289 Multimeter

The Fluke 289 shows mixed repairability prospects. Users report easy DIY fuse replacement after common failures from incorrect lead placement, and one reviewer confirms the internal fuses are easily replaced indicating some user-serviceable design. However, multiple users cite expensive Fluke repairs for the recurring Leads Connected Incorrectly error that plagues these models.

• •Parts access: Fuses are user-replaceable, but other components require costly factory service
• •Known issues: Persistent sensor fault requiring professional repair, screen degradation problems
• •Service costs: Multiple users warn against personal purchase due to prohibitive repair expenses when warranty expires

Bottom line: Built tough but not built for home repair — you can swap fuses yourself, but anything else means expensive factory service that users say isn't worth it for personal tools.

The Fluke 289 earns its reputation as a tank-like workhorse that professionals trust their lives with. Users report meters surviving 2-story drops without a scratch and protecting them from arc flashes that destroyed lesser meters. Many professionals share stories of using these for decades, with one noting the only reason I purchased a new one is because the old one was burnt up in a house fire.

• •Built like an M-RAP: Multiple reviews confirm exceptional physical durability and CAT IV safety ratings that actually deliver in dangerous situations
• •Proven longevity: Reddit users showcase 1980s Fluke models still working perfectly, and Amazon reviewers consistently say they'd buy it again if lost or stolen without a second thought
• •Known weak points: The Leads Connected Incorrectly sensor error and poor display quality are recurring issues that tarnish an otherwise stellar record
• •User-serviceable design: Internal fuses can be easily replaced when blown, extending the meter's lifespan

Bottom line: This is genuinely BIFL-grade equipment that justifies its premium price for professionals, but the dated display and occasional QC issues keep it from perfection.

Fluke offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty on the 289 Multimeter, demonstrating exceptional commitment to their products in the professional tool market.

• •Duration: "Lifetime" is clearly defined as 10 years from purchase or 7 years after product discontinuation, whichever is longer.
• •Claim Process: Requires contacting Fluke or authorized distributor with proof of purchase for repair, replacement, or recalibration.
• •Limitations: Doesn't cover fuses, batteries, misuse damage, or normal mechanical wear. LCD screen specifically warranted for 10 years only.

Bottom line: Fluke's warranty is among the best in the industry with a decade-plus of coverage and strong real-world reputation for honoring claims, though some consumable components are excluded as expected.

The Fluke 289 commands serious respect among professionals, though Reddit discussions reveal mixed opinions about its value proposition. Users consistently praise Fluke's safety reputation and the 289's advanced data logging capabilities, with one user noting it saved them from an arc flash that destroyed a cheaper meter. However, the steep price triggers significant debate.

• •Professional trust: Controls technicians and industrial workers rely on its TrendCapture feature to diagnose intermittent faults, calling it indispensable for complex troubleshooting
• •Known reliability issues: Multiple users report a recurring Leads Connected Incorrectly error and screen defects, which are expensive fixes outside warranty
• •Price barrier: Repeatedly described as a company purchase rather than personal buy, with many recommending the 87V or Brymen alternatives for general use

Bottom line: The 289 earns its premium reputation for specialized industrial diagnostics, but recurring faults and extreme pricing limit its BIFL appeal to company-funded professionals who need its unique features.