Fluke 117 Review
The Fluke 117 is a compact true RMS digital multimeter built for electricians who work mostly in commercial and residential settings. It sits in the middle of Fluke's handheld lineup, adding non contact voltage detection and automatic AC/DC voltage selection that the entry level 115 does not have.
Quick answer
The Fluke 117 is right for electricians and serious DIYers who need a rugged, accurate true RMS meter for voltage, continuity, resistance, and current work in commercial and residential environments.
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- Cross-checked manufacturer-published specifications before writing any recommendation
- Verified US market availability and configuration for every model discussed
- Owner-feedback themes are summarized as feedback, never presented as our own hands-on testing
- No invented star ratings; see the visible Research Score criteria on this page
- Flagged CAT rating and safe-use guidance wherever a tool is used near live circuits
- For electrical test gear we prioritize safety ratings and category certifications over feature counts, since a meter is only as good as its CAT rating and input protection.
Research updated September 2026.
Fluke 117
ReviewedPros
- True RMS accuracy on noisy or non sinusoidal AC loads, which matters on modern commercial circuits
- Non contact voltage detection built in, so you can quickly check for live conductors before touching anything
- AutoVolt automatic AC/DC selection speeds up routine voltage checks and reduces dial mistakes
Cons
- No current clamp and no temperature function, so motor and HVAC diagnostics need a different tool
- The 10 A current range is fine for branch circuits but not for higher current industrial work
The Fluke 117 is a handheld true RMS multimeter aimed at commercial electricians and advanced DIY users. It combines auto selecting AC/DC voltage, non contact voltage detection, resistance, continuity, capacitance, and current measurement in a body rated CAT III 600 V. It is a focused electrical troubleshooting meter rather than a full featured lab instrument.
Real-World Notes
Owner feedback themes center on how quickly the 117 handles everyday troubleshooting: the non contact voltage detector and auto voltage selection come up repeatedly as time savers on service calls. Users also consistently mention the ruggedness and long term stability of readings, and the main complaints are about the missing clamp and temperature features rather than accuracy or reliability.
Alternatives Worth a Look
- Fluke 115
- Klein Tools MM700
Who Should Consider Something Else
Skip the Fluke 117 if you need a clamp meter for high current work, temperature measurement for HVAC diagnostics, or a data logging meter for long term monitoring. Budget shoppers who only do occasional outlet and continuity checks will also get more value from a lower cost true RMS meter.
FAQs
Is the Fluke 117 true RMS?
Yes, the Fluke 117 is a true RMS meter, so it reads AC voltage and current accurately even on distorted waveforms from drives, dimmers, and other non linear loads.
What is the CAT safety rating of the Fluke 117?
It carries a CAT III 600 V safety rating, which covers most distribution level and fixed installation measurements in commercial and residential work.
Does the Fluke 117 measure current?
Yes, it measures both AC and DC current up to 10 A through the test leads, but it does not include a clamp for higher current measurement.
Does the Fluke 117 have non contact voltage detection?
Yes, it includes built in non contact voltage detection, which lets you check whether a conductor or outlet is live without making contact.
Is the Fluke 117 good for HVAC work?
It handles voltage, continuity, resistance, and capacitance checks used in HVAC troubleshooting, but it lacks a temperature function and a clamp, so many HVAC techs pair it with a clamp meter.
Our verdict
The Fluke 117 is a well rounded true RMS multimeter that earns its price for electricians and serious DIYers who want accurate, safe, no fuss electrical measurements. Its main gaps are the missing clamp and temperature functions, so buyers who need those should look at a clamp meter or a more fully featured Fluke model instead.