The Fluke 115 Digital Multimeter has established itself as a benchmark in electrical measurement devices, striking an impressive balance between professional-grade reliability and accessibility for hobbyists. As someone who has extensively tested various electronic testing equipment over the years, I’ve found the Fluke 115 to be a standout offering that delivers consistent performance where many competing products fall short. In this comprehensive review, I’ll analyze what makes this multimeter worth the investment, where it could improve, and why it has earned its reputation as a trusted tool among professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Build Quality and Design
Superior Construction
From the moment you pick up the Fluke 115, the difference in quality is dramatic compared to budget alternatives. The unit comes housed in a robust yellow rubber holster that serves as both protection and a comfortable grip. This protective covering is removable for battery and fuse replacement but offers excellent protection for the instrument during everyday use and inevitable drops.
The build quality feels substantial without being cumbersome – weighing enough to feel durable but remaining comfortable for one-handed operation. The dial can be operated with one hand using your thumb, though some users have noted the detents could be more positive to prevent accidental positioning between settings.
The housing is designed with thoughtful ergonomics – narrower at the bottom and curving outward at the top, fitting comfortably in the hand “like a glove.” This makes it particularly comfortable during extended use.
Display Quality
The Fluke 115 features a large, easy-to-read digital display, though user experiences with it are somewhat mixed. The display includes a backlight feature that activates with the press of a button, significantly improving visibility in poorly lit environments. The backlight is purple-tinted and automatically turns off to conserve battery life, though you can set it to remain on if needed.
Several users have noted that the display has some viewing angle limitations. For optimal contrast, the meter should be positioned below eye level; when viewed from straight-on or above, the display appears dimmer and can be difficult to read, particularly with the backlight activated. While this is a legitimate concern, proper positioning typically resolves the issue.
Functionality and Features
Measurement Capabilities
The Fluke 115 provides an impressive range of measurement functions that satisfy most electrical testing needs:
- AC/DC voltage measurement up to 600V
- Current measurement up to 10A
- Resistance measurement
- Continuity testing with audible alert
- Frequency measurement
- Capacitance testing
- Diode testing
A particularly noteworthy feature is the auto-ranging capability, which automatically selects the appropriate measurement range. While this introduces a slight delay in readings, the precision and ease of interpretation make this trade-off acceptable for most users.
Accuracy and Performance
The Fluke 115 boasts an accuracy of 0.5% for readings, which is impressive for a multimeter in this price range. Users consistently report reliable and stable measurements, with one reviewer noting that when testing against a 5V reference, the meter displayed exactly 5.000V, demonstrating remarkable precision.
The meter performs exceptionally well for basic electrical troubleshooting, electronics work, and home DIY projects. It provides reliable readings without the fluctuations common in cheaper meters, maintaining stable displays that inspire confidence in the measurements.
Notable Features
Several features distinguish the Fluke 115 from budget alternatives:
- Min/Max/Average function: Records minimum, maximum, and average readings over time, invaluable for capturing fluctuating values.
- Backlit display: Essential for working in poor lighting conditions.
- Audible continuity test: The continuity tester emits distinctive sounds – a continuous beep for full shorts and a single short beep when detecting diodes, making circuit tracing significantly more efficient.
- Auto shut-off: Preserves battery life by automatically powering down the meter after a period of inactivity.
- Fold-out kickstand: Allows the meter to stand at a convenient viewing angle on a flat surface.
Practical Applications
Home and DIY Use
For homeowners and DIY enthusiasts, the Fluke 115 represents excellent value despite its higher price point compared to entry-level meters. It provides all the necessary functions for home electrical troubleshooting, appliance repair, and basic electronic projects. The reliability and durability mean it’s likely the last multimeter a hobbyist will need to purchase.
One reviewer noted that this meter helped them quickly identify a parasitic battery drain in their vehicle that cheaper meters had failed to detect, demonstrating its value in automotive diagnostics as well.
Professional Use
Though marketed as a field service technician’s meter, the Fluke 115 is suitable for a wide range of professional applications. Several professional users reported that this meter meets or exceeds their needs for most everyday testing scenarios.
One retired avionics engineer mentioned that while working with aircraft systems, “this Fluke 115 would still be a reliable test instrument for 90% of needed applications,” though they noted it “definitely meets or exceeds the needs of an audio technician or engineer.”
Another user with 40+ years of experience as a broadcast radio engineer emphasized the dramatic quality difference compared to cheaper meters they had previously used.
It’s worth noting that this is “an electronic technician’s meter, NOT an electrician’s meter” as it lacks the capability to measure the low microvolts produced by thermocouples in HVAC environments and does not have non-contact AC verification functionality found in electrician-specific models.
Test Leads and Accessories
One consistent criticism across multiple reviews concerns the included test leads. The standard PVC-insulated leads that come with the meter are described as stiff, with a strong memory, making them somewhat cumbersome to use, particularly in cold weather. Many users recommend upgrading to silicone-insulated leads like the Fluke TL224 for improved flexibility and easier handling.
The leads do accept accessories sold separately, such as alligator clips, which can be valuable additions for hands-free testing. Some users also recommend purchasing a separate carrying case, as the meter does not come with one beyond the protective holster.
