Fluke 115 vs 117 Comparison: What They Do and Which is Better?

Are you confused about which Fluke multimeter to buy, the Fluke 115 or Fluke 117? Read this comparison guide to understand their features and benefits.

Most of the time many technical workers like electricians and technicians have that kind of problem to detect the value of more than one parameter like voltage and current. The solution is a multimeter.

A multimeter is a piece of essential equipment for technicians or electricians. Where ever they work for it mandatory to carry a multimeter to check terms like the voltage, resistance, current, etc.

Fluke 115 and fluke 117 are two well-known digital multimeters are used all over the world. People are always confused about that line fluke 115 vs fluke 117 which one is the best. In this article i’ll describe all about it. So, let’s get started.

Read: Best Fluke Multimeters

Fluke 115 vs 117 Comparisons – At A Glance

Name

Fluke 115 Multimeter

Fluke 117 Multimeter

Image

Rating

Voltage AC/DC

600V

600V

Current AC/DC

10A

10A

Price

Getting Know: The Comparison Between Fluke 115 vs Fluke 117  

When we are going to pick, we have to face which is better. As a result we don’t understand which line we should select. We always try to solve the confusion of readers.  In this article we are designed following categories.

  • What is Digital Multimeter and their basic components?              
  • Fluke 115 compact True-RMS Digital Multimeter.
  • Fluke 117 Electricians true-RMS multimeter
  • Difference between Fluke 115 and 117
  • PROS & CONS of Fluke 115 and Fluke 117
  • Frequently Answer Questions
  • Final Words  

What is Digital Multimeter and Their Basic Components?

A digital multimeter is a tool that is used to test electrical values. By its name you can assume that multimeter means it has multi-task. Yes, it is used for measure 2 or more electrical values mentioned before voltage, resistance, current.

Analog meters are replaced by digital multimeters because of their multitasking ability and accuracy of detection. Fluke 115 and 117 are multimeter used for field service technicians and electricians.

Fluke launched many digital multimeters but, in this article, we will discuss these two. Why. Fluke 115 and 117 is best and which one is best between?

Any of digital multimeter has these 4 components:

  1. Buttons: some model has a touch screen also.
  2. Input jacks: insertion of the test lead.
  3. Rotary switch: setting primary measurement value.
  4. Display: to show the result of voltage (volts), current (amps), and resistance (ohms).

Digital multimeter makes tasks easier for workers and they don’t have to carry 4 or 5 other Gare and get accurate results by this.

Fluke 115 Compact True-RMS Digital Multimeter

Fluke 115 compact True-RMS Digital Multimeter is a troubleshooting tool used for general purpose field service. Fluke 115 is the product of fluke company providing the best feature of getting accurate reading and measure of value. 

Who is benefited?

Fluke 115 compact True-RMS Digital Multimeter is generally used by field technicians. As it is a compact tool technician will be benefited from it mostly because of versatility.

And obviously, it is multimeter so the technician will have scope for doing multi-task by Fluke 115 compact True-RMS Digital Multimeter.

Why Fluke 115 compact True-RMS Digital Multimeter is the Best?

  • Except Auto-V/LoZ are specified from 1% to 100% of range It has all AC voltage ranges. Auto-V/LoZ is specified from 0.0 V.
  • AC voltage Frequency range is 5Hz to 30 kHz.
  • Temperature uncertainty (accuracy) does not include the error of the thermocouple probe.
  • DC voltage Frequency range is 45 Hz to 5 kHz.
  • Temperature Range/Resolution: -40℉ to 752℉ / 0.2℉.

It can meet the needs of a field service technician because of its compact manufacture and simplicity. It is a one-handed operation tool for workers who work in the field of mechanical and electrical sectors.

General Purposes:

  • Measure continuity.
  • Measure frequency.
  • Able to measure resistance.
  • Can measure AC and DC both.
  • And capacity also can be measured.
  • Can measure AC and DC voltage both.
  • Best for field service and quick verifications.
  • Has large LED light for work in the dark area.

Other Benefits:

  • Safety rated CAT III 600 V.
  • For hand-free operation comes with a hostler and probe.
  • In the elapsed time it can provide min, max, avg of voltage, current, and resistance.

Includes:

  • User manual.
  • Nine v battery.
  • Four mm silicone test lead.

How to use fluke 115 multimeter

Fluke 117 Electricians true-RMS multimeter

Fluke 117 Electricians true-RMS multimeter is a digital multimeter that is included with an integrated non-contact voltage detection system. It is the same as fluke 115 with some additional features.

Who is Benefited?

Mainly electricians have used it. It has integrated non-contact voltage detection that helps workers and electricians get the job faster.

It’s very compact and portable to carry. Mainly used in commercial buildings, hospitals, and schools for demanding applications and fast service.

It has LoZ functions that prevent false detection of reading which is caused by ghost voltage.

General Purposes:

  • Accurate.
  • Measure continuity.
  • Measure frequency.
  • Able to measure resistance.
  • Can measure AC and DC both.
  • And capacity also can be measured.
  • Can measure AC and DC voltage both.
  • White LED light to work in a dark place
  • Prevent false reading due to ghost voltage.
  • Measure the current 10 to 20A in 30 seconds.
  • The Attovolt system makes it easy to selection of AC and DC voltage.

