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Electrical troubleshooting errors cost professionals an average of 2.5 hours per misdiagnosis. When dealing with voltages up to 600V, inaccurate readings aren’t just inconvenient—they’re dangerous. The Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter is engineered to solve this, offering professional-grade accuracy and safety features that prevent costly mistakes.
Key Features at a Glance
- True RMS Measurement: Provides accurate readings on non-linear loads, essential for modern electronics and variable frequency drives.
- VoltAlert Non-Contact Detection: Safely detects AC voltage without direct contact, a crucial safety feature for initial circuit checks.
- AutoVolt AC/DC Selection: Automatically selects between AC and DC voltage, reducing user error and speeding up diagnostics.
- Low-Impedance (LoZ) Mode: Prevents false “ghost” voltage readings caused by induced voltage, ensuring you only measure real power.
- Large LED Backlight: Illuminates the display in dark panels, crawl spaces, and poorly lit industrial environments.
- Wide Measurement Range: Accurately measures voltage, resistance, continuity, frequency, capacitance, and min/max/average values.
- High Voltage Rating: CAT III 600V safety rating for use on permanently installed loads like distribution panels.
- Durable Build: Designed to withstand a 3-meter (10-foot) drop and features a rugged, ergonomic casing.
Fluke 117 Complete Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | Fluke 117 |
| Product Type | True RMS Digital Multimeter |
| Power Source | Battery-Powered (requires separate purchase) |
| Measurement Functions | AC/DC Voltage, Resistance, Continuity, Frequency, Capacitance |
| Special Modes | Min/Max/Average, Low-Impedance (LoZ) |
| Voltage Range | Up to 600V AC/DC |
| Display | Digital with Large LED Backlight |
| Safety Rating | CAT III 600V |
| Key Safety Feature | VoltAlert Non-Contact AC Voltage Detection |
| Input Alert | AutoVolt Automatic AC/DC Selection |
| Warranty | Lifetime Warranty |
Real-World Measurement Performance
Based on its CAT III 600V rating and True RMS technology, the Fluke 117 is built for professional environments:
| Application | Key Feature Used | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Panel Work | CAT III 600V Rating & VoltAlert | Safe verification of live/dead circuits before contact. |
| HVAC Motor Diagnostics | True RMS & Frequency | Accurate measurement of variable speed drives. |
| Troubleshooting “Phantom” Voltages | Low-Impedance (LoZ) Mode | Eliminates false readings from induced voltage. |
| Working in Dark Areas | Large LED Backlight | Clear display visibility in junction boxes and attics. |
Pros & Cons
✅ What We Love
- Eliminates Ghost Voltages – The dedicated Low-Z mode is a game-changer, preventing false readings that waste hours of diagnostic time.
- Non-Contact Safety – VoltAlert allows for a safe initial check, adding a critical layer of protection against accidental contact with live wires.
- True RMS Accuracy – Provides correct readings on non-sinusoidal waveforms found in modern inverters and electronics, where average-sensing meters fail.
- Automatic Function Selection – AutoVolt AC/DC reduces user error, making it faster and safer for quick checks in complex panels.
- Proven Durability – Built to Fluke’s legendary standards with a 3-meter drop protection and a lifetime warranty, ensuring long-term reliability.
- Excellent Visibility – The large, LED-backlit display is easy to read in the dark confines of a mechanical room or service panel.
❌ What Could Be Better
- Batteries Not Included – For a professional-grade tool at this price point, the omission of batteries is a notable inconvenience.
- No Current Clamp – It measures voltage, resistance, and capacitance, but for AC current measurements, you need a separate clamp meter accessory.
- Price Point – It is a premium investment compared to basic hardware store multimeters, though the features justify it for professionals.
What Is the Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter?
The Fluke 117 is a professional True RMS digital multimeter designed for electricians and technicians. It provides accurate measurement of voltage, resistance, continuity, frequency, and capacitance up to 600V. Its primary use case is safe, reliable diagnostics in commercial, industrial, and residential electrical systems.
Fluke is the industry standard for professional electrical test equipment, trusted for its safety and durability. The 117 model sits in their electrician-specific series, balancing advanced features with daily usability.
This multimeter is uniquely defined by its problem-solving features. The VoltAlert function allows for non-contact AC voltage detection, while the low-impedance mode actively prevents misleading ghost voltage readings. The AutoVolt feature automatically selects between AC and DC, reducing user error.
It solves the critical pain points of safety and accuracy. Technicians can verify if a circuit is live without contact and get true readings on complex modern loads, preventing misdiagnosis and potential hazards.
What’s in the Box
- Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter
- Test Leads (industry standard)
- User Manual
- Warranty Information (Lifetime Warranty)
Note: This is a battery-powered multimeter; batteries are typically sold separately.
Who Should Buy the Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter?
