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The Fluke 8508A Reference Multimeter is a metrology-grade digital multimeter engineered specifically for the demanding measurement needs of standards laboratories and calibration professionals. Featuring 8.5-digit resolution, the 8508A combines reference-standard accuracy with the functional versatility of a multifunction instrument, addressing three key performance pillars: accuracy and stability, functionality and versatility, and ease of use.
The 8508A supports a comprehensive set of measurement applications including DC and AC voltage, DC and AC current, resistance, temperature measurement via PRT/SPRT probes, and frequency measurement. With ratio measurement capability on voltage and resistance functions, the 8508A can replace Kelvin Varley dividers and AC/DC voltage transfer standards. It is well-suited to PRT calibration applications, multifunction calibrator verification, and precision component characterization — consolidating multiple specialized instruments into a single solution.
ValueTronics stocks and tests this Fluke 8508A Reference Multimeter in our 20,000 sq ft secure warehouse at 1675 Cambridge Drive, Elgin, Illinois. Unlike pass-through brokers and drop-shippers, every instrument is held in our facility, where our technicians perform functional verification before shipment. We have been a trusted source for precision test and measurement equipment since 1992, with a focus on metrology-grade instruments that demand careful handling and documented condition.
Fluke Calibration's heritage in precision measurement extends back to the founding of Fluke in 1948 by John Fluke. The company invented the digital multimeter and has built a long history in calibration metrology. In 2001, Fluke acquired Wavetek Precision Measurement of Norwich, UK, strengthening its position in DC and low-frequency precision measurement. The 8508A reflects this combined heritage of measurement expertise.
The Fluke 8508A is offered in two configurations as listed in the datasheet's ordering information. The base 8508A provides front-panel input terminals and the standard measurement function set. The 8508A/01 adds a duplicate set of rear binding posts and the ratio measurement package, enabling ratio measurements on voltage and resistance functions with the same current forced through both resistances.
Both configurations share identical core measurement performance — the same 8.5-digit resolution, the same DC and AC voltage and current ranges, the same resistance and temperature capabilities, and the same accuracy and stability specifications. The configuration choice is driven by whether ratio measurement and dual-terminal access are required for the intended application.
Each pre-owned 8508A configuration below is its own product page with condition-matched pricing and availability. Select the configuration that fits the measurement requirement — the base 8508A for standard precision multimeter applications, or the 8508A/01 when ratio measurements or rear-panel access are needed.
The principal difference between the two configurations is the inclusion of rear binding posts and the ratio measurement package in the 8508A/01. Rear-panel terminals are valuable in rack-mounted installations and automated test systems where front-panel access is impractical. The ratio measurement package enables direct voltage-to-voltage and resistance-to-resistance ratio measurements with reduced uncertainty contributions.
For applications requiring the replacement of Kelvin Varley dividers, AC/DC voltage transfer measurements, or precision resistance ratio measurements between two resistances, the 8508A/01 is the appropriate choice. For general metrology bench use where ratio measurements are not required, the base 8508A provides identical measurement performance through the front-panel terminals.
| Model | DC Voltage Range | DC Current Range | Resistance Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8508A | 200 mV to 1000 V | 200 µA to 20 A | 2 Ω to 20 GΩ |
| 8508A/01 | 200 mV to 1000 V | 200 µA to 20 A | 2 Ω to 20 GΩ |
Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| DC Voltage | |
| Ranges | 5 ranges, 200 mV to 1000 V |
| Maximum Measurement | 1050 V |
| Resolution | User selectable from 5.5 to 8.5 digits |
