HT64 multimeter versus industry favourite, Fluke 179

Constantly combing through specs and stats of a variety of multimeters and clamp meters, means more and more familiarity with the different meters and what they are capable of. This coupled with frequent questions about whether this meter or that meter would suit someone best, means I am continually comparing meters in my head.

Recently I had an enquiry for the HT64 multimeter, and as always, I went straight to the stats and the user manual to refresh my mind on it’s capabilities.

And as I read through all the info again, I mentally started comparing it to the Fluke 179, which is one of the meters I use regularly.

HT64 multimeter versus Fluke 179 multimeter

The first thing that drew my attention was the price of the HT 64. It was in the same ballpark as the Fluke 179, which is an extremely reputable meter and used extensively throughout industry (probably one of the reasons the Fluke 179 came to mind).

The next thing I noticed was how capable the HT64 was... and so I continued comparing the HT 64 and the Fluke 179.

I wish to say at the outset, that it is not my intention to put any one meter above the other, merely to point out that with a little research, you may be better off with one meter over another, depending on your circumstances, budget and requirements.

Lets get into the stats. The following table is based on information taken straight from each of the manuals. I have highlighted in red where statistics for one trumps the other.

	Fluke 179	HT 64
Price * * current as at March 2020	$ 640	$ 605
Screen Count	6000	6000
TRMS AC Volts	600.0mV to 1000V	600.0mV to 1000V
TRMS AC Volts Accuracy	∓ 1% + 3dgt	0.9% + 5dgt
DC Volts	600.0mV to 1000V	600.0mV to 1000V
DC Volts Accuracy	∓ 0.15% + 2dgt	0.1% + 5dgt up to 60V 0.2% + 5dgt 600V to 1000V
TRMS AC Current	60.00mA to 10.00A	600.0µA to 10A
TRMS AC Current Accuracy	∓ 1.5% + 3dgt	∓ 1.2% + 5dgt up to 600.0mA ∓ 1.5% + 5dgt on 10.00A range
DC Current	60.00mA to 10.00A	600.0µmA to 10A
Capacitance	1000nF to 9999µF	60.00nF to 6.000mF
Capacitance Accuracy	∓ 1.2% + 2dgt up to 100.0µF then ∓10%	Depending on range; ∓ 1.2% + 8dgt ∓ 1.5% + 8dgt; ∓ 1.5% + 20dgt up to ∓ 2.5% + 20dgt
Diode Test	2.400V	3.2V
Resistance	600.0Ω to 50.00MΩ	600.0Ω to 60.00ΩM
Resistance Accuracy	Depending on range; ∓ 0.9% + 2dgt ∓ 0.9% + 1dgt ∓ 1.5% + 3dgt	Depending on range; ∓ 0.8% + 10dgt ∓ 0.8% + 5dgt ∓ 2.5% + 10dgt
Frequency	99.99Hz to 99.99kH	60.00Hz to 1.000MHz
Frequency Accuracy	∓ 0.1% + 1dgt	∓ 0.09% + 5dgt
Temperature	-40℃ to 400℃	-40℃ to 1350℃
Temperature Accuracy	∓ 0.1% + 10dgt	∓ 1.5% + 3dgt
Continuity	Yes	Yes
Duty Cycle	No	Yes
4-20mA%	No	Yes
AC + DC Voltage and Current	No	Yes
Graphical Display	No	Yes
CAT rating	CAT IV 600V CAT III 1000V	CAT IV 600V CAT III 1000V
Warranty	Lifetime Limited Warranty	1 year

Ok, there’s a complete wrap on the stats for both meters. Again, where stats for one meter are a little better than the other, I have highlighted the better stats in red. As can be seen, however, there is not much in it for the functions that exist on both meters. The HT 64 does come out on top more consistently than the Fluke 179, and of these, a few stats do stand out;

100 times better resolution for AC and DC current for the HT 64 with similar accuracies.
More than 10 times better resolution for Capacitance for the HT 64 with similar accuracies.
10 times greater frequency measurement for the HT 64 with similar accuracies.

It can also be clearly seen that the HT 64 has a little bit more functionality than the Fluke with the functions of Duty Cycle, 4-20mA% and AC+DC voltage and current measurement.

With all this considered, you would think hands down that the HT 64 is the better meter. However, I have put the warranty details in bold red for the Fluke for a good reason. Fluke offer a Lifetime warranty on it’s unit, which translates to about 10 years when you read the fine print. Fluke are renowned for reliable, long lasting measuring equipment, and the Fluke 179 is no exception, hence it’s long warranty period.

So which one?

My suggestion is this…….

If you are not too worried about warranty, and/or you could use the extra functionality as well as the better ranges on those functions mentioned above, the HT 64 is definitely a better option. You will also be saving yourself around $35 on RRP.

If you do not need the extra functionality and the ranges offered are within your requirements, then based on warranty and the reputation of reliability, the Fluke 179 is the more logical choice.

For me, I’m a bit of a geek and gadget man, so I like the HT 64. In my opinion, it also has a more attractive screen, which is obviously just personal taste.