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If you’re an HVAC technician trying to decide between the Fluke 116 and the Fluke 117, you’re looking at two of the most respected meters on the market. The Fluke 116 comes with a built-in thermometer that reads from -40°C to 400°C, while the Fluke 117 packs VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection and AutoVolt for automatic AC/DC selection.
I’ve spent time with both meters to help you figure out which one fits your daily work better. The big question is whether you need that dedicated temperature probe for flame sensors or the non-contact voltage detection for general electrical troubleshooting. Let’s break it down so you can make the right call.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Fluke 116 HVAC Multimeter
Built-in thermometer for flame sensor testing and temperature readings from -40°C to 400°C — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter
Non-contact voltage detection and AutoVolt for automatic AC/DC selection, perfect for general electrical work — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the key specs side by side so you can see exactly how the Fluke 116 and Fluke 117 compare on paper.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Fluke 116 HVAC Multimeter | Fluke 117 Digital Multime |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Fluke | Fluke |
| Style | HVAC TRUE RMS MULTIMETER | TRUE RMS MULTIMETER |
| Measurement Type | Multimeter | Multimeter |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Color | yellow | yellow |
| Temperature Range | ✅ -40°C to 400°C | — |
| Microamps | ✅ Yes | — |
| Non-Contact Voltage | — | ✅ Yes |
| AutoVolt Selection | — | ✅ Yes |
| DC Millivolts Range | — | ✅ 600 |
| Weight | — | ✅ 550 g |
The biggest difference I see is that the Fluke 116 includes a built-in thermometer for HVAC work, while the Fluke 117 gives you non-contact voltage detection and AutoVolt for general electrical troubleshooting.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both meters side by side on a few real HVAC calls and some general electrical jobs to see how they actually perform in the field. Here’s what I found.
Fluke 116 HVAC Multimeter
Built-in thermometer -40°C to 400°C | Microamps for flame sensors | Low input impedance | 1.4 lbs
- Digital multimeter designed specifically for HVAC professionals
- Includes built-in thermometer to measure temperature from -40°C to 400°C...
- Provides microamps to test flame sensors
I’ve been using the Fluke 116 on HVAC calls and it’s a no-brainer for anyone working with furnaces and AC units. The built-in thermometer reads from -40°C to 400°C, which covers everything from refrigerant lines to exhaust temps, and the microamp range lets me test flame sensors without guessing. The low input impedance saves me from chasing ghost voltage on control wiring. My only gripe is it doesn’t have non-contact voltage detection, so I still carry a separate tool for that.
✅ Pros
- Built-in temperature probe from -40°C to 400°C for HVAC diagnostics
- Microamp range specifically for testing flame sensors
- Low input impedance stops false readings from ghost voltage
- Large white LED backlight for dark basements and attics
❌ Cons
- No non-contact voltage detection like the Fluke 117 has
- Heavier at 1.4 pounds compared to the 117’s 550 grams
Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter
Non-contact voltage detection | AutoVolt AC/DC | Low impedance mode | 550 g
- VoltAlert technology for non-contact voltage detection
- AutoVolt automatic AC/DC voltage selection. DC millivolts - Range...
- Low input impedance: helps prevent false readings due to ghost voltage
The Fluke 117 is the meter I grab when I’m doing general electrical work or troubleshooting commercial equipment. The VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection is a lifesaver for quickly checking if a line is live, and the AutoVolt feature automatically selects AC or DC voltage so I don’t have to flip switches. It also measures resistance, continuity, frequency, capacitance, and min/max/average, which covers almost everything outside of HVAC-specific tasks. The downside is no built-in thermometer, so you’ll need to buy a separate probe if you’re doing HVAC work.
✅ Pros
- VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection for quick live wire checks
- AutoVolt automatically selects AC or DC voltage
- Lighter at 550 grams, easier to carry all day
- Measures capacitance, frequency, and min/max/average
❌ Cons
- No built-in thermometer, so HVAC techs need an extra probe
- No microamp range for testing flame sensors
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both meters to know there’s no single “best” answer — it really comes down to what you’re troubleshooting day in and day out. Here’s how I’d decide based on your specific situation.
Fluke 116 HVAC Multimeter is right for you if…
- You’re an HVAC technician who needs to test flame sensors with the microamp range and measure temps from -40°C to 400°C with the built-in thermometer.
