The Fluke 117 is designed for usage in challenging conditions such as schools, hospitals, and commercial properties. It is equipped with a VoltAlert™ non-contact voltage detection feature and low impedance (LoZ) ghost voltage detection capability.
On the other hand, Fluke 115 does not have these features. Instead, it is compact and designed for general purpose troubleshooting activities. Field service technicians often use Fluke 115. Having more features makes 117 the right choice for versatility and enhanced safety.
While it makes work more manageable, it is more expensive than the 115, meaning it’s not an option for people working on a budget. If you are looking for a digital multimeter, read more about Fluke 117 vs 115 to determine the best unit for your needs.
Summary of Fluke 117
Credit: Fluke.com
Fluke 117 is a compact digital multimeter ideal for electricians.
Fluke 117 features integrated LoZ, Auto Volts, and contact-free voltage detection functions that prevent false readings resulting from ghost voltage. A small True-RMS accelerates task completion, one that has been credited for being accurate.
Fluke 117 offers Average/Max/Min readings and calculates capacitance and frequency. Users can leverage the device’s user-friendly display to save time and navigate through jobs with ease. This device is robust with input overcharge shielding and first-class circuit soldering. It can auto-detect DC or AC voltage quickly without needing a second tool.
Pros
- Giant backlit screen to ease work in insufficiently lit areas
- Accurate frequency to scan 50KHz
- Responsive bar graph
- Small and mobile
- Excellent build quality
- Can calculate non-linear loads with precision
- A holster and probe holders to facilitate storage
- Calculates current, voltage, and resistance
- Offers Max/Min/Average readings and measures capacitance and frequency
- User-friendly interface
- Incredible voltage sensing feature
Cons
- Lacks a micro-amp range/milliamp range
- Poor display resolution
- Complex hold function
- Lacks a hanger, carrying case, and lead attachment
- Poor quality of plastic-coated probes
- Heavy
Summary of Fluke 115
Credit: Fluke.com
Fluke 115 is a digital multimeter ideal for field technicians.
The Fluke 115 is an effective and reliable daily-use multimeter. It is small, making it easy to carry, user-friendly, and accurate. This device is ideal for trainees, car electricians, and home electrical fanatics.
Fluke 115 is a best seller with an excellent build and precision comparable to higher specification meters. Besides great functionality, it’s also cost-friendly. Users can use 115 to determine 600 V DC and AC.
It can also calculate continuous amp to 10A, 50 kHz frequency, and resistance to 40MΩ. Further, this device portrays current, voltage, capacitance, and continuity. It also has a practicable diode scan function.
Pros
- Solid internal and external build quality
- Compact
- Accurate and durable
- Automatic power-off ability
- Responsive and smooth bar graph interface
- Excellent continuity tester
- Tracks signal fluctuations
- Easily accessible battery compartment
- Light-enabled display
- Cost-friendly
Cons
- Poor quality display resolution
- Has no Touch Hold® mode
- Lacks a dedicated micro-amp range/milliamp
- Horrible test leads and reduced signal ranges
Read more: How To Test Car Battery Amps With A Multimeter
Read more: Voltmeter vs. Multimeter: Which One Should You Choose?
Fluke 117 and Fluke 115 Comparison
Fluke is a well-respected multimeter brand for advanced devices. However, choosing between its variants is a difficult task. Read on to understand the similarities and differences between Fluke 117 and 115.
Similarities Between Fluke 117 And Fluke 115
Both devices are TrueRMS digital multimeters. They are designed to evaluate the changing signals accurately, especially those that may be difficult to document with a traditional non-RMS multimeter.
Fluke 117 and 115 are compact and feature a stylish look, allowing users to hold them using one hand.
A high-resolution display on both devices makes them easy to read. Users can switch on the backlights to illuminate the display, enabling technicians to do a great job.
Three-year warranty on each unit.
Manual and auto-ranging mode. Both gadgets can operate in manual and auto-ranging mode, making them ideal for professional and novice electricians.
Fluke 115 and 117 are safety-rated CAT III (600V), guaranteeing security and risk-free operability.
Both units have a 9V battery that is readily available and easy to replace.
Differences Between Fluke 117 And Fluke 115
Here is how Fluke 117 differs from 115.
