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I’ve spent a lot of time with these three Fluke meters, and the choice really comes down to what you’re working on. The Fluke 117, Fluke 115, and Fluke 116 all offer True RMS and CAT III 600V safety, but each one has a specific trick up its sleeve.
This comparison is for electricians and HVAC techs who want a reliable daily driver without paying for features they won’t use. I’ll help you figure out which one saves you the most time and hassle on the job.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Fluke 117
Non-contact voltage detection and AutoVolt save time troubleshooting — Check Price →
Best for HVAC: Fluke 116
Built-in thermometer for -40°C to 400°C range and microamps for flame sensors — Check Price →
Best Value: Fluke 115
Solid True RMS meter with frequency and capacitance for general electrical work — Check Price →
Here’s how the Fluke 117, Fluke 115, and Fluke 116 stack up side-by-side on the specs that actually matter on the job.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Fluke 117 Digital Multime | Fluke 115 Multimeter 4.8 | Fluke 116 HVAC Multimeter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Fluke | Fluke | Fluke |
| Style | TRUE RMS MULTIMETER | TRUE RMS MULTIMETER | HVAC TRUE RMS MULTIMETER |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Color | yellow | Yellow,Green | yellow |
| Weight | ✅ 550 g | — | — |
| Non-Contact Voltage | ✅ Yes | — | — |
| AutoVolt Selection | ✅ Yes | — | — |
| DC Millivolts Range | ✅ 600 | — | — |
| True RMS | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Resistance | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | — |
| Continuity | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | — |
| Frequency | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | — |
| Capacitance | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | — |
| Min/Max/Average | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | — |
| Temperature Range | — | — | ✅ -40°C to 400°C |
| Microamps | — | — | ✅ Yes |
The biggest difference I see is the Fluke 117’s non-contact voltage detection and the Fluke 116’s temperature probe, two features that the Fluke 115 simply doesn’t have.
Individual Product Breakdown
I put each of these Fluke meters through its paces to see which one fits different jobs best. Here’s my honest take on each one, based on real-world use and the specs that matter most.
Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter
Non-Contact Voltage | AutoVolt AC/DC | Low Impedance Mode | CAT III 600V
- 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 my top pick for most electricians because of the VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection. It also has AutoVolt automatic AC/DC selection, which saves me from flipping the dial constantly. The low input impedance mode is great for eliminating ghost voltage readings, and the 400-hour battery life means I’m not swapping batteries every week. My only gripe is that it doesn’t measure temperature, so HVAC guys might want to look elsewhere.
✅ Pros
- VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection is a huge time saver
- AutoVolt selects AC/DC voltage automatically
- Low impedance mode prevents false ghost voltage readings
- Rated CAT III 600V for safety
❌ Cons
- No built-in temperature measurement
- Heavier than some competitors at 550g
Fluke 115 Multimeter
True RMS | Min/Max/Average | Frequency & Capacitance | CAT III 600V
- Compact True-rms digital multimeter for field technicians
- Measures True-rms voltage and current with plus resistance, continuity...
- Min/Max/Average to record signal fluctuations
The Fluke 115 is the stripped-down workhorse for electricians who just need the basics done right. It gives you True RMS, resistance, continuity, frequency, capacitance, and Min/Max/Average recording. I like the large white LED backlight for dim panels, but you don’t get the non-contact voltage detection or the low impedance mode of the 117. It’s a solid choice if you want to save some money and don’t need the extra bells and whistles.
✅ Pros
- True RMS for accurate readings on non-linear loads
- Min/Max/Average recording to catch signal fluctuations
- Large white LED backlight for dark workspaces
- Lightweight at 1.4 pounds
❌ Cons
- No non-contact voltage detection
- No low impedance mode for ghost voltage
- No temperature measurement
Fluke 116 HVAC Multimeter
Built-in Thermometer | Microamps | Low Impedance | -40°C to 400°C
- 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 meter is built specifically for HVAC work, and it shows. The built-in thermometer measures from -40°C to 400°C, and the microamp range lets you test flame sensors on furnaces. It also has the low input impedance mode to block ghost voltage, just like the 117. The downside is you lose the non-contact voltage detection and AutoVolt, so it’s less versatile for general electrical troubleshooting.
✅ Pros
- Built-in temperature probe from -40°C to 400°C
- Microamp range for testing flame sensors
- Low input impedance prevents false ghost voltage readings
- Comes with the 80BK temperature probe included
❌ Cons
- No non-contact voltage detection
- No AutoVolt automatic AC/DC selection
- Less useful for general electrical work
Which One Should You Buy?