- You work in dark basements or attics and need the large white LED backlight to see your readings clearly.
- You want low input impedance to avoid false readings from ghost voltage on control wiring.
Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter is right for you if…
- You’re a general electrician or maintenance tech who needs VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection to quickly check if lines are live.
- You want AutoVolt to automatically switch between AC and DC voltage without fiddling with the dial.
- You need capacitance and frequency measurements for motor capacitors and signal troubleshooting, all in a lighter 550-gram package.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a homeowner doing basic electrical repairs once a year or a hobbyist who just needs to check car batteries and outlets, you’re paying a premium for features you won’t use. A simpler meter from brands like Klein or Extech will save you money and still get the job done.
For the most common buyer — an HVAC technician who spends their days on furnaces and AC units — I’d grab the Fluke 116 without hesitation. That built-in thermometer and microamp range are purpose-built for your work, and you won’t find them in the Fluke 117.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for HVAC work, the Fluke 116 or the Fluke 117?
For HVAC work, I’d take the Fluke 116 every time. It has a built-in thermometer that reads from -40°C to 400°C and a microamp range specifically for testing flame sensors — two features the Fluke 117 simply doesn’t have. The Fluke 117 is a great general-purpose meter, but it’s not optimized for the specific tasks HVAC technicians deal with daily.
Does the Fluke 117 have a temperature probe?
No, the Fluke 117 does not come with a built-in thermometer or temperature probe. You’d need to buy a separate thermocouple adapter and probe if you want to measure temperature, which adds cost and hassle. If you’re regularly checking superheat or flue temps, the Fluke 116 is the better choice right out of the box.
Is the Fluke 116 worth the extra money over the Fluke 117 for HVAC techs?
Actually, the Fluke 116 is typically priced lower than the Fluke 117, so you’re not paying extra — you’re saving money while getting HVAC-specific features. The Fluke 116 comes with the 80BK temperature probe included, whereas the Fluke 117 lacks that and costs more. For HVAC work, it’s a no-brainer value play.
Does the Fluke 117 have non-contact voltage detection?
Yes, the Fluke 117 has VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection, which lets you check if a wire is live without touching it. The Fluke 116 does not have this feature. If you do a lot of general electrical troubleshooting alongside HVAC work, the Fluke 117’s VoltAlert is a handy safety tool you’ll miss on the 116.
Which meter is lighter and easier to carry on a tool belt?
The Fluke 117 is lighter at 550 grams compared to the Fluke 116 at 1.4 pounds (roughly 635 grams). The difference isn’t huge, but if you’re climbing ladders and carrying your meter all day, the 117 feels a bit more manageable. Both are compact enough to fit in a pouch, though.
Can I use the Fluke 117 to test flame sensors on a furnace?
Technically yes, but it’s not ideal. The Fluke 117 doesn’t have a dedicated microamp range like the Fluke 116 does, so you’d have to use a different range and do some math to get accurate readings on flame sensors. The Fluke 116 makes this job dead simple with its microamp setting, so I’d stick with that for furnace work.
My Final Verdict
The Fluke 116 is my clear winner for HVAC technicians. That built-in thermometer covering -40°C to 400°C and the microamp range for flame sensors make it purpose-built for your job, and it typically costs less than the Fluke 117. The Fluke 117 is a fantastic runner-up if you do more general electrical work and need VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: how many times this week did you need to check a temperature or test a flame sensor? If the answer is more than zero, the Fluke 116 is the only logical choice — it does those jobs right out of the box without extra accessories.
Winner: Fluke 116 HVAC Multimeter
- Digital multimeter designed specifically for HVAC professionals
- Includes built-in thermometer to measure temperature from -40°C to 400°C...
- Provides microamps to test flame sensors
This is the meter I’d buy if I worked HVAC full-time. The built-in thermometer and microamp range are exactly what you need for furnaces and AC units, and it comes with the temperature probe included.
Runner-Up: Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter
- VoltAlert technology for non-contact voltage detection
- AutoVolt automatic AC/DC voltage selection. DC millivolts - Range...
- Low input impedance: helps prevent false readings due to ghost voltage
Grab this one if you’re a general electrician or maintenance tech who needs non-contact voltage detection and AutoVolt. It’s lighter at 550 grams and handles capacitance and frequency measurements the Fluke 116 skips.
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