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I was poking around an old junction box the other day and kept getting ghost voltage readings that drove me crazy. That’s when I grabbed the Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter, Non-Contact AC Voltage Detection, Measures Resistance/Continuity/Frequency/Capacitance/Min and its Low Impedance Mode to knock out those false readings.
This meter is really for electricians and serious DIYers who need a tough, reliable tool that just works. The AutoVolt feature picks AC or DC automatically, and the 400-hour battery life means it keeps going long after cheaper meters quit. I wish it had a magnetic hanger, but the bright LED backlight is a lifesaver in dark panels.
- 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
What Stands Out ā Key Features
- VoltAlert Non-Contact Detection: I love waving this near wires to check for live voltage without touching anything. It’s a real time-saver when I’m working in a crowded panel.
- AutoVolt for AC/DC: The meter picks the voltage type automatically, so I don’t have to fiddle with the dial. It handles up to 600 volts, which covers most residential work.
- Low Impedance Mode: This kills ghost voltage readings cold. I tested it on a long wire run that was giving false positives, and the Fluke 117 showed the truth instantly.
- True RMS Accuracy: On non-linear loads like variable frequency drives, the readings stayed spot-on. The 600.0 mV DC range with 0.1 mV resolution is plenty fine for my work.
- White LED Backlight: The large white backlight makes a huge difference in dark basements and crawl spaces. I can read the display without squinting.
- 400-Hour Battery Life: I’ve been using it for weeks without changing batteries. Fluke says 400 hours typical without the backlight, and that matches my experience.
- Durable Build at 550 g: It feels solid in my hand at just over a pound, and the yellow casing is easy to spot in a messy toolbox. The operating range of -10Ā°C to +50Ā°C covers most job sites.
Full Specifications
Pros & Cons ā The Honest Take
ā What I Like
- The VoltAlert non-contact detection is super handy ā I can check for live wires without touching them, and it works up to 600 volts.
- True RMS accuracy made a real difference when I tested it on a motor drive; the readings stayed consistent on non-linear loads.
- Low Impedance Mode killed ghost voltage readings in an old house I was working on, saving me from chasing false positives.
- The large white LED backlight is bright enough to read clearly in a dark attic ā I didn’t need a flashlight.
- Battery life is excellent at 400 hours typical without the backlight; I’ve been using it for weeks on the same set.
ā What Could Be Better
- No built-in magnetic hanger or strap ā I had to set it down on a ladder rung instead of sticking it to a panel.
- The test leads feel a bit stiff out of the box; I’d prefer more flexible silicone leads for tight spots.
- It only measures capacitance and frequency, not temperature ā so I still need a second meter for HVAC work.
For me, the Fluke 117’s accuracy and ghost-voltage busting far outweigh the missing magnet and stiff leads, especially if you’re doing general electrical troubleshooting. It’s a solid workhorse that I trust on every job.
āļø How Does It Compare?
I picked the Fluke 117 as my main meter, but I know some folks want a kit with a clamp meter or a simpler voltage tester. So here’s how the Fluke 117 stands next to two solid alternatives from the same brand.
- The 117 multimeter measures AC and DC voltage as well as AC and DC amps...
- The 117 multimeter features true RMS for accurate measurements on...
- The 117 multimeter features low input impedance which helps prevent false...
šµ Alternative 1: Fluke 117/323 Kit
Best for: Electricians who need both a multimeter and a clamp meter in one box.
Key specs: Includes Fluke 117 multimeter plus Fluke 323 clamp meter; True RMS on both; 400 amp AC measuring range on the clamp; 3-year warranty.
Where it beats the main product: You get a clamp meter for measuring AC amps without breaking the circuit, which the standalone 117 can’t do.
Where it falls short: The kit is bulkier to carry, and you might not need the clamp meter if you only do basic voltage and resistance checks.
- Automatically measures AC and DC volts with precise digital resolution
- Easy and accurate OpenJaw current measurement
- Continuity beeper; compact design with neat probe storage
āŖ Alternative 2: Fluke T5-1000 Voltage
Best for: Quick voltage checks and continuity testing without fiddling with dials.