Other Benefits:

  • Easy storage
  • Voltalert technology makes it fast
  • Autovolt provides a more accurate reading.
  • Any type of commercial and residential electrical work.

Includes:

  • User manual.
  • Hostler for easy storage
  • Test lead set of 4 mm silicone

How to use fluke 117 multimeter

Difference Between Fluke 115 and 117 Digital Multimeters

The Fluke 115 and Fluke 117 are digital multimeters (DMMs) designed for general troubleshooting and field service use. Both meters are part of Fluke’s 110 series, known for their durability and ease of use. However, there are some differences between the two meters.

The main difference between the Fluke 115 and the Fluke 117 is the added features of the Fluke 117. The Fluke 117 has a built-in thermometer and a backlit display, while the Fluke 115 does not have those features.

The Fluke 117 also has a larger display with a bar graph and a backlit feature that allows you to read measurements in poorly lit areas. Additionally, the Fluke 117 has a higher accuracy for temperature measurements and has a temperature measurement range of -40 to 1832°F (-40 to 1000°C), while the Fluke 115 only has a range of -40 to 752°F (-40 to 400°C).

Another difference is the Fluke 117 has a built-in low pass filter and a peak capture feature that can capture inrush current, which helps measure motor starts.

Both meters can measure voltage, resistance, continuity, and frequency in terms of basic measurement functions, and both have a basic DC accuracy of 0.5%. However, the Fluke 117 has a higher basic AC voltage accuracy of 1.0%, while the Fluke 115 is 1.5%.

In summary, the Fluke 117 has more advanced features, such as a built-in thermometer, backlit display, bar graph, inrush current capture, and higher accuracy than the Fluke 115. It is more suited for advanced troubleshooting, while the Fluke 115 is more suited for basic troubleshooting and field service use.

Here are some of the key points that will be clear the difference between fluke 115 and 117.   

  • Performance: Fluke 117 is a little better than 115 because of some features like it can read voltage without touching lead and 115 can’t do this that why fluke 117 is festered, safer, and efficient than 115. Nothing else about differed between in base of performance.
  • Price: As fluke 117 has more features and efficient from fluke 115 it is common sense that 117 is higher than 115 but it just a bit of difference of price between them.
  • Durability: Fluke is the name of accuracy and durability. They always ensure that their product always is in quality. Buyers have pay extra to reassure that their multimeter won’t destroy when it fell from hand or workplace. Both 115 and 117 are the same company product so they provide an identical test for each of them and make the best customers. Both have the feature of loading 600 volts. 

Fluke 115 Pros and Cons

Everything in the world has two parts a good side and a bad side. Technology is not differing from those. As the human-made machine fluke 115 also has some pros and cons.

Pros
  • True RMS system
  • Very much compact
  • Providing Large screen
  • One-handed operation
  • Durable in nature and accurate
  • The continuity test is very good.
  • Provide Tracking signal fluctuations
  • Solid metal build inside and outside
  • Bar graph display for displaying values.
  • For saving power Auto power-off feature included.
  • Auto-ranging you don’t have to worry about range.
  • Easy to access the battery compartment and make a change in it.
Cons
  • The display resolution is slightly disappointing.
  • Dedication of milliamp/micro-amp range has some legacy.

Fluke 117 Pros and Cons

Not only fluke 115 fluke 117 has the same demerits for users that can be made dissatisfy for them.

Pros
  • Solid cover build
  • Easy battery access and portable.
  • Large display screen for display values.
  • Checking of frequency is very accurate.
  • Fluke 117 is very much Small and portable
  • The responsive bar graph to compare values
  • Nice features like non-contact voltage detection and auto-volt settings
  • It can measure non-linear loads accurately which is very much functional
Cons
  • No cover cases
  • Battery consuming
  • Lack of milliamp/micro-amp ranging.
  • Display resolution is not as good as expected.

Fluke 115 vs Fluke 117 – Side by Side Comparison

Name

Fluke 115 Multimeter

Fluke 117 Multimeter

Image

Type

Digital

Digital

Digital

Yes

Yes

LED Backlight

Yes

Yes

Min/Max Recording

Yes

Yes

Safety Ratings

CAT III

CAT III

Resistance

Yes

Yes

Continuity

Yes

Yes

Frequency

Yes

Yes

Capacitance

Yes

Yes

Temperature

No

No

Diode Test

Yes

Yes

AC/DC Volts

600V

600V

AC/DC Amps

20A

20A

Manual/Autoranging

Both

Both

Low Voltage Detect

No

No

Measures AC V

Yes

Yes

Measures DC V

Yes

Yes

Measures AC A

Yes

Yes

Measures DC A

Yes

Yes

Data Hold

Yes

Yes

Data Hold

No

No

Maximum Voltage AC

600 V

600 V

Minimum Voltage AC

0.1 mV

0.1 mV

Maximum Voltage DC

600 V

600 V

Minimum Voltage DC

0.1 mV

0.1 mV

Resolution AC Volts

0.1 mV

0.1 mV

Resolution DC Volts

0.1 mV

0.1 mV

Maximum Current AC

10.0 A

10.0 A

Rating

Price

Why Professionals are Recommended Fluke?