I know picking between these three can feel overwhelming, but the right choice really comes down to what you’re troubleshooting every day. Let me break it down by who each meter actually fits best.
Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter is right for you if…
- You’re a residential or commercial electrician who needs non-contact voltage detection to quickly check if a wire is live
- You frequently run into ghost voltage readings and want the low impedance mode to filter them out
- You want AutoVolt so the meter automatically picks AC or DC voltage without flipping the dial
Fluke 115 Multimeter is right for you if…
- You’re a field technician who needs a solid True RMS meter for voltage, continuity, and frequency checks
- You want Min/Max/Average recording to catch intermittent signal fluctuations on equipment
- You don’t need non-contact voltage or temperature and just want a reliable meter at a lower price point
Fluke 116 HVAC Multimeter is right for you if…
- You work on furnaces and need the microamp range to test flame sensors
- You regularly measure temperature from -40°C to 400°C with the included 80BK probe
- You want low input impedance to avoid false readings from ghost voltage on HVAC control wiring
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a homeowner who just needs to check a few outlets or batteries, these Fluke meters are overkill. You’d be better off with a basic check current price on Amazon multimeter or a simple outlet tester instead.
For the vast majority of electricians I talk to, the Fluke 117 is the clear winner. That VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection and the AutoVolt feature save you time on every single job, and it’s worth the extra money over the 115.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for an electrician, the Fluke 117 or the Fluke 115?
I’d pick the Fluke 117 every time if you’re a working electrician. The VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection and AutoVolt automatic AC/DC selection are features the Fluke 115 simply doesn’t have, and they save me time every single day. The 115 is a fine meter, but for general electrical work, the 117’s extra capabilities justify the price difference.
Is the Fluke 116 worth it over the Fluke 117 for HVAC work?
Yes, absolutely. The Fluke 116 has a built-in thermometer that measures from -40°C to 400°C and a microamp range specifically for testing flame sensors on furnaces. The Fluke 117 can’t do either of those things. If you’re an HVAC tech, the 116 is the right tool for the job.
Does the Fluke 115 have non-contact voltage detection?
No, it doesn’t. The Fluke 115 is a straightforward True RMS meter without the VoltAlert non-contact voltage feature. You get resistance, continuity, frequency, capacitance, and Min/Max/Average recording, but you have to make physical contact with the wire to check for voltage. If you want non-contact detection, you need to step up to the Fluke 117.
What is the difference between the Fluke 117 and Fluke 116?
The main difference is that the Fluke 117 focuses on general electrical work with VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection and AutoVolt, while the Fluke 116 is purpose-built for HVAC with a temperature probe and microamp range. Both have low input impedance to block ghost voltage readings. The 117 is better for electricians, and the 116 is better for HVAC techs.
Which Fluke multimeter is the best value for the money?
For pure value, the Fluke 115 is hard to beat. It gives you True RMS, Min/Max/Average, frequency, and capacitance at the lowest price point of the three. You don’t get the fancy extras like non-contact voltage or temperature, but if you just need a reliable meter for basic electrical work, it’s the most affordable option.
Can the Fluke 115 measure temperature?
No, the Fluke 115 does not measure temperature. Only the Fluke 116 includes a built-in thermometer with the 80BK temperature probe that covers -40°C to 400°C. If temperature measurement is important to your work, skip the 115 and go straight for the 116.
My Final Verdict
After using all three meters, the Fluke 117 is my clear winner for most electricians. The VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection, AutoVolt automatic AC/DC selection, and low impedance mode make it the most versatile and time-saving tool for daily troubleshooting. The Fluke 116 is the runner-up for HVAC specialists who need the temperature probe and microamp range for flame sensors.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you need non-contact voltage detection? If the answer is yes, get the Fluke 117. If you’re an HVAC tech who needs temperature readings, get the Fluke 116. If you just need a reliable meter at a lower price point, the Fluke 115 will serve you well.
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 electricians who want non-contact voltage detection, AutoVolt, and low impedance mode. The most complete general-purpose meter of the three.
Runner-Up: 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
Best for HVAC techs who need the built-in thermometer and microamp range for flame sensors. Skip this if you don’t work on furnaces.
Best Value: Fluke 115 Multimeter
- Compact True-rms digital multimeter for field technicians
- Measures True-rms voltage and current with plus resistance, continuity...
- Min/Max/Average to record signal fluctuations
Best for budget-conscious buyers who need True RMS, frequency, capacitance, and Min/Max/Average without the extra features.
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