Value Proposition
At approximately $150-$200, the Fluke 115 represents a significant investment compared to budget multimeters priced at $20-$50. However, the consensus among long-term users is that the price difference is justified by:
- Durability: Many users report Fluke meters lasting decades, even under harsh working conditions. One user mentioned their previous Fluke lasted 25 years of faithful service.
- Reliability: Consistent, accurate readings without the erratic behavior common in cheaper alternatives.
- Safety: For those working with household wiring (110V/220V), the enhanced safety features and reliability provide peace of mind that cheaper meters cannot match.
- Warranty and support: Fluke’s three-year warranty and reputation for standing behind their products.
As one reviewer aptly put it: “They may be expensive compared to cheap $5-$30 meters but it truly is worth every penny.”
Limitations and Considerations
Despite its overall excellence, the Fluke 115 has a few limitations worth considering:
- No milliamp/microamp measurement: The meter’s lowest current range is 6A, which means 100μA resolution – “pretty coarse for electronics bench work.” This limitation may impact users working with low-current electronic circuits.
- Display viewing angle: As mentioned earlier, the display can be difficult to read from certain angles, requiring proper positioning.
- Maximum voltage: Limited to 600V AC/DC, which may require a high-voltage probe for specialized applications involving higher voltages.
- Test lead quality: The included leads are functional but not as flexible or comfortable as silicone alternatives.
- No storage case: Unlike some competing products, no separate storage case is included.
Long-term Reliability
A defining characteristic of Fluke multimeters is their exceptional longevity. Multiple users reported their previous Fluke meters lasting 20, 30, or even 40+ years of service. One user mentioned their Fluke survived being “soaked in water at one time” – after drying out, it continued to function (though the continuity buzzer no longer worked).
This durability factor significantly enhances the value proposition, as the initial investment is amortized over decades rather than years of service.
User Experience and Learning Curve
For those new to multimeters, the Fluke 115 strikes a good balance between functionality and usability. The control layout is intuitive, with clearly marked positions on the dial and minimal buttons for specialized functions.
Some users noted that the included manual assumes a certain level of electrical knowledge and could be more detailed for beginners. However, supplementary resources are available online for those needing additional guidance.
The auto-ranging feature is particularly beneficial for novices, eliminating the need to select the appropriate measurement range manually and reducing the risk of damaging the meter through improper settings.
Comparison to Other Models
Vs. Budget Multimeters
Compared to entry-level meters in the $15-$50 range, the Fluke 115 offers superior build quality, measurement stability, and safety features. Multiple users who upgraded from cheaper meters emphasized the dramatic improvement in quality and reliability.
Vs. Other Fluke Models
Within the Fluke lineup, the 115 represents a mid-tier offering:
- The Fluke 117 adds non-contact voltage detection for a slight premium
- The Fluke 87V offers enhanced features like microamp measurement but at roughly double the price
- The Fluke 179 provides additional functionality and is made in the USA, but again at a significantly higher price point
For most users, the 115 hits the sweet spot of functionality and value, offering professional-grade reliability without the premium features that many hobbyists and even professionals rarely need.
Who Should Buy the Fluke 115?
The Fluke 115 is ideal for:
- Serious DIY enthusiasts: Those who work regularly on home electrical systems, automotive electronics, or hobby electronics projects who want reliable measurements without constant second-guessing.
- Electronics technicians: Professionals working on electronics, audio equipment, and similar applications where accurate measurements are essential but specialized functions may not be required.
- Automotive technicians: The ruggedness, reliability, and accuracy make it particularly suitable for automotive diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting.
- Students: Those studying electronics or electrical engineering who want a quality instrument that will serve them well throughout their education and into their professional careers.
The meter may be less suitable for:
- HVAC technicians: Due to the lack of thermocouple support and microamp measurement capabilities.
- Budget-conscious occasional users: Those who only need a multimeter for rare, basic tasks might find cheaper alternatives adequate.
- Advanced electronics designers: Those working with very low currents who might need the microamp measurement capabilities of higher-end models.
Conclusion
The Fluke 115 Digital Multimeter delivers on its promise of professional-grade reliability at a price point accessible to serious hobbyists and professionals alike. While not the cheapest option available, it represents an excellent value proposition when considering its accuracy, feature set, and extraordinary durability.
The exceptional build quality, reliable measurements, and thoughtful design make it a pleasure to use and inspire confidence in the results it provides. Though it has a few limitations – notably the absence of milliamp/microamp ranges and the viewing angle sensitivity of the display – these are minor concerns for most users given its intended applications.
For anyone serious about electrical work or electronics who values accuracy and reliability, the Fluke 115 stands as a benchmark product that will likely provide decades of faithful service. As one reviewer succinctly stated, “If this meter lasts half as long as my old Fluke, I’ll be happy. These things are made to last!”
While budget alternatives might seem attractive initially, the Fluke 115’s combination of durability, accuracy, and user-friendly design makes it the more economical choice in the long run for those who will use it regularly. It’s not just a tool but an investment in quality and reliability that will continue to pay dividends long after cheaper alternatives have failed.
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