Fluke is the name of a modern and sophisticated brand that make the handyman industry rich by the property, quality, and fame.

Fluke 115 and 117 has an outstanding feature that meets your need as a technician and electrician also. Amazing performance, reasonable price, long time durability, and those perfect that the reason professional’s best choice is fluke.

What Users Say

Stop looking for that kind of content like what is the best multimeter and believe in what experienced users say.

Fluke 115 users like it more as a basic electrical multimeter which is accurate, handy, durable, and great to work but some of them complain about resolution and display.

In the case of 117 are the same in functionality having more features that pretty cool and it also has some complaint like display.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of Fluke Multimeter

What’s difference between min, max, avg in a multimeter?

Multimeters usually read 3 types of data minimum and maximum, and make the average of them and publish the avg value.

1. Suppose the minimum voltage is 200V and the maximum is 600 V.
2. Then avg value is (200V+600V)/2 = 400V.

Which one is better between 115 and 117?

It is based on your work and budget that you can afford to buy it.

1. Fluke 115 specially used for technicians
2. Fluke 117 was used for electricians.

How many readings can save it in its memory?

It may save up to 400 reading.

What does the count mean (1% of reading + 3 counts)?

It refers to the least significant digit on the meter on that range.

What does OL mean on a fluke multimeter?

OL” stands for “overload” on a Fluke multimeter. It appears on the display of a multimeter when the input signal exceeds the measurement range of the multimeter.

This can occur when the multimeter is set to measure a voltage or current that is higher than its maximum measurement range, or when the multimeter is measuring a sudden and large spike of current or voltage.

When the “OL” message is displayed, it is an indication that the multimeter is not able to accurately measure the input signal. This can happen in many situations, such as when the input is too high, or the multimeter is not properly connected to the circuit, or the fuse is blown, etc.

To avoid “OL” message, you should select the correct range for the measurement, and make sure the multimeter is properly connected to the circuit before taking a measurement, also check that the fuse is not blown, and use proper protection if the measurement is expected to be high.

It’s important to note that if you see the “OL” message frequently, it could indicate that the multimeter is damaged and should be sent in for repair or replacement.

Can fluke 115 and 117 measure temperature?

The Fluke 115 is a digital multimeter (DMM) that is designed for general troubleshooting and field service use, but it does not have a built-in thermometer and it cannot measure temperature. It can measure voltage, resistance, continuity, and frequency, but it does not have the capability to measure temperature.

On the other hand, The Fluke 117 is a digital multimeter (DMM) that is designed for general troubleshooting and field service use, it also has a built-in thermometer and it can measure temperature. It can measure voltage, resistance, continuity, and frequency, and it has a temperature measurement range of -40 to 1832°F (-40 to 1000°C) .
You can measure temperature with the Fluke 117 by using the thermocouple temperature measurement feature, which allows you to measure temperature using a thermocouple probe.

Does the fluke 115 and 117 measure milliamps?

Both the Fluke 115 and Fluke 117 are digital multimeters (DMMs) that are designed for general troubleshooting and field service use. Both meters can measure milliamps (mA), which is a unit of electric current equal to one thousandth of an ampere.

The Fluke 115 and Fluke 117 both have a milliamp measurement range that allows you to measure current in the milliamp range, which is useful for measuring current in low power circuits, such as those found in electronic devices and control systems.

Where to buy fluke multimeter?

Fluke multimeters, including the Fluke 115 and Fluke 117, can be purchased from various retailers. Some popular options include:

Fluke’s official website: You can purchase Fluke multimeters directly from the manufacturer’s website. This is a good option if you want to ensure that you get a genuine product and have access to the latest models and special promotions.

Home appliance stores: Home appliance stores such as Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Menards carry a variety of Fluke multimeters. This is a good option if you want to see the product in person before purchasing.

Online retailers: Online retailers such as Amazon, eBay, and Newegg carry a wide selection of Fluke multimeters. This is a good option if you want to compare prices and read customer reviews before purchasing.

Industrial supply stores: Industrial supply stores such as Grainger, Northern Tool, and MSC Industrial Supply carry a variety of Fluke multimeters. This is a good option if you are in the industrial or commercial sector and need a professional-grade multimeter.

It’s worth noting that prices and availability may vary depending on the retailer and your location. It’s always a good idea to compare prices and read customer reviews before making a purchase.

Conclusion

Fighting for choosing fluke 115 vs fluke 117 is useless as both are best in its position. Fluke 117 has some extra feature but it has some cons also.

Fluke is the best handyman company providing the best and accurate product to us and it’s our choice to pick anyone which one is best for us by considering the price and other staff.

So choose your best choice with fluke and more productive on your work as a pro. If you have more ques. feel free to know us via email or comment on the blog.

Michael Nguyen

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael Nguyen (Electrical Enthusiast)

Senior technician in electrical engineering for almost 16 years, I have always worked in the field of electricity. I first worked for 10 years as a designer in a large electrical equipment company.

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