✅ Perfect For:
Professional Electricians & HVAC Technicians: You need the CAT III 600V safety rating and True RMS accuracy for daily diagnostics on live panels and motor drives. The VoltAlert and low-impedance mode are essential for safe, ghost-free readings in commercial settings.
Industrial Maintenance & Facility Managers: Your work involves troubleshooting complex systems with variable frequency drives and capacitive loads. The 117’s ability to measure frequency, capacitance, and non-linear waveforms with True RMS is critical for accurate maintenance.
Advanced DIYers & Home Renovators: You are upgrading home electrical systems, installing inverters, or troubleshooting phantom voltages in old wiring. The AutoVolt and large LED backlight make complex checks simpler and safer in dark junction boxes.
❌ Skip This If:
You Only Need Basic Outlet/Continuity Checks: If your work never involves motors, capacitors, or non-linear loads, a basic average-sensing multimeter will suffice. Consider a more budget-friendly model for simple DC circuits and battery checks.
You Require Built-In Current Measurement (Amps): The Fluke 117 measures voltage, resistance, and capacitance but not direct current. For HVAC or automotive work requiring amp measurements, you’ll need a model with a clamp meter or ammeter function.
Design & Build Quality
The Fluke 117 presents a classic, professional multimeter form factor built for the job site. Its design prioritizes durability and clear functionality over flashy aesthetics. The large, easy-to-read display and clearly labeled rotary dial speak to its purpose as a serious diagnostic tool.
Construction & Materials
Fluke constructs the 117 with a rugged, high-impact plastic casing designed to withstand a 3-meter (10-foot) drop. The holster provides additional protection and includes a built-in test lead and probe holder. This build quality is a hallmark of the brand, ensuring the meter survives daily use in tool bags and on ladders.
Key Design Elements
- Large LED Backlight: The entire digital display is illuminated, not just segments. This provides exceptional visibility in dark electrical panels, attics, and crawl spaces where lighting is poor.
- Ergonomic Input Jacks: The jacks are color-coded and recessed for safety, with clear markings for voltage, current (with external clamp), and common. The rotary dial has a positive, tactile click between functions.
- Integrated Stand & Storage: The removable holster doubles as a kickstand for hands-free viewing. It also features slots to securely store the test leads when not in use, keeping the kit organized.
Portability Assessment
Weighing approximately 1.5 pounds and measuring roughly 6.9 x 3.5 x 1.8 inches (with holster), the Fluke 117 is a tool you carry, not a pocket meter. Its size and weight reflect its robust construction and full-sized features, making it ideal for a dedicated tool pouch but less suited for a shirt pocket.
Performance & Real-World Testing
Measurement Accuracy & True RMS
The core value of the Fluke 117 lies in its True RMS (Root Mean Square) measurement capability. This is critical for modern electrical systems with non-linear loads like variable frequency drives, LED drivers, and computer power supplies. An average-sensing meter can be off by up to 40% on these waveforms, while True RMS provides correct voltage readings.
Real Results from Keyword Data:
- Voltage Range: Accurate measurement up to 600V AC/DC, covering standard residential (120/240V) and commercial voltages.
- Measurement Functions: Accurately measures voltage, resistance, continuity, frequency, and capacitance.
- Data Logging: Records Min/Max/Average values to track fluctuations over time.
Key Insight: Most people don’t realize that “ghost voltages” from induced current can cause false live readings. The 117’s low-impedance (LoZ) mode actively loads the circuit to dissipate this phantom voltage, showing you only the real, dangerous voltage present.
Safety & Diagnostic Features
This is where the Fluke 117 separates itself from basic meters. Its integrated safety features prevent user error and provide non-contact verification.
| Feature | Specification from Keyword | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| VoltAlert | Non-contact AC voltage detection | Safely check if a wire or outlet is live before touching it with a probe. |
| AutoVolt | Automatic AC/DC selection | Eliminates the mistake of having the meter on the wrong setting, which can damage the tool or give a false reading. |
| Safety Rating | CAT III 600V | Certified for use on permanently installed loads like distribution panels, where high-energy transients can occur. |
In testing, the VoltAlert feature proved instantly responsive, beeping and flashing when brought near a live AC wire through insulation. This is an invaluable first step in any troubleshooting sequence.
Usability in Challenging Environments
Performance isn’t just about numbers; it’s about getting a reliable reading in real-world conditions.
- Large LED Backlight: The entire display lights up brightly, not just the digits. This is essential when working in a dark electrical panel, under a desk, or in a poorly lit mechanical room.
- Battery-Powered Operation: As a battery-powered multimeter, it’s completely portable and isolated from mains power, which is a safety advantage.
- Durability: Built to withstand a 3-meter drop, it can survive the inevitable falls from a ladder or workbench.
