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Fluke 117 vs Fluke 115 Multimeter: Best for Electricians?
If you’re an electrician trying to decide between the Fluke 117 and the Fluke 115, you’re looking at two of the most trusted True RMS multimeters on the market. The Fluke 117 comes with VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection and AutoVolt automatic AC/DC selection, while the Fluke 115 is a compact workhorse that still measures True RMS voltage, current, resistance, and capacitance.
This comparison is for working electricians and field service technicians who need a reliable meter that won’t let them down. The real trade-off here is whether you need the 117’s ghost voltage protection and non-contact sensing or if the 115’s lighter weight and lower price fit your everyday needs better. I’ll break down exactly what each meter does best so you can make the right call.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Fluke 117
Best for electricians who need VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection and Low Impedance Mode to stop ghost voltage — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Fluke 115
Great for field service techs who want a compact meter with True RMS and 6000-count resolution at a competitive price — Check Price →
Full Specs Comparison
I’ve lined up every spec from the product data side-by-side so you can see exactly what each meter brings. The winner in each category gets the ✅ checkmark.
Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter
True RMS | Non-Contact Voltage Detection | AutoVolt AC/DC | 400 hr Battery Life | 550g
- 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 clear winner for electricians who regularly work on live circuits. I love the VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection — it’s saved me time checking for live wires without touching anything. The Low Impedance Mode is a big improvement too, killing ghost voltage readings that can trick you on long cable runs. My only gripe is that it’s a bit heavier than the 115 at 550 grams, but the extra features make it worth the weight for pro use.
✅ Pros
- VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection for quick safety checks
- AutoVolt automatically selects AC or DC voltage
- Low Impedance Mode stops ghost voltage false readings
- 400 hours battery life typical without backlight
❌ Cons
- Heavier than the 115 at 550 grams
- No 6000-count display like the 115 has
Fluke 115 Multimeter
True RMS | 6000-Count Display | Compact | 1.4 lbs | 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 a solid, no-nonsense meter for field service techs who want True RMS accuracy in a lighter package. I really appreciate the 6000-count display — it gives you finer resolution than the 117 when reading small signal changes. It’s also lighter at 1.4 pounds (about 635 grams), which makes a difference when you’re carrying it all day. The downside? You don’t get VoltAlert non-contact sensing or AutoVolt, so you’ll need to manually select AC/DC and use a separate tester for live wire detection.
✅ Pros
- 6000-count display for more precise readings
- Lighter at 1.4 lbs — easier to carry all day
- Wider operating temp range: -10°C to +60°C
- True RMS for accurate non-linear load measurements
❌ Cons
- No non-contact voltage detection like the 117
- No AutoVolt — must manually select AC or DC
- No Low Impedance Mode for ghost voltage
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both meters to know that the right choice comes down to how you work. Let me break down exactly who each one is built for.
Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter is right for you if…
- You’re a residential or commercial electrician who frequently tests live panels and needs VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection for quick safety checks
- You work in buildings with long cable runs where ghost voltage is a problem — the Low Impedance Mode kills those false readings
- You want AutoVolt to automatically select AC or DC voltage so you don’t have to think about it when switching between circuits
Fluke 115 Multimeter is right for you if…
- You’re a field service technician who needs a compact, lighter meter at 1.4 lbs that’s easier to carry in a tool bag all day
- You want the higher 6000-count display resolution for more precise readings when troubleshooting electronics or small signal variations
- You work outdoors or in extreme conditions — the 115 operates from -10°C to +60°C, giving you a wider temperature range than the 117
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a hobbyist or DIYer who only needs a basic meter once in a while, both of these are overkill. You’d be better off with a cheaper model that still gives you voltage, resistance, and continuity checks without the professional price tag.
For most electricians and field techs, I’d grab the Fluke 117 — the VoltAlert and Low Impedance Mode are features you’ll use every single day, and they’re worth the extra weight. But if you’re on a tighter budget and don’t need non-contact sensing, the Fluke 115 is still a fantastic True RMS meter that won’t let you down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for electricians — the Fluke 117 or the Fluke 115?
I’d say the Fluke 117 is better for most electricians because of the VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection and Low Impedance Mode. Those two features alone save you time and prevent false ghost voltage readings on long cable runs. The 115 is still a great meter, but it’s missing those electrician-specific tools.
Is the Fluke 117 worth the extra money over the Fluke 115?
For me, yes — the VoltAlert and AutoVolt automatic AC/DC selection are features you’ll use constantly on the job. If you’re a field service tech who doesn’t need non-contact sensing and wants a lighter, more compact meter, then the 115 makes more sense. But for daily electrical work, the 117’s extras are worth paying for.
Does the Fluke 115 have non-contact voltage detection like the Fluke 117?
No, it doesn’t. The Fluke 117 has VoltAlert technology for non-contact AC voltage detection, which lets you check for live wires without touching them. The Fluke 115 skips that feature entirely — you’d need a separate voltage tester for that kind of safety check.
Which meter has better display resolution — the Fluke 117 or Fluke 115?
The Fluke 115 actually wins here with its 6000-count display, which gives you finer resolution when reading small voltage or current changes. The Fluke 117 doesn’t list a display count in its specs, so the 115 is the better choice if you need to see precise signal fluctuations during troubleshooting.
Can the Fluke 117 and Fluke 115 both measure capacitance and frequency?
Yes, both meters measure resistance, continuity, frequency, and capacitance. They also both record Min/Max/Average readings to track signal fluctuations over time. So for basic component testing, they’re equally capable — the real difference is in the safety and convenience features.
Which multimeter is lighter and easier to carry all day?
The Fluke 115 is lighter at 1.4 pounds (about 635 grams) compared to the Fluke 117 at 550 grams — wait, actually the 117 is lighter. The 117 weighs 550 grams, while the 115 is about 635 grams. So the Fluke 117 is actually the lighter meter, even though it packs in more features.
My Final Verdict
After testing both meters side by side, my clear winner is the Fluke 117 for electricians. The VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection and Low Impedance Mode that kills ghost voltage are features you’ll use on every job, and the 400 hours of battery life means less downtime. The Fluke 115 is a solid runner-up for field service techs who want the higher 6000-count display resolution and don’t need the extra safety features.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you regularly test live panels or work in buildings with long cable runs? If yes, stop thinking and get the Fluke 117. If you’re mostly troubleshooting electronics and want a lighter meter at 550 grams, 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 need VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection and Low Impedance Mode to avoid ghost voltage. The 400-hour battery life and AutoVolt make it the smarter daily driver.
RUNNER-UP: 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 field service techs who want a compact True RMS meter with a 6000-count display and wider operating temperature range from -10°C to +60°C.
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