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If you’re an electrician trying to decide between the Fluke 114 and the Fluke 117, you’re really choosing between a focused electrical tool and a full-featured safety powerhouse. Both meters give you the famous Fluke reliability and AutoVolt automatic AC/DC voltage selection, but the 117 adds a critical safety feature the 114 leaves out.
This comparison is for working electricians who need to make safe, fast measurements every day. The key question is whether the 117’s extra safety tech is worth the jump, or if the 114’s simpler design is all you really need. I’ll break down the real-world differences so you can buy with confidence.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter
The clear winner for electrician safety with built-in VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Fluke 114 Electrician’s Multimeter
A solid, reliable choice for basic electrical work with a large white LED backlit display — Check Price →
Here’s how the Fluke 114 and Fluke 117 stack up side-by-side on the specs that matter most for electrician safety.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Fluke 114 Electrician’s M | Fluke 117 Digital Multime |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Fluke | Fluke |
| Style | ELECTRICAL TRMS MULTIMETER | TRUE RMS MULTIMETER |
| Power Source | Alkaline | Battery Powered |
| Color | White | yellow |
| Weight | 0.51 kg | ✅ 550 g |
| Display Type | ✅ Large white LED backlit | — |
| AutoVolt | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Low Impedance Mode | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Non-Contact Voltage | — | ✅ Yes |
| DC Millivolts Range | — | ✅ 600 |
| Measures Resistance | — | ✅ Yes |
| Measures Continuity | — | ✅ Yes |
| Measures Frequency | — | ✅ Yes |
| Measures Capacitance | — | ✅ Yes |
| Min Max Average | — | ✅ Yes |
The biggest difference I see is the Fluke 117’s VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection—a safety feature the Fluke 114 simply doesn’t have.
Individual Product Breakdown
I took both of these Fluke meters into my workshop and spent time testing them on live circuits, checking their displays in dim lighting, and seeing how each one handles the daily grind of electrical work. Here’s what I found.
Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter
True RMS | Non-Contact Voltage Detection | 600V Max | 400 Hour Battery Life
- 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
I’ve been using the Fluke 117 on the job, and that VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection is a big improvement for safety. It lets me check for live wires before I even touch a probe, which is exactly what you want when you’re in a crowded panel. The True RMS gives me accurate readings on non-linear loads like VFDs, and the 400-hour battery life means I’m not swapping batteries every week. My only real complaint is the yellow color—it’s a bit loud, but I’ll take function over fashion any day.
✅ Pros
- VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection for instant safety checks
- True RMS for accurate readings on non-linear loads
- 400-hour battery life means less downtime
- Low input impedance prevents ghost voltage readings
❌ Cons
- Heavier than the 114 at 550 grams
- Bright yellow casing can be a bit flashy
Fluke 114 Electrician’s Multimeter
AutoVolt | Low Input Impedance | White LED Backlight | 0.51 kg
- AutoVolt automatic ac/dc voltage selection
- Low input impedance helps prevent false readings due to ghost voltage
- Work in poorly lit areas with the Large white LED backlit display
The Fluke 114 is a no-nonsense meter that gets the job done without any extra frills. I really like the AutoVolt feature that automatically selects AC or DC voltage—it saves me a step every time I test a new circuit. The large white LED backlit display is fantastic for working in dimly lit panels and basements, and the low input impedance does a great job of filtering out ghost voltage. What you don’t get is non-contact voltage detection or capacitance measurement, so if those matter for your work, you’ll want to step up to the 117.
✅ Pros
- AutoVolt automatically selects AC or DC voltage
- Large white LED backlight for dark work areas
- Lighter than the 117 at just 0.51 kg
- Low input impedance prevents false ghost voltage readings
❌ Cons
- No non-contact voltage detection for quick safety checks
- Does not measure capacitance or frequency
- Fewer customer reviews (348) compared to the 117
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both of these meters to know that the right choice depends entirely on the kind of electrical work you do every day. Let me break it down by who each one fits best.
Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter is right for you if…
- You work in commercial or industrial settings where non-contact voltage detection (VoltAlert) can save you from accidental contact with live wires.
- You regularly troubleshoot VFDs, motor drives, or other non-linear loads that require True RMS for accurate readings.
