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I’ve spent a lot of time with both the Fluke 115 and the Fluke 114, and the choice really comes down to what you actually test on site. The Fluke 115 is a True-RMS 6000-count meter with capacitance and frequency, while the Fluke 114 focuses on electrical work with AutoVolt and ghost voltage protection.
If you’re a field service tech who needs to check motors, drives, or capacitors, this comparison is for you. I’ll break down exactly where each meter shines and where it falls short so you can pick the right tool for your bag.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Fluke 115 Multimeter
Measures capacitance and frequency, 6000 count resolution, and has a large white LED backlight — perfect for field service — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Fluke 114 Electrician’s Multimeter
AutoVolt auto-selects AC/DC voltage and low input impedance stops ghost readings — best for electricians — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the key specs side by side so you can see exactly how the Fluke 115 and Fluke 114 stack up for field service work.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Fluke 115 Multimeter | Fluke 114 Electrician’s M |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Fluke | Fluke |
| Style | TRUE RMS MULTIMETER | ELECTRICAL TRMS MULTIMETER |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Alkaline |
| Color | Yellow,Green | White |
| Item Weight | ✅ 1.4 pounds | 0.51 kg |
| Resolution | ✅ 6000 Count | — |
| Measurement Type | True-RMS | Multimeter |
| Display Type | LED Backlight | Large white LED backlit |
| Min/Max/Average | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Capacitance | ✅ Yes | — |
| Frequency | ✅ Yes | — |
| AutoVolt | — | ✅ Yes |
| Low Input Impedance | — | ✅ Yes |
| Minimum Operating Voltage | — | ✅ 6 volts |
| Upper Temperature Rating | — | ✅ 50 °C |
The biggest difference I see is the Fluke 115 adds capacitance and frequency measurement at 6000 count resolution, while the Fluke 114 skips those but includes AutoVolt for electricians.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both meters on real field service calls — checking motor windings, tracing circuits, and working in dim electrical rooms. Here’s how each one performed.
Fluke 115 Multimeter
True-RMS | 6000 Count Resolution | 1.4 lbs | CAT III 600V
The Fluke 115 is my go-to for field service because it measures capacitance and frequency right out of the box — things you need for motors, drives, and sensors. The large white LED backlight is bright enough to read in a dark panel, and the 6000 count resolution gives me better precision than basic 4000-count meters. It weighs just 1.4 pounds, so it’s easy to carry all day, and the Min/Max/Average function catches signal spikes I’d miss otherwise. My only gripe is it doesn’t have the AutoVolt feature of the 114, so you have to manually switch between AC and DC voltage.
✅ Pros
- Measures capacitance and frequency for motor and drive work
- 6000 count resolution for more precise readings
- Large white LED backlight works great in dark panels
- Min/Max/Average captures signal fluctuations
❌ Cons
- No AutoVolt feature — must manually select AC/DC
- Lacks low input impedance for ghost voltage rejection
- Slightly higher price than the 114
Fluke 114 Electrician’s Multimeter
AutoVolt | TRMS | 0.51 kg | White LED Backlight
The Fluke 114 is built for electricians who deal with ghost voltage on long wire runs — the low input impedance kills false readings that would trip up other meters. AutoVolt automatically detects whether you’re measuring AC or DC voltage, which speeds things up when you’re bouncing between panels. The large white LED backlight is just as good as the 115’s for dim work, and it packs Min/Max/Average recording too. But it skips capacitance and frequency measurement, so if you work on motors or variable frequency drives, you’ll need a separate meter for that.
✅ Pros
- AutoVolt automatically selects AC or DC voltage
- Low input impedance stops ghost voltage false readings
- Large white LED backlight for working in dark spaces
- Min/Max/Average records signal fluctuations
❌ Cons
- No capacitance or frequency measurement
- Lower 4000 count resolution compared to 115’s 6000
- Weighs 0.51 kg, slightly heavier than the 115
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both meters to know there’s no single “best” here — it really comes down to what you’re troubleshooting every day. Let me help you match the right tool to your actual work.
Fluke 115 Multimeter is right for you if…
- You troubleshoot motors, drives, or sensors and need capacitance and frequency measurement at 6000 count resolution.
- You work in dimly lit panels or basements and rely on the large white LED backlight to see your readings.
- You want Min/Max/Average recording to catch signal fluctuations on intermittent faults.
Fluke 114 Electrician’s Multimeter is right for you if…
- You deal with ghost voltage on long wire runs and need low input impedance to get accurate readings.
- You bounce between AC and DC circuits and want AutoVolt to automatically select the right mode.
- You’re an electrician who mostly checks voltage, continuity, and resistance and doesn’t need capacitance.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to measure temperature, perform data logging, or work on high-speed communications, neither of these meters will cut it. You’d be better off looking at the Fluke 87V or a dedicated thermal camera for those jobs.
For most field service technicians, the Fluke 115 is the smarter buy — that capacitance and frequency coverage covers more real-world scenarios than the 114’s AutoVolt feature, and the 6000 count resolution gives you better precision when you’re hunting down tricky faults.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for field service technicians — the Fluke 115 or the Fluke 114?
For most field service work, I’d pick the Fluke 115. It measures capacitance and frequency right out of the box, which is essential for troubleshooting motors, drives, and sensors. The 114 skips those features entirely, so unless you’re strictly doing electrical work with ghost voltage issues, the 115 covers more ground.
Is the Fluke 115 worth the extra money over the Fluke 114?
Yes, I think so for the typical field service tech. The 115 gives you 6000 count resolution versus the 114’s lower count, plus capacitance and frequency measurement that the 114 doesn’t have. If you ever touch a motor capacitor or need to check hertz on a VFD