In the world of electrical testing equipment, the name Fluke has become synonymous with quality, reliability, and precision. For professionals and serious DIY enthusiasts alike, investing in a high-quality multimeter is not merely a purchase but a long-term commitment to safety and accuracy. The Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter stands as one of the company’s most popular offerings in their 110 series, marketed specifically as an “electrician’s multimeter.” Having spent considerable time with this device across various applications, I’m eager to share a comprehensive analysis of its capabilities, strengths, limitations, and overall value proposition.
Design and Build Quality
Physical Construction
The Fluke 117 immediately communicates quality through its construction. Weighing approximately one pound, the meter has a substantial feel that suggests durability without being cumbersome. The yellow rubber holster that encases the meter serves multiple purposes – it provides excellent drop protection on five sides, offers a comfortable grip even when wearing gloves, and adds a distinctive professional appearance.
The meter features a protective “blast shield” design with a deep lip to protect the user in the exceedingly rare event of catastrophic failure. This attention to safety extends to the internal design, with high-quality ceramic HRC fusing and additional suppression devices to give users maximum protection when working with potentially dangerous electrical systems.
One unique feature is the battery compartment design. Unlike many meters that use a 9V battery with thin wires that can be damaged, the 117 features direct PCB-soldered tabs and a one-way battery door that eliminates the possibility of incorrect installation. This innovative approach eliminates a common failure point in many electronic devices.
Controls and Interface
The rotary selector dial is positioned slightly off-center by design, allowing it to be manipulated with your thumb from the side of the unit. The dial is substantial and easy to grip, even while wearing work gloves. Some users have expressed concern about the dial’s prominence making it vulnerable in face-down drops, but the robust construction has proven dependable in real-world usage. The dial’s tactile feedback is precise, with definitive clicks between settings that prevent accidental changes.
The button layout is straightforward, with a minimal number of controls that serve multiple functions. The front panel includes a backlight button, a MIN/MAX button for recording minimum and maximum readings, a RANGE button for manual range control, and a HOLD button for freezing the display. While functional, the standard HOLD feature (rather than an auto-hold) represents one of the few disappointments with this model.
Display Quality
The Fluke 117 features a 6000-count display with 4 updates per second, complemented by a 33-segment bar graph that updates 32 times per second. The bar graph proves remarkably responsive and useful for tracking fluctuating readings or trends that might be missed with only digital readouts.
The display itself has been a point of contention among users. The LCD provides adequate contrast when viewed straight-on or from a slight upward angle. However, when viewing from above or from extreme side angles, the contrast diminishes significantly, making readings difficult to discern. This limitation becomes particularly noticeable when the meter is positioned on a workbench below eye level.
The backlight function adds visibility in low-light environments, though some users note it’s not as bright as other Fluke models like the 87-V. When engaged, the backlight tends to wash out the display somewhat, diminishing the already limited viewing angles. Nevertheless, it remains functional for its intended purpose of illuminating readings in dark spaces.
Functionality and Features
Measurement Capabilities
The Fluke 117 provides a comprehensive range of measurement functions essential for electricians and general users:
- Voltage Measurement: AC (True RMS) and DC voltage up to 600V with a full millivolt range
- Current Measurement: AC and DC current up to 10A (but lacking mA and μA ranges)
- Resistance: From 0.1 ohms to 40 megaohms
- Continuity Testing: Fast-response audible indicator
- Diode Testing: Basic functionality with 2V limitation
- Capacitance: From 1nF upward
- Frequency: Up to 50kHz (somewhat limited compared to some competitors)
The True RMS functionality ensures accurate readings even on distorted waveforms or non-sinusoidal AC sources, such as modified sine wave inverters. This capability is essential for modern electrical work given the proliferation of electronic devices that create non-linear loads.
Specialized Features
What truly distinguishes the Fluke 117 from more basic multimeters are several specialized functions:
VoltAlert™ (Non-Contact Voltage Detection)
The integrated non-contact voltage detector allows users to quickly identify the presence of AC voltage without making direct contact. This feature functions similarly to standalone pen-style testers and proves invaluable for preliminary safety checks, identifying live wires in walls before drilling, or tracing wire runs behind surfaces. The detector offers both high and low sensitivity modes for different applications and wall thicknesses. While convenient, users are correctly cautioned not to rely solely on this feature for critical safety decisions.