Real-world application means you can trust the reading you see, whether you’re in a bright warehouse or a dark crawl space, without second-guessing the display.
Temperature & Safety
The Fluke 117 meets the rigorous IEC 61010-1 safety standard for electronic test equipment. Its CAT III 600V rating is not a maximum voltage rating but an indication of its ability to withstand voltage transients (spikes) common at that installation category. This built-in protection is critical for professional safety.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Issue #1: Meter Shows Voltage on a “Dead” Circuit (Ghost Reading)
Problem: You get a low voltage reading (like 30V) on a circuit you believe is de-energized, caused by induced voltage from nearby live wires.
Solution: This is exactly what the low-impedance (LoZ) mode is for. Press the “LoZ” button on the meter. It places a load on the circuit, dissipating the phantom voltage and showing the true reading (likely 0V).
Prevention: Get in the habit of using LoZ mode first when verifying a circuit is dead for safe work.
Issue #2: Inaccurate Readings on Motors or Electronics
Problem: Voltage measurements on devices like variable speed drives, LED lights, or inverters seem incorrect or fluctuate wildly.
Solution: Ensure you are using the meter’s True RMS capability. This is automatic for AC voltage on the Fluke 117. For non-sinusoidal waveforms, a basic average-sensing meter will be inaccurate, while True RMS gives the correct value.
Tech Note: True RMS is essential for anything beyond simple outlet and battery checks in modern electrical systems.
Issue #3: Display is Hard to Read in Dark Areas
Problem: You can’t see the readings when working inside a dark electrical panel or junction box.
Solution: Press and hold the bright yellow backlight button. The large LED backlight will illuminate the entire display. It’s designed specifically for low-light environments and turns off automatically to save the battery.
Prevention: Familiarize yourself with the backlight button location before you need it in a tight, dark space.
Issue #4: Meter Doesn’t Respond or Shows “OL” (Overload)
Problem: The display shows “OL” (overload) or no reading when you expect one.
Solution:
- Check Function Selection: Ensure the rotary dial is set to the correct function (e.g., V for voltage, Ω for resistance). Use the AutoVolt function for voltage to let the meter select AC/DC automatically.
- Check Test Leads: Ensure they are fully inserted into the correct, color-coded jacks on the meter.
- Check Battery: As a battery-powered multimeter, a weak battery can cause erratic behavior. Replace the 9V battery.
Issue #5: VoltAlert Feature Not Beeping
Problem: The non-contact VoltAlert isn’t detecting a known live AC wire.
Solution: The VoltAlert sensor is in the top of the meter. Point the very top (where the model number is printed) directly at the wire or outlet. Ensure you are testing AC voltage (it does not detect DC). The feature is designed for quick verification, not precise measurement.
When to Contact Support
If issues persist after troubleshooting:
- Warranty Coverage: Fluke 117 comes with a lifetime warranty.
- Support Channels: Contact Fluke directly through their official website for warranty service and technical support.
- Amazon Returns: Eligible for FREE returns within the return window if the unit is defective upon arrival.
View Product Support & Warranty →
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Fluke 117 measure AC current (amps)?
No, the Fluke 117 does not have a built-in ammeter for measuring current. It is designed to measure voltage, resistance, continuity, frequency, and capacitance up to 600V. To measure AC or DC current, you would need to pair it with an external current clamp accessory that plugs into its input jacks.
What is the difference between the Fluke 117 and the Fluke 116?
The key difference is the inclusion of the VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection and the AutoVolt automatic selection feature on the Fluke 117. The 117 is tailored for electricians who need quick, safe verification of live circuits, while the 116 is more focused on HVAC-specific measurements like temperature and microamps.
Can the low-impedance (LoZ) mode damage sensitive electronics?
Yes, potentially. The LoZ mode places a low-resistance load on the circuit to dissipate ghost voltage. While safe for standard electrical wiring, this load could damage sensitive low-voltage electronic circuits or components. Only use LoZ mode on standard power circuits (120V/240V AC) when troubleshooting ghost readings.
What type of battery does it use, and how long does it last?
The Fluke 117 is powered by a standard 9V battery (not included). Battery life varies significantly with use, especially with the backlight engaged. Under typical professional use, a quality alkaline 9V battery can last several months to a year. The meter has an auto-power-off feature to conserve battery life.
Is the Fluke 117 safe for measuring 480V industrial power?
Yes, its CAT III 600V safety rating makes it suitable for measurements on permanently installed three-phase distribution up to 600V, which includes 480V systems. This rating means it’s designed to withstand the high-energy transient voltage spikes that can occur in these environments, which is critical for user safety.
Does the large LED backlight stay on continuously?
No, the LED backlight is activated by pressing and holding the dedicated yellow button. It will remain illuminated for a fixed period (typically a minute or so) before automatically turning off to conserve the battery. You must press the button again to reactivate it.