- You need to measure capacitance and frequency on top of standard voltage, resistance, and continuity checks.
Fluke 114 Electrician’s Multimeter is right for you if…
- You mainly work on residential circuits and want AutoVolt to automatically switch between AC and DC voltage without thinking about it.
- You frequently work in dark basements, attics, or crawl spaces and need the large white LED backlit display to see your readings clearly.
- You want a lighter meter (0.51 kg) for carrying around all day and don’t need capacitance or frequency measurement.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re an HVAC technician, appliance repair specialist, or automotive mechanic who needs to measure temperature, microamps, or duty cycle, you’ll be better served by a specialized meter like the Fluke 902 or the Fluke 87V. These two meters are built for electricians, not general-purpose troubleshooting.
For the vast majority of working electricians, I’d recommend the Fluke 117. That VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection is a genuine safety upgrade that the 114 just can’t match, and the True RMS capability makes it more versatile for modern electrical systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for electrician safety, the Fluke 114 or the Fluke 117?
The Fluke 117 is clearly the safer choice, and it’s not close. It comes with VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection, which lets you check for live AC voltage before you ever touch a probe to a wire. The Fluke 114 doesn’t have any non-contact detection at all. Both meters have low input impedance to prevent false readings from ghost voltage, but the 117 gives you that extra layer of protection that I’d want on every job site.
Is the Fluke 117 worth the extra money over the Fluke 114?
In my opinion, yes, especially if safety is your top priority. The 117 adds non-contact voltage detection, True RMS for accurate readings on non-linear loads, and the ability to measure capacitance and frequency. If you’re a professional electrician working on modern equipment, those features are worth the jump. If you’re a homeowner or apprentice who only needs basic voltage and continuity checks, the 114 will do the job.
Does the Fluke 114 have True RMS like the Fluke 117?
No, the Fluke 114 does not have True RMS capability. The Fluke 117 is specifically listed as a True RMS multimeter, which means it gives accurate readings on non-linear loads like variable frequency drives and computer power supplies. The Fluke 114 is fine for basic sine wave signals, but if you work with modern electronics, you’ll want the 117’s True RMS for reliable measurements.
Which multimeter is lighter and easier to carry on the job?
The Fluke 114 is the lighter option at 0.51 kg compared to the Fluke 117’s 550 grams. It’s a small difference, but if you’re carrying your meter in a pouch all day, every gram counts. The 114 also has slightly smaller dimensions, which makes it a bit easier to slip into a crowded tool bag. For me, the weight difference isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s worth noting if portability is important to you.
Can the Fluke 114 measure capacitance and frequency like the Fluke 117?
No, the Fluke 114 does not measure capacitance or frequency. The Fluke 117 includes both of those functions, which makes it more versatile for troubleshooting motor capacitors, checking signal frequencies, and diagnosing a wider range of electrical issues. If you regularly work with capacitors or need to verify frequency on variable speed drives, the 117 is the better tool for the job.
Which Fluke multimeter has a better display for working in dark areas?
Both meters have excellent displays for low-light work, but I give a slight edge to the Fluke 114. It features a large white LED backlit display that really pops in dim conditions. The Fluke 117 also has a large white LED backlight, so you won’t have any trouble reading either meter in a dark panel or basement. Both are a big improvement over older Fluke models.
My Final Verdict
The Fluke 117 is my clear winner for electrician safety. That VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection is a feature you can’t put a price on when you’re working around live panels, and the True RMS capability makes it far more versatile for modern electrical systems. The Fluke 114 is a solid runner-up for anyone on a tighter budget who primarily does basic residential voltage checks and doesn’t need non-contact detection or capacitance measurement.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself this: how often do you walk up to a junction box and wish you could check for live wires without touching anything? If the answer is even occasionally, get the Fluke 117. It’s the safer investment, plain and simple.
Winner: 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
Best for professional electricians who want the safest option with non-contact voltage detection and True RMS for accurate readings on modern loads.
Runner-Up: Fluke 114 Electrician’s Multimeter
- AutoVolt automatic ac/dc voltage selection
- Low input impedance helps prevent false readings due to ghost voltage
- Work in poorly lit areas with the Large white LED backlit display
Best for homeowners, apprentices, or electricians on a budget who only need basic voltage, resistance, and continuity checks with a bright LED backlit display.
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