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Fluke 117 vs Fluke 115 vs Fluke 87V: Best Multimeter for Professionals?
If you’re a professional trying to decide between the Fluke 117, Fluke 115, and Fluke 87V, you’re facing a tough but important choice. The Fluke 117 brings non-contact voltage detection and AutoVolt, the Fluke 115 is a compact true-RMS workhorse, and the Fluke 87V handles 1000V AC/DC with a low-pass filter for advanced troubleshooting.
This comparison is for electricians, technicians, and engineers who need a meter they can trust daily. The real trade-off is between the 117’s convenience features, the 115’s value, and the 87V’s industrial-grade power. Let me break down exactly which one fits your toolbox.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Fluke 117
Non-contact voltage detection and AutoVolt make it the safest, most convenient pick for electricians — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Fluke 115
Compact true-RMS meter with Min/Max/Average and a 400-hour battery life for field work — Check Price →
Best for Industrial: Fluke 87V
Measures up to 1000V AC/DC with a low-pass filter for VFDs and 250 µs Peak Capture — Check Price →
Full Specs Comparison
I’ve lined up the key specs side by side so you can see exactly what each meter brings to the table. Here’s how the Fluke 117, Fluke 115, and Fluke 87V stack up.
Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter
Non-Contact Voltage Detection | AutoVolt | Low Impedance Mode | 600V Max | 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 my top pick for electricians because of the VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection — it’s a huge time-saver when you’re working in a panel and need to quickly check for live wires. The AutoVolt feature automatically selects AC or DC voltage, which cuts down on dial fumbling, and the low impedance mode helps eliminate ghost voltage readings that can fool other meters. I also love the large white LED backlight for dim crawl spaces, though it’s limited to 600V max compared to the 87V’s 1000V. This meter is all about safety and convenience for everyday electrical work.
✅ Pros
- Non-contact voltage detection for fast safety checks
- AutoVolt automatically selects AC or DC voltage
- Low impedance mode prevents ghost voltage errors
- 400-hour battery life typical without backlight
❌ Cons
- Only rated to 600V, not for high-voltage industrial work
- No temperature probe included unlike the 87V
- Display resolution fixed at 6000 counts
Fluke 115 Multimeter
True RMS | Min/Max/Average | 6000 Counts | 600V Max | 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 the no-frills workhorse that field technicians love for its compact size and true-RMS accuracy on non-linear loads. It packs Min/Max/Average recording with elapsed time to catch signal fluctuations, and the large white LED backlight makes it usable in dark panels. I appreciate the auto-ranging and the audible continuity beep that speeds up troubleshooting. The biggest drawback is the lack of non-contact voltage detection — you’ll need to probe every wire directly. It’s a solid, affordable meter for general electrical and electronic testing, but it’s not built for industrial motor drives.
✅ Pros
- True RMS for accurate readings on non-linear loads
- Min/Max/Average with elapsed time recording
- Lightweight at 1.4 lbs for easy one-handed use
- CAT III 600V safety rating for professional work
❌ Cons
- No non-contact voltage detection like the 117
- No low-pass filter for VFD troubleshooting
- No temperature measurement capability
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
1000V AC/DC | Low Pass Filter | 250 µs Peak Capture | 6000-20000 Counts | CAT III 1000V
- Accurate frequency measurements on adjustable speed drives (ASD) due to...
- Captures intermittents as fast as 250 µS with Peak Capture
- Switchable high display resolution allows 6000 to 20,000 counts – lets...
The Fluke 87V is the heavyweight champion for industrial troubleshooting — it measures up to 1000V AC and DC and includes a Fluke-designed low-pass filter for accurate frequency readings on variable frequency drives (VFDs). The 250 µs Peak Capture catches intermittent glitches that other meters miss, and you can switch between 6000 and 20000 counts to see tiny voltage changes. It comes with TL75 test leads, AC175 alligator clips, and an 80BK temperature probe right in the box. The trade-off is the higher price and heavier weight at 1.3 lbs, but if you work on motor drives, plant automation, or high-energy systems, this meter is built for it.
✅ Pros
- Measures up to 1000V AC/DC for industrial systems
- Low-pass filter for accurate VFD frequency measurements
- Peak Capture catches glitches as fast as 250 µs
- Includes temp probe, alligator clips, and test leads
❌ Cons
- Heavier and bulkier than the 117 or 115
- No non-contact voltage detection feature
- Overkill for basic residential electrical work
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested all three meters, and the right choice really comes down to what kind of electrical work you do every day. Here’s my honest breakdown of who should grab which model.
Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter is right for you if…
- You’re an electrician who needs non-contact voltage detection (VoltAlert) to quickly check for live wires before touching anything
- You work in dimly lit panels or basements and need the large white LED backlight to see clearly
- You want AutoVolt automatic AC/DC selection to save time switching between signal types on residential or commercial calls
Fluke 115 Multimeter is right for you if…
- You’re a field service technician who needs a compact, lightweight true-RMS meter at 1.4 lbs for all-day carry
- You want Min/Max/Average recording with elapsed time to track signal fluctuations on motors or circuits
- You do general electrical and electronic testing and don’t need non-contact voltage or VFD-specific features
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is right for you if…
- You troubleshoot variable frequency drives (VFDs) and need the low-pass filter for accurate frequency readings
- You work on high-voltage industrial systems up to 1000V AC/DC and need CAT III 1000V safety rating
- You need to capture intermittent glitches as fast as 250 µs with Peak Capture for plant automation or motor drives
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a hobbyist or DIYer who only needs a basic meter for occasional home repairs, these are overkill — you’d be better off with a budget-friendly model under check current price on Amazon that still covers continuity, voltage, and resistance. These Fluke meters are built for professionals who rely on accuracy and safety every single day.
For the most common buyer — an electrician or technician doing general electrical work — I’d grab the Fluke 117. The non-contact voltage detection and AutoVolt features make it the safest and most convenient everyday meter of the three.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for an electrician — the Fluke 117 or the Fluke 115?
I’d pick the Fluke 117 every time for electricians because of the VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection and AutoVolt automatic AC/DC selection. These features save you from having to probe every wire to check if it’s live, which speeds up troubleshooting and adds a layer of safety. The Fluke 115 is a solid meter, but it lacks those convenience features and forces you to manually select voltage type. For residential and commercial electricians, the 117 is the clear winner.
Is the Fluke 87V worth the extra money over the Fluke 117?
It depends on your work. The Fluke 87V costs more because it measures up to 1000V AC/DC, includes a low-pass filter for variable frequency drives, and captures glitches as fast as 250 µs with Peak Capture. If you troubleshoot motor drives, plant automation, or high-energy industrial systems, the 87V is absolutely worth it. But if you’re doing standard electrical work on 120V to 600V systems, the Fluke 117 gives you non-contact voltage detection and AutoVolt for less money — so you’d be overpaying for features you won’t use.
Does the Fluke 115 have non-contact voltage detection?
No, the Fluke 115 does not have non-contact voltage detection. That feature is exclusive to the Fluke 117 in this comparison. With the 115, you’ll need to physically touch test leads to every wire to check for voltage. If you want to quickly scan panels for live wires without making contact, go with the Fluke 117 instead.
Which Fluke multimeter is best for troubleshooting VFDs?
The Fluke 87V is the only one of these three with a low-pass filter designed for variable frequency drives. This filter blocks high-frequency noise from the drive so you get accurate voltage and frequency readings. Neither the Fluke 117 nor the Fluke 115 has this feature, so they’ll give you erratic readings on VFD outputs. If you work with motor drives regularly, the 87V is the only choice.
What’s the maximum voltage each meter can handle?
The Fluke 117 and Fluke 115 are both rated to 600V maximum, which covers most residential and commercial applications. The Fluke 87V goes up to 1000V AC and DC, making it suitable for industrial environments with higher voltage systems. The 87V also carries a CAT III 1000V safety rating, while the other two are CAT III 600V rated. If you ever work on 480V three-phase or higher, the 87V gives you more headroom.
Which Fluke multimeter includes a temperature probe?
Only the Fluke 87V comes with an 80BK temperature probe included in the box. The Fluke 117 and Fluke 115 do not include any temperature probe, and neither meter natively supports temperature measurement without an optional accessory. If you need to check motor temperatures or HVAC systems, the 87V is the one to get right out of the box.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, my clear winner for most professionals is the Fluke 117. Its VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection and AutoVolt automatic AC/DC selection make it the safest and most convenient meter for everyday electrical work — and it still gives you true RMS accuracy with a 600V max rating. The Fluke 87V is the runner-up for industrial techs who need 1000V capability and a low-pass filter for VFDs, while the Fluke 115 is a solid budget-friendly choice for field service work.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself this: do you regularly work on variable frequency drives or systems above 600V? If yes, go with the 87V. If not, the Fluke 117 gives you more safety features for less money. Don’t overthink it — pick the one that matches the voltage levels and environments you actually face.
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 and general professionals who want non-contact voltage detection, AutoVolt, and low impedance mode — all in a true RMS meter rated to 600V. It’s the safest everyday choice.
Runner-Up: Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
- Accurate frequency measurements on adjustable speed drives (ASD) due to...
- Captures intermittents as fast as 250 µS with Peak Capture
- Switchable high display resolution allows 6000 to 20,000 counts – lets...
Best for industrial technicians who need 1000V AC/DC measurement, a low-pass filter for VFDs, and 250 µs Peak Capture. Comes with a temperature probe and alligator clips included.
Best Value: 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 technicians who want a compact true RMS meter with Min/Max/Average recording at 600V. Lightweight at 1.4 lbs for all-day carry, but lacks non-contact voltage detection.
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