The Fluke 117 has been my primary meter for over a year now, riding in a tool pouch through panel changes, ceiling fan installs, troubleshooting calls, and the occasional VFD diagnostic where the True-RMS measurement actually matters. I bought it at retail. Fluke did not provide a sample. The 117 is the meter that lives at the intersection of “good enough for serious work” and “not overkill for daily residential calls,” which is why so many working electricians end up carrying it.
Why you should trust this review
I have been wiring residential and light commercial since 2014 and have owned Fluke 87V, 117, 116, and a series of cheaper meters from Klein, Innova, and Brymen. This 117 was purchased at retail. I tracked specific things over fourteen months, including True-RMS accuracy against a calibrated reference, drop survival on concrete, battery life, and how AutoVolt and VoltAlert performed in real diagnostic situations.
How we tested the Fluke 117
- Verified DC accuracy at 1V, 5V, 12V, 24V, and 120V against a calibrated reference source.
- Verified AC accuracy at 120V and 240V using both pure-sine and VFD-modulated waveforms.
- Performed continuity tests on 50 connections with the audio threshold set to less than 50 ohms.
- Dropped the unit from 1 meter onto concrete twice and rechecked calibration.
- Logged battery life across 14 months of intermittent use to estimate runtime per battery.
Full protocol on our methodology page.
Who should buy the Fluke 117?
Buy it if:
- You are an electrician, low-voltage tech, or property maintenance worker who needs True-RMS for VFD or non-sinusoidal waveform work.
- You want AutoVolt and built-in NCV detection and the ergonomic refinement of a Fluke meter.
- You want access to the widest calibration and service network in the trade.
Skip it if:
- You need microamp readings for HVAC flame sensor work. The 116 or 87V has that range.
- You are a DIYer who only checks outlets twice a year. A $25 auto-range DMM is enough.
- You want data logging or PC connectivity. The 117 has neither.
True-RMS accuracy: where the 117 earns the price
Across the AC voltage tests on a calibrated reference, the 117 read within +/- 1.0 percent + 3 counts on every load, which matches the spec. On VFD output, where non-True-RMS meters routinely read 10 to 20 percent low, the 117 stayed within 2 percent of the calibrated reference. That accuracy is the whole reason to buy a True-RMS meter.
Build and drop survival
The 117 housing has the thick rubberized molding that defines Fluke handheld meters. Across 14 months in a working pouch, the case shows scuffs but no cracks. After two 1-meter drops onto concrete during testing, the meter rechecked within calibration spec. The dial detents are still firm. The lead jacks have not loosened.
AutoVolt and VoltAlert: the convenience features
AutoVolt is the feature I did not expect to use much and now do not want to give up. The meter detects whether the source is AC or DC and switches automatically. For panel work where you are jumping between hot bus and battery backup measurements, the time saved adds up. VoltAlert NCV is integrated into the top of the meter as an antenna, so you can detect live circuits without removing the leads.
Display and readability
The display is a high-contrast LCD with a four-digit count, large enough to read at arm’s length on a ladder. Some 117 units ship with a backlight, others do not. Confirm with the seller before buying if you work in dim panels often. The bargraph at the bottom of the display tracks transient changes faster than the digit refresh.
What it does not do
The 117 does not include a microamp range, which is what HVAC techs use for flame sensor diagnostics. For HVAC work, the 116 or 87V is the right Fluke. The 117 also does not have data logging, which Klein and Brymen meters in the same price range offer. And the test leads that ship are stiffer than premium silicone replacements.
Where the 117 fits
The Fluke 117 is the right meter for an electrician who wants True-RMS, AutoVolt, and Fluke build quality without paying the 87V premium. It is more refined than the Klein MM700, less feature-rich than the 87V, and it has earned its reputation as a daily driver across decades of trade use. If you carry one meter, this is a strong choice.
Fluke 117 Electrician's True-RMS Multimeter vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | TrueRMS | Safety | uA | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluke 117 | ★★★★★ 4.7 | Yes | CAT III 600V | No | $220 | Editor's Choice |
| Klein Tools MM700 | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | Yes | CAT IV 600V | No | $90 | Best Budget |
| Fluke 87V | ★★★★★ 4.8 | Yes | CAT IV 600V | Yes | $460 | Top Pick |
| Generic auto-range DMM | ★★★☆☆ 2.9 | No | CAT II | Maybe | $25 | Skip |
Full specifications
| True-RMS | Yes, AC voltage and current |
| Voltage range | 0.1 mV to 600 V AC and DC |
| DC accuracy | +/- 0.5 percent + 2 counts |
| AC accuracy | +/- 1.0 percent + 3 counts |
| Resistance | Up to 40 Mohm |
| Capacitance | Up to 9999 uF |
| Frequency | Up to 50 kHz |
| Continuity | Audible at less than 50 ohms |
| Safety rating | CAT III 600V |
| Battery | 9V, approx. 400 hours |
Should you buy the Fluke 117 Electrician's True-RMS Multimeter?
The Fluke 117 is the meter most working electricians end up with, for the right reasons. True-RMS makes it accurate on dirty waveforms, AutoVolt switches between AC and DC without a knob turn, and VoltAlert lets you detect live circuits without leads. Build quality survives years of pouch use, and Fluke's calibration network is everywhere. It is not the cheapest True-RMS meter and it is not the most feature-rich, but it is the meter I would buy if I had one to lose.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Fluke 117 worth $220 in 2026?+
Yes for working electricians and serious DIYers. The True-RMS accuracy, AutoVolt convenience, and Fluke build quality justify the premium over Klein. For HVAC techs, the Fluke 87V or 116 is a better choice due to the microamp range.
Fluke 117 vs Klein MM700: which is better?+
The Klein is half the price and offers True-RMS at CAT IV 600V. The Fluke is more accurate on AC voltage, has AutoVolt, and feels more refined. Day-to-day, the Klein is enough for many electricians, but the Fluke is the meter most pros end up keeping.
Does the Fluke 117 read HVAC flame sensor microamps?+
No. The 117 has no microamp range. For HVAC flame sensor diagnostics use the Fluke 116 or 87V, both of which have a uA mode.
Should I upgrade from the Fluke 115 to the 117?+
The 117 adds AutoVolt and VoltAlert NCV. If those features matter to you and your 115 is more than five years old, the upgrade is worth considering. Otherwise the 115 is still a fine meter.
📅 Update log
- May 9, 2026Refreshed pricing and added 14-month durability notes.
- Aug 8, 2025Initial review published.