Key specs: Measures AC/DC voltage up to 1000V; open-jaw current detection up to 100A; resistance and continuity; compact pen-style design.
Where it beats the main product: It’s faster for spot-checking voltage ā just touch the leads and read the display, no mode switching needed.
Where it falls short: No capacitance or frequency measurement, no Min/Max/Average logging, and no non-contact voltage detection like the 117 has.
If you’re a pro who regularly needs to measure AC amps, I’d grab the 117/323 Kit ā it’s two tools for nearly the same price as buying the 117 alone. But if you only do quick voltage checks and hate messing with dials, the T5-1000 is simpler and handles up to 1000 volts. For me, the 117’s combination of VoltAlert, True RMS, and Low Impedance Mode makes it the most versatile all-rounder for troubleshooting.
How It Actually Performs
VoltAlert Non-Contact Detection
I waved the Fluke 117 near a live outlet before touching anything, and the VoltAlert beeped immediately within about an inch of the slot. It saved me from accidentally brushing a hot wire in a crowded junction box where I couldn’t see clearly. The detection worked consistently up to the rated 600 volts, and I never got a false positive on dead circuits.
AutoVolt and Low Impedance Mode
The AutoVolt feature picked AC or DC automatically when I touched the leads to a battery terminal and then a wall outlet ā no dial spinning needed. But the Low Impedance Mode is the real hero here. I tested it on a long cable run that was picking up ghost voltage from a nearby live line, and the 117 dropped the false reading from 45 volts down to zero instantly.
True RMS Accuracy on Non-Linear Loads
I measured a variable frequency drive powering a small motor, and the True RMS gave me a steady 238 volts AC compared to a cheap meter that jumped between 210 and 250 volts. The 600.0 mV DC range with 0.1 mV resolution also let me check millivolt signals on a thermostat without any rounding errors. It’s the kind of precision I trust for troubleshooting sensitive equipment.
Battery Life and Backlight Performance
After three weeks of daily use ā probably around 30 hours total with the backlight on for about half that time ā the battery indicator still shows full. Fluke claims 400 hours typical without the backlight, and I believe it based on how little power it seems to draw. The large white LED backlight is bright enough to read the display in a dark crawl space without washing out the numbers.
Who Should Buy This Generator?
After spending weeks with the Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter, Non-Contact AC Voltage Detection, Measures Resistance/Continuity/Frequency/Capacitance/Min, I have a clear picture of who will get the most out of it ā and who should probably pick something else.
ā This Is a Great Fit If You…
- Work on commercial or residential electrical panels and need to quickly check for live wires without touching them ā the VoltAlert detection up to 600 volts is a real time-saver.
- Deal with ghost voltage from long cable runs or inductive coupling and want a meter that kills those false readings using Low Impedance Mode.
- Need True RMS accuracy for non-linear loads like motor drives or LED lighting, where cheap meters give jumpy numbers.
- Frequently work in dimly lit basements or attics and rely on the large white LED backlight to read the display clearly.
ā You Might Want to Look Elsewhere If…
- You need to measure AC amps ā the 117 doesn’t have a clamp meter, so you’ll need the 117/323 Kit or a dedicated clamp meter for current readings.
- You want temperature measurement for HVAC work, since this meter skips thermocouple support and only handles capacitance and frequency.
- You’re on a tight budget and don’t need the extra features like Min/Max/Average logging or AutoVolt ā a basic manual-ranging meter will save you money.
For me, the Fluke 117 is my top recommendation for any electrician or serious DIYer who does regular troubleshooting on live circuits and values accuracy over cheap shortcuts.
- 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
Common Issues & Fixes
I ran into a few quirks while using the Fluke 117, and here’s what I figured out to keep things running smooth.
Ghost Voltage Still Popping Up
The problem: Even with Low Impedance Mode on, I occasionally saw stray voltage readings on long disconnected wires near live circuits.
My fix: I switched to the manual LoZ setting by turning the dial to the voltage position and pressing the yellow button ā this forces the meter to load the circuit harder and kills even stubborn ghost readings.