| Maximum Sensitivity | 1 nV |
| Type | Multi-slope, multi-cycle A-D Converter |
| CMRR (1 kΩ unbalance) | 140 dB at DC and 1 – 60 Hz |
| NMRR (Filter Out) | 60 dB at 50/60 Hz ± 0.09 % |
| NMRR (Filter In) | 110 dB at 50/60 Hz ± 0.09 % |
| Protection (All ranges) | 1 kV rms |
| Input Impedance (200 mV to 20 V Ranges) | > 10 GΩ |
| Input Impedance (200 V & 1000 V Ranges) | 10.1 MΩ ± 1 % |
| Max Input Current | 50 pA |
| Settling Time (Filter Out, to 10 ppm step size) | < 50 ms |
| Settling Time (Filter In, to 10 ppm step size) | < 1 s |
| DC Current | |
| Ranges | 6 ranges, 200 µA to 20 A |
| Maximum Measurement | 19.999000 A |
| Resolution | User selectable from 5.5 to 7.5 digits |
| Maximum Sensitivity | 10 pA |
| Type | Multi-slope, multi-cycle A-D Converter |
| Protection (Front Input) | 20 A rms |
| Protection (Rear Input) | 2 A rms, Rear Panel Fuse |
| Settling Time | Up to 200 mA range as DCV; 2 A range < 30 s to 75 ppm step size; 20 A range (at 10 A) < 30 s to 250 ppm step size |
| AC Voltage | |
| Ranges | 5 ranges, 200 mV to 1000 V |
| Resolution | User selectable from 5.5 to 6.5 digits |
| Maximum Bandwidth | 1 MHz |
| Maximum Sensitivity | 100 nV |
| Type | True RMS, AC coupled measures AC component with up to 1000 V DC bias on any range. DC coupled gives √(AC² + DC²) |
| CMRR (1 kΩ unbalance) | > 90 dB DC – 60 Hz |
| Crest Factor (200 mV to 200 V ranges) | 10:1 at 12 % of range, 5:1 at 50 % of range, 2.5:1 at full range |
| Crest Factor (1000 V range) | 10:1 at 25 % of range, 5:1 at full range |
| Protection (All ranges) | 1 kV rms |
| Input Impedance | 1 MΩ in parallel with 150 pF |
| DC Accuracy (DC Coupled) | Add ±(50 ppm Reading + 50 ppm Range + 20 µV) |
| AC Current | |
| Ranges | 6 ranges, 200 µA to 20 A |
| Resolution | User selectable from 5.5 to 6.5 digits |
| Maximum Bandwidth | 100 kHz |
| Maximum Sensitivity | 100 pA |
| Type | True RMS, AC coupled. DC coupled gives √(AC² + DC²) |
| Crest Factor | 3:1 at 50 % of range, 1.5:1 at full range |
| Protection (Front Input) | 20 A rms |
| Protection (Rear Input) | 2 A rms, Rear Panel Fuse |
| Settling Time | < 0.5 s to < 50 s, depending upon range and filter settings |
| Frequency Measurement | |
| Signal Amplitude Range | 5 % of range to limit set by maximum Volt·Hertz |
| Normal Gate Mode: Resolution | 6.5 digits |
| Normal Gate Mode: Frequency Range | 10 Hz – 1 MHz |
| Normal Gate Mode: Accuracy (1 year, 13 °C – 33 °C) | ± (10 ppm of Reading + 2 digits) |
| Normal Gate Mode: Sample Interval | 1 s |
| Fast Gate Mode: Resolution | 4.5 digits |
| Fast Gate Mode: Frequency Range | 200 Hz – 1 MHz |
| Fast Gate Mode: Accuracy (1 year, 13 °C – 33 °C) | ± 2 digits |
| Fast Gate Mode: Sample Interval | 50 ms |
| Resistance (Ohms) | |
| Ranges | 10 ranges, 2 Ω to 20 GΩ |
| Resolution | User selectable from 5.5 to 8.5 digits |
| Maximum Sensitivity | 10 nΩ |
| Maximum Compliance Voltage | 200 V |
| Maximum Measurement Current | 100 mA |
| Type | True 4-wire with Ohms guard. 2-wire selectable |
| Max Lead Resistance | 10 Ω in any or all leads, 1 Ω on 2 Ω range |
| Protection (All ranges) | 250 V rms, 360 V pk |
| Settling Time | Up to 200 kΩ range generally the same as DCV Filter In but depends on external connections |
| Temperature | |
| Probe Support | 2-wire, 3-wire and 4-wire PRT/SPRT with current reversal |
| Temperature Range | -200 °C to 660 °C |
| Resolution | User selectable from 5.5 to 8.5 digits |
| Linearization | ITS-90 or Callendar van Dusen; entry and storage of coefficients and nominal resistance for up to 100 probes |
| Readout | °C, °F, K or Ω |
| Current Source | 1 mA |
| General — Power | |
| Voltage | 100 V to rms, designed for additional voltage fluctuations ±10 % |
| Frequency | 50 Hz to 60 Hz, designed for additional frequency variation of ±3 % |
| Consumption | 80 VA |
Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.
Model No
Fluke
Condition
Used
Manufacturer
Agilent
1
Bail Handle and Front Protective Cover
50
Replace 85081B Input Module with 85082A Input Module
11570A
Accessory Kit (for measurement of 50 ½ systems with standard HP 8508A)
85081B
Input Module (100 kHz to 1 GHz , high-impedance probe inputs)
85082A
Input Module (300 kHz to 2 GHz , 50 ½ Type-N inputs)
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