LoZ (Low Impedance) Mode
Perhaps the most valuable specialized feature is the low impedance voltage testing mode. Operating at approximately 3,000 ohms resistance (compared to the megaohm-range impedance of standard DMM voltage testing), this mode addresses the common issue of “ghost voltages” in parallel wire runs.
In electrical environments, de-energized wires running parallel to energized circuits can show substantial voltage readings (sometimes 70V or more) on high-impedance meters due to capacitive coupling. These phantom voltages can confuse diagnostics. By providing a low-impedance path, the LoZ mode allows these ghost voltages to dissipate, showing what’s truly present on the line. This feature alone can save significant troubleshooting time, though users are wisely cautioned not to use this mode on sensitive electronic circuits where the lower impedance could potentially cause damage.
Auto-V/LoZ
The automatic voltage selection mode combines voltage detection with low impedance input, automatically determining whether AC or DC voltage is present. This feature simplifies testing when the type of voltage is unknown.
Safety Ratings
The Fluke 117 carries a CAT III 600V safety rating, making it suitable for most residential and commercial electrical work. This rating indicates it’s designed for use on distribution panels, feeders, large branch circuits, and building service entrance connections. While it doesn’t carry the higher CAT IV rating needed for utility-level work, its CAT III rating provides appropriate protection for its intended electrician audience working within buildings.
The meter has a maximum working voltage of 600V in both AC and DC ranges and is designed to withstand transient surges up to 6kV. These safety features, combined with the quality construction, provide peace of mind when working with potentially dangerous electrical systems.
Performance
Accuracy and Reliability
The Fluke 117 provides solid accuracy across its measurement ranges:
- DC voltage: ±0.5% + 2 counts
- AC voltage: ±1.0% + 3 counts
- Resistance: ±0.9% + 1 count (up to 6MΩ)
- Amperage: ±1.5% + 3 counts (AC) and ±1.0% + 3 counts (DC)
In practical use, the meter typically performs closer to the center of these tolerance ranges, especially when new. Users report that measurements closely match those from laboratory-grade equipment, confirming Fluke’s reputation for precision.
The continuity tester deserves special mention for its exceptional response time and clearly audible tone. The latched system provides immediate feedback with a positive tone whenever a circuit is completed, making it easy to trace connections even in noisy environments.
User Experience
The 117 impresses with its intuitive operation for common tasks while providing accessible advanced features when needed. Auto-ranging functionality simplifies basic measurements, while the manual range option remains available for situations requiring specific measurement spans.
The automatic shut-off feature conserves battery life, though some users note it can be inconvenient when performing extended testing. Fortunately, this feature can be disabled by holding the yellow button while powering on the meter.
The meter’s ergonomics are generally excellent, though the placement of the standard HOLD button (rather than an auto-hold feature) represents a usability challenge. When both hands are occupied with probes, activating the hold function requires either complicated finger gymnastics or setting one probe down temporarily.
Accessories and Expandability
Included Accessories
The Fluke 117 comes with a basic set of accessories:
- TL75 test leads (CAT III 1000V/CAT IV 600V rated with shrouded tips)
- 9V battery (pre-installed)
- Basic documentation
A common criticism is the quality of the included test leads. While functionally adequate and properly safety-rated, the leads have relatively stiff jackets that many users find less flexible than preferred. This represents a curious disconnect between the premium quality of the meter itself and the merely adequate test leads included.
Notably absent from the package is any carrying case or pouch for protecting the meter during transport or storage. Given the premium price point, this omission stands out as a missed opportunity to deliver a complete package.
Optional Accessories
The Fluke ecosystem offers numerous compatible accessories that extend the 117’s functionality:
- Higher quality test leads (TL175, TL71)
- Alligator clip attachments
- Magnetic hangers
- Carrying cases (C25, C50, C115)
- Temperature probes (80BK-A)
One significant limitation is the current measurement capability. Without mA/μA ranges, the meter cannot use the more affordable i400 current clamp for non-contact current measurement. Users requiring this functionality must either purchase the more expensive i410 clamp or consider a different meter with built-in clamp functionality.
