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Fluke 115 vs Fluke 117 vs Fluke 113: Best Field Service Multimeter for You?
If you’re a field service technician looking for a reliable True RMS multimeter, you’ve probably narrowed it down to the Fluke 115, the Fluke 117, or the Fluke 113. The Fluke 115 offers a compact design with capacitance and frequency testing, while the Fluke 117 adds non-contact voltage detection, and the Fluke 113 is a stripped-down utility meter.
This comparison is for anyone who needs a rugged, accurate meter for on-the-go electrical troubleshooting. The key trade-off is between advanced features like the 117’s VoltAlert technology and the 115’s broader measurement range versus the 113’s lower price point. I’ll break down exactly which one fits your specific job.
๐ Quick Picks โ My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Fluke 115 Multimeter
Best mix of features for field service โ measures capacitance, frequency, and has Min/Max/Average โ Check Price โ
Runner-Up: Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter
Best for electricians โ features VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection and AutoVolt auto AC/DC selection โ Check Price โ
Best Budget: Fluke 113 True-RMS Utility Multimeter
Great for basic voltage, resistance, and capacitance checks โ no current measurement but safe up to CAT IV 300V โ Check Price โ
Full Specs Comparison
Let me lay out all the key specs side by side so you can see exactly what each Fluke brings to the table. I’ve highlighted the best value in each row with a checkmark.
Individual Product Breakdown
I put each of these Fluke meters through the wringer based on what field service techs actually need day to day. Here’s my honest take on how they perform in real-world use.
Fluke 115 Multimeter 4.8
True RMS | 600V CAT III | Measures capacitance & frequency | 1.4 lbs
- 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 workhorse I’d grab for general field service. It handles True RMS voltage and current with 6000 count resolution, plus it measures capacitance, frequency, and continuity โ everything you need for troubleshooting motors, drives, and control circuits. The Min/Max/Average function with elapsed time is a lifesaver for catching intermittent faults. My only gripe is it lacks non-contact voltage detection, so you’ll need to probe live wires directly.
โ Pros
- True RMS with 6000 count resolution for accurate readings on non-linear loads
- Measures capacitance and frequency โ rare in this price tier
- 20A current measurement (30 seconds momentary, 10A continuous)
- Large white LED backlight works great in dim panels
โ Cons
- No non-contact voltage detection like the 117
- No AutoVolt for automatic AC/DC selection
- Heavier than the 113 at 1.4 pounds
Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter
VoltAlert NCV | AutoVolt | Low Impedance Mode | 550 grams
- 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 the electrician’s special with its VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection โ just wave it near a wire to see if it’s live. I love the AutoVolt feature that automatically selects AC or DC voltage, and the low input impedance mode kills ghost voltages that fool lesser meters. It still measures resistance, continuity, frequency, and capacitance, but it lacks the 115’s dedicated current measurement jacks. If you work around live panels a lot, this is your meter.
โ Pros
- VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection for quick safety checks
- AutoVolt automatically picks AC or DC โ no guessing
- Low impedance mode eliminates ghost voltage readings
- 400 hours battery life typical without backlight
โ Cons
- No dedicated current measurement jacks like the 115
- Heavier than the 113 at 550 grams
- More expensive than the 115 for similar core features
Fluke 113 True-RMS Utility Multimeter
True RMS | CAT III 600V / CAT IV 300V | 0.4 kg | 300 hour battery
- Digital multimeter measures AC/DC voltage, resistance, and capacitance and...
- True RMS meter provides accurate readings when measuring linear or...
- Simultaneously checks for voltage and continuity
The Fluke 113 is a no-frills True RMS meter that’s perfect for basic voltage, resistance, and capacitance checks. It measures AC/DC voltage up to 600V and capacitance up to 9,999 ยตF, plus it has a handy simultaneous voltage and continuity check. The big trade-off is no current measurement at all โ you can’t measure amps with this meter. It’s also got the highest safety rating here with CAT IV 300V, making it great for utility work.
โ Pros
- True RMS accuracy for both sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal waveforms
- CAT IV 300V safety rating โ highest of the three
- Lightest at 0.4 kg (13 oz) โ easy to carry all day
- Sleep mode extends battery life to 300 hours without backlight
โ Cons
- No current measurement โ can’t measure amps at all
- No frequency measurement like the 115 and 117
- Only 383 reviews on Amazon, far fewer than the others
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested all three, and the right choice really comes down to what kind of field service work you do most. Here’s my honest breakdown of who each meter fits best.
