CPSC, Fluke Corp. Announce Recall of Digital Multimeters
Home product recall 02-231. Announced by CPSC on Aug 19, 2002.
- CPSC: stop using it
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. CPSC’s own notice is on cpsc.gov.
The short answer
Announced by CPSC on Aug 19, 2002. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.
- Stop using it what CPSC tells owners to do now (needs attention)
- About 40,000 units, as CPSC gives them
- None injuries, CPSC’s notice says
Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
The recalled units can take longer than normal, up to 18 seconds, to display readings of AC voltages above 500 volts. Users can misinterpret the delayed reading to mean that high voltage is not present. If high voltage is present, users could be exposed to a risk of shock, electrocution, and thermal burns.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
Consumers should stop using these testers immediately and contact Fluke for information on returning the recalled unit for a free repair.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: Consumers should call Fluke at (800) 260-4819 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or at the Fluke website www.fluke.com/170recall
Which ones are recalled?
Multimeters are used to measure voltage, resistance and current. The recalled Fluke digital multimeters measure up to 1,000 volts alternating current (VAC) and direct current (VDC). “Fluke” and “175”, “177” or “179” are written on the front of the unit. The tester body is yellow and black, and measures about 7.25 inches long by 3.5 inches wide. Recalled units have a serial number below 79000000. The serial number is written on the back of the instrument, under the hinged stand.
About 40,000 units, as CPSC gives them.
Fluke Digital Multimeters.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
CPSC’s photos
CPSC shows 1 photo on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.
Who made and sold it?
- Made by Fluke Corp., Everett, Wash.
- Home and hardware stores and industrial distributors nationwide sold these testers, from January 2001 through October 2001, for between $170 and $215.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
Fluke has received four reports from Canada and Australia, in which users experienced a delayed response, while measuring high voltage, though no injuries were reported.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- The notice lists no UPCs, so check the model, the description and the photos.
- The notice lists no model numbers in a field of their own; its description may give them.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Recalls API.
Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.
Recalls of kids’ and home products are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record. Copied on Oct 19, 2026.