Value Proposition
Price Consideration
With a typical retail price between $150-200, the Fluke 117 represents a significant investment compared to entry-level multimeters. This price point positions it firmly in the professional tool category rather than casual DIY territory.
The premium price is justified primarily through three factors:
- Build quality and durability – Many users report Fluke meters lasting 15-20+ years
- Measurement accuracy and reliability – Critical for professional applications
- Safety standards and testing – Comprehensive protection in hazardous environments
Fluke’s approach to building to standards rather than price points results in a product that costs more upfront but potentially offers better long-term value through extended service life and more dependable performance.
Competing Options
Several alternatives exist at different price points:
Budget alternatives:
- Kaiweets, AstroAI, and other entry-level brands ($30-60)
- Offer similar feature sets at significantly lower prices
- Generally compromise on accuracy, reliability, and safety ratings
Mid-range competitors:
- Klein Tools CL800 ($100-130)
- Includes current clamp and temperature functionality
- Generally good quality but not quite matching Fluke’s reputation
Fluke alternatives:
- Fluke T5-600/T6-600 ($100-150)
- More limited feature set but includes current clamp
- More compact form factor
- Often preferred by working electricians for everyday use
Higher-end options:
- Fluke 87V ($400+)
- Greater accuracy and additional capabilities
- Overkill for most residential and light commercial work
Target Audience and Use Cases
Best For:
Professional Electricians The 117 shines for residential and commercial electricians who need reliable voltage, resistance, and continuity testing. The LoZ feature and non-contact voltage detection are particularly valuable for identifying live circuits and distinguishing between actual and ghost voltages.
Facility Maintenance Personnel The robust construction and comprehensive feature set make it ideal for maintenance technicians who need to diagnose a wide range of electrical issues across building systems.
Serious DIY Enthusiasts For homeowners who regularly tackle electrical projects, the 117 represents a buy-it-once solution that provides professional-grade capabilities and safety.
HVAC Technicians The capacitance testing makes it useful for diagnosing motor run capacitors in HVAC equipment, though the lack of temperature measurement is a limitation for comprehensive HVAC work.
Less Ideal For:
Electronics Work The absence of mA/μA ranges limits its usefulness for detailed electronics troubleshooting, though it remains adequate for basic electronics testing.
Automotive Diagnostics While suitable for basic automotive electrical testing, specialized automotive multimeters often provide more relevant features for vehicle work.
Budget-Conscious Casual Users For occasional, basic testing, the premium price may be difficult to justify.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional build quality and durability
- Accurate and reliable measurements
- True RMS capability for modern electrical systems
- Non-contact voltage detection
- LoZ mode eliminates ghost voltage readings
- Fast-responding continuity tester
- Clear display with responsive bar graph
- Solid safety ratings (CAT III 600V)
- Comprehensive rubber protection
- Innovative battery compartment design
Cons
- Limited display viewing angles
- Standard hold function (not auto-hold)
- No mA/μA current ranges
- No temperature measurement capability
- Test leads less flexible than optimal
- No included carrying case
- Premium price point
- Frequency measurement limited to 50kHz
- Backlight brightness less than ideal
Conclusion
The Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter represents a carefully balanced compromise between comprehensive functionality and focused purpose. It’s not trying to be everything to everyone but instead excels as a reliable tool for electrical professionals and serious enthusiasts.
While the premium price point will deter casual users, those who depend on their tools for their livelihood or safety will find value in the 117’s accuracy, reliability, and durability. The specialized features like VoltAlert and LoZ mode directly address common challenges faced by electricians, potentially saving significant time and preventing dangerous misdiagnoses.
Some limitations are present, particularly the absence of milliamp/microamp ranges and temperature measurement capability. These omissions, along with the merely adequate included test leads and lack of carrying case, represent minor disappointments in an otherwise excellent package.
Ultimately, the Fluke 117 embodies the adage, “buy once, cry once.” The initial investment may cause sticker shock, but the meter’s potential for decades of reliable service makes it a sound long-term investment for those who need its capabilities. As many long-term users attest, when safety and accuracy matter, the peace of mind that comes with the Fluke name justifies the premium price.
For electricians and professionals who depend on accurate electrical measurements daily, the 117 represents the right balance of features, quality, and value. It’s not just a measuring tool—it’s an investment in safety and efficiency that will likely outlast several generations of budget alternatives.
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