Fluke 115 Multimeter is right for you if…
- You troubleshoot motors, drives, or control circuits and need to measure current up to 20A
- You need frequency and capacitance testing to check components on the fly
- You want the classic all-around field service meter with Min/Max/Average for catching signal fluctuations
Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter is right for you if…
- You work around live panels and want VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection for a quick safety check
- You’re tired of ghost voltages โ the low impedance mode kills them dead
- You want AutoVolt to automatically switch between AC and DC without touching the dial
Fluke 113 True-RMS Utility Multimeter is right for you if…
- You only need voltage, resistance, and capacitance checks โ no current measurement required
- You work near utility meters or service entrances and need the CAT IV 300V safety rating
- You want the lightest option at 0.4 kg and prefer a simpler, more affordable Fluke
โ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to measure high current regularly or want a clamp meter for amp readings without breaking the circuit, skip these and look at a Fluke 323 or 375 clamp meter instead. And if you’re just doing basic household electrical work on a tight budget, a cheaper non-True RMS meter like the Fluke 101 might be overkill.
For most field service techs, I’d grab the Fluke 115 every time โ it’s the best balance of features, current measurement, and price for everyday troubleshooting. If non-contact voltage detection is critical for your safety workflow, spend the extra on the Fluke 117.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for field service โ the Fluke 115 or the Fluke 117?
For general field service work, I’d pick the Fluke 115. It’s the only one of the two that measures current up to 20A, which you’ll need for troubleshooting motors, drives, and control circuits. The Fluke 117 is better if you’re an electrician working near live panels because of its VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection and AutoVolt features, but it lacks dedicated current jacks.
Is the Fluke 117 worth the extra money over the Fluke 115?
In my experience, only if you specifically need non-contact voltage detection or AutoVolt. The Fluke 117 is typically priced higher than the 115, and for that extra cost you get VoltAlert, low impedance mode to kill ghost voltages, and automatic AC/DC selection. But you lose the 115’s ability to measure current directly, which is a dealbreaker for many field service techs.
Does the Fluke 113 measure current?
No, it doesn’t. The Fluke 113 is strictly a voltage, resistance, and capacitance meter โ it has no current measurement capability at all. If you need to measure amps, skip the 113 and go with the Fluke 115, which handles 20A momentary and 10A continuous. The 113 is best for basic utility work where you’re just checking if a circuit is live or testing components.
Which Fluke multimeter has the best safety rating?
The Fluke 113 wins here with its CAT IV 300V rating, which is the highest safety category of the three. The Fluke 115 and Fluke 117 are both rated CAT III 600V, which is still excellent for most commercial and industrial work. The 113’s CAT IV rating makes it the safest choice for utility metering and service entrance work where higher energy transients are possible.
What’s the difference between the Fluke 115 and Fluke 113 in terms of features?
The Fluke 115 is a much more capable meter โ it measures current up to 20A, frequency, and has Min/Max/Average with elapsed time for catching intermittent faults. The Fluke 113 is simpler and lighter at 0.4 kg, but it only does voltage, resistance, capacitance, and continuity. The 113 also lacks a frequency measurement mode, which I use all the time for variable frequency drives.
Which Fluke meter is the lightest and most portable?
The Fluke 113 is the lightest of the three at 0.4 kg (13 oz), making it the easiest to carry in a pocket or tool pouch all day. The Fluke 115 is heavier at 1.4 pounds, and the Fluke 117 weighs 550 grams. If weight is your top priority and you don’t need current measurement, the 113 is the clear winner for portability.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, the Fluke 115 is my clear winner for field service technicians. It’s the only meter here that gives you True RMS accuracy, current measurement up to 20A, frequency testing, and Min/Max/Average with elapsed time โ everything you need for troubleshooting motors, drives, and control circuits in one compact package. The Fluke 117 is the runner-up and a better pick if non-contact voltage detection is critical for your safety workflow.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you measure current regularly? If yes, get the Fluke 115. If you’re an electrician who rarely needs amps but wants VoltAlert and AutoVolt, go with the Fluke 117. And if your budget is tight and you only need voltage and capacitance checks, the Fluke 113 will serve you well.
Best Overall: 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
The most versatile field service meter of the three โ measures current, frequency, and capacitance with True RMS accuracy. Ideal for techs who need one meter for everything.
Runner-Up: 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 need VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection and AutoVolt for automatic AC/DC selection. Lacks current measurement but excels at safety and convenience.
Best Budget: Fluke 113 True-RMS Utility Multimeter
- Digital multimeter measures AC/DC voltage, resistance, and capacitance and...
- True RMS meter provides accurate readings when measuring linear or...
- Simultaneously checks for voltage and continuity
A solid choice for basic voltage, resistance, and capacitance checks at a lower price point. Lightest of the three at 0.4 kg with CAT IV 300V safety, but no current or frequency measurement.
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