Design
Fluke 117 has a magnetic hanger or an inbuilt kickstand which the 115 lacks. As a result, handling it isn’t easy, especially for beginners. However, this unit features a carrying case ideal for keeping your device, extra batteries, and testing leads.
The thick digital display on Fluke 117 makes it easy to read. The bar graph at the bottom of the screen is attractive to traditional technicians. It enables them to monitor changes in real-time. Fluke 115’s interface is easily understandable for both professional technicians and beginners.
Performance
Fluke 115 is auto-ranging. Users don’t have to shift to the manual range for each reading. It can evaluate a signal’s variation without depending on fluctuations or waveform, allowing you to operate the non-linear signals efficiently. Further, using the Fluke 115 with MAX/MIN mode activated facilitates the filtration of lows and highs of measured signals.
Enhanced fluctuation estimation results in accurate fault diagnosis and troubleshooting. Fluke 115 has data hold and auto-shutoff properties that prolong battery life while reserving reading for future purposes. Still, Fluke 115 comes provides basic, stable, and reliable readings.
On the other hand, Fluke 117 has more features, such as the automatic AutoVolt DC/AC voltage selection and contactless voltage detection. Users will get a better, safer, faster, and more efficient reading experience with more features.
Purpose of Use
Fluke 115 is designed for electronic and electrical testing for applications. It’s ideal for use in the light industry, home property maintenance, and diagnostic and audio activities in the auto sector. However, Fluke 117 is ideal for apprentice electricians and field service engineers who need more than ordinary functions. If you are a do-it-yourself enthusiast or a general electrician, Fluke 117 will be ideal for use in hospitals, schools, the light sector, and trainees.
Read more: Engine Hot AC Off: What Does It Mean And How To Fix It?
Price
Fluke 115 has limited features to the 117, so it is cheaper. If you are working on a budget, this is the best unit. Fluke 117 has numerous features and is more effective than 115. As a result, users will spend more to acquire it.
Our Recommendations
Who Should Buy Fluke 117?
The Fluke 117 digital multimeter is ideal for electricians looking for extensive features. It offers exact measurements for capacitance and frequency. The contactless voltage detection provides a rapid method of establishing the presence of live voltage in the tested section.
Electricians can use this device to measure continuous 20 amp or ten amps overcharge for up to 30 seconds. Fluke 117 has varying inputs for current and voltage to help electricians enhance safety. Further, the limited impedance eliminates ghost readings. If you are looking for comprehensive features, this unit is ideal.
Who Should Buy Fluke 115?
Fluke 115 is ideal for technicians and can be used in home testing. It’s affordable, meaning that beginners can access it with ease. This device offers excellent readings for general intention electronics.
It calculates 10A DC/AC with a 20A overcharge for thirty seconds. People looking for affordability should choose the Fluke 115. However, they will lose out on the advanced features available in 117.
Read more: Best Multimeters For Automotive 2022
FAQs
1. Why is Fluke so expensive?
Fluke devices are expensive due to the following reasons.
Fluke has a high voltage and mains design. It features properly designed isolation circuitry and boards for people working with highly different potentials or voltages. The advanced techniques secure Fluke meters to prevent electrocution. Fluke devices have no high voltage, but cheaper mid-range options often compromise this feature.
Explosion resistance. Suppose you placed a cheap or poor quality meter in resistance and moved it across a 30A 400V; it will blow up and perhaps hurt you. However, if you are using a Fluke device, it would continue working with ease.
Reliability. Fluke multimeters may be costly, but they are durable. According to some reviews, some users have had their units for nearly two decades, and they are still precise and execute calibration well. Other manufacturers compromise calibration ranges forcing the devices to stop working quickly.
2. Are Fluke Multimeters waterproof?
Yes. Fluke meters provide an IP 67 dustproof and waterproof rating.
3. Is it worth buying a Fluke Multimeter?
Yes. If you are looking for a reliable device that responds faster than some of the cheaper digital multimeters available, Fluke is ideal. Most of these devices feature an analog bar diagram that seals the gap between digital and analog meters. They are better than solid digital readout.
4. Where are Fluke multimeters made?
Fluke manufacturing centers are situated in the UK, USA, Asia, the Netherlands, and China.