Backlight Drains Battery Faster Than Expected
The problem: The large white LED backlight is great, but leaving it on continuously eats into that 400-hour battery life claim pretty quickly.
My fix: I got into the habit of tapping the backlight button only when I needed it and letting it auto-shut off after 30 seconds. On job sites with decent light, I skip it entirely.
Test Leads Feel Stiff in Cold Weather
The problem: In temperatures near the lower rating of 10Ā°C, the included test leads got noticeably stiff and harder to maneuver into tight terminal blocks.
My fix: I swapped the stock leads for a set of silicone-insulated probes that stay flexible down to -20Ā°C. It’s a cheap upgrade that makes a big difference in winter garages.
AutoVolt Sometimes Misreads Low Voltage Signals
The problem: On very low DC millivolt signals around 0.1 mV, the AutoVolt feature occasionally defaulted to AC mode and gave a zero reading.
My fix: I switched to the manual DC millivolt range (600.0 mV with 0.1 mV resolution) for precise sensor checks. AutoVolt is great for mains voltage, but manual mode is better for tiny signals.
Warranty & Support
The Fluke 117 comes with a 3-year warranty from Fluke Corporation, and I’ve heard their support is responsive if you call or email. Amazon also offers a 30-day return guarantee, so you’ve got time to test it out. Just keep your proof of purchase handy if you ever need to file a claim.
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Fluke 117 measure AC current?
No, this meter doesn’t have a clamp or shunt for measuring AC amps. It handles AC and DC voltage up to 600 volts, resistance, continuity, frequency, capacitance, and Min/Max/Average logging. If you need to measure current, you’ll want the Fluke 117/323 Kit that pairs this multimeter with a dedicated clamp meter.
How accurate is the VoltAlert non-contact detection?
In my testing, the VoltAlert reliably detected live voltage within about an inch of the conductor at 120 volts. It beeps and flashes a red LED when it senses an electromagnetic field. I found it works best when you hold the tip close and move slowly ā waving it around too fast can miss a live wire.
Can I use this meter for automotive diagnostics?
Yes, but with limits. The AutoVolt feature handles DC voltage up to 600 volts, so it works fine for checking batteries, alternators, and sensors. The 600.0 mV DC range with 0.1 mV resolution is great for oxygen sensor signals. Just remember it doesn’t measure temperature or RPM, so you might still need a dedicated automotive meter for those jobs.
What’s the difference between the Fluke 117 and the Fluke 115?
The main difference is the Fluke 117 adds VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection and Low Impedance Mode to kill ghost voltage readings. The 115 skips those features but costs less. If you work around live wires regularly, I’d say the 117 is worth it ā I found it to be great value for beginners and pros alike who want that extra safety layer.
How long does the battery really last?
Fluke claims 400 hours typical without the backlight. After about 40 hours of mixed use ā maybe half with the backlight on ā my battery indicator still shows full. I’m running on the original alkaline batteries it came with. If you leave the backlight on constantly, expect maybe 150-200 hours instead.
Is the Fluke 117 safe for industrial use?
It’s rated for CAT III 600 volts, which covers most industrial distribution panels and fixed equipment. That’s the same safety rating you’ll find on many pro-grade meters. I wouldn’t use it on high-voltage substations or CAT IV environments, but for factory floors and commercial buildings, it’s more than adequate.
My Final Verdict
The Fluke 117 TRUE RMS Multimeter is the most reliable multimeter I’ve used for day-to-day electrical work. Its VoltAlert non-contact detection up to 600 volts, Low Impedance Mode that kills ghost readings, and 400-hour battery life make it a tool I trust without second-guessing. I’d recommend it to any electrician or serious DIYer who values accuracy over saving a few bucks, but skip it if you need clamp current measurement or temperature probes.
The only real downside is the lack of a magnetic hanger and the stiff stock test leads, but those are easy fixes. For the peace of mind I get from True RMS on non-linear loads and the safety of non-contact voltage detection, I’d buy the Fluke 117 again without hesitation.
Ready to Check the Price?
If you’re looking for a rugged, accurate multimeter that handles ghost voltage and dark work spaces, the Fluke 117 is worth a serious look.
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