from this pre-production model vs the production model....

[Kiriakos GR]

Due the fact that I own one 28II I would say that the changes at the EX version, has nothing to do about the functionality of the meter, but mostly adjustments so the meter to comply in special environments.
There is some serious changes on the PCB and batteries, which leads me to say that inside it there is a totally different circuitry.   

The fuse under the insulating gel looks funny.  :-)

[Fennec]

I've seen your Video and I opened my Fluke 87V EX if anybody interested on it.
I can't remove the PCB, it is complete grouted with the Case. The LCD also.

http://www.fluke.com/fluke/usen/fluke-87v-ex.htm?PID=56141

Sorry for the bad image quality, I've got a cheap cam only.

[Kiriakos GR]

I bet that this Glue cost 300$   :-) 

[Fennec]

lol, yepp, and if you take a look at the price. The "normal" one costs 500 Euros (complete), the EX version 1300 !! Euros. I don't really know why.
I shot it for 230 Euros at ebay, new and complete with all cables, adapters. manuals, CD...
BUT, if you got this version and you have a problem with it, you have no chance to fix something. And I don't know whats up with the warranty, for in europe buyed Fluke devices. I can't belive, it is live warranty here.

[Monkeh]

lol, yepp, and if you take a look at the price. The "normal" one costs 500 Euros (complete), the EX version 1300 !! Euros. I don't really know why.

You answered that one yourself:

if you got this version and you have a problem with it, you have no chance to fix something.

If it goes faulty, they can't repair it. They just replace it. It's really not viable to remove all that potting (And that's all it is, just a high grade epoxy potting compound), fix the fault, and repot it. That, plus the price premium for a meter proven to be safe in explosive environments, and you have the new price.

Thankfully, very, very few people need such devices.

[Fennec]

So it has lifetime warranty I have no problems with it )

[Monkeh]

So it has lifetime warranty I have no problems with it )

I doubt you have a warranty at all.

[Kiriakos GR]

Fluke + waranty + ebay, includes some risk to not become accepted for free repair.
But the Fluke repair center will take the final decision about that matter.

[Fennec]

ebay is not the problem, but the bill. Fluke says, the bill must be signed by the first buyer, otherwise no warranty.
But Fluke is higher quality so I hope the device will live long. I treated it as well is possible.

[MJLorton]

I've seen your Video and I opened my Fluke 87V EX if anybody interested on it.
I can't remove the PCB, it is complete grouted with the Case. The LCD also.

http://www.fluke.com/fluke/usen/fluke-87v-ex.htm?PID=56141

Sorry for the bad image quality, I've got a cheap cam only.

Thanks for the post, great to see the internals of a production model. Comtest  are hoping to get a production model to me so we can have a closer look at it.

Cheers,
Martin.

[Yuri]

I got my 28ii Ex today it also did  not have a bar fast changing display. Even in the manual it is not present.  But  in all the photos on the net it is....? 

[retiredcaps]

I got my 28ii Ex today

As I mentioned in the other thread, check out the recall information for your 28 II EX.

http://www.fluke.com/fluke/m2en/support/safety/28-ii-ex-recall.htm

[mariush]

The plastic instrument case may develop cracks near the screws on the back during the life of the product. If cracks develop, and if used in an explosive dust environment (IEC/EU: Zone 21, and US/CA: Class II, Division 1), ingress of conductive dust may cause a short circuit that could ignite a dust explosive atmosphere surrounding the unit, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

I guess it depends where he uses the multimeter or if he cares that the plastic may crack..

[SeanB]

If you are buying an EEx rated meter you probably will be using it in an explosive or potentially explosive area. No other reason to pay the premium for the rating otherwise. You only use EEx rating if there are hazardous gases or vapours, or if you need the sealing that they provide. EEx version of any box is quite a lot more than the non EEx version, and considerably heavier as well, along with having a whole lot more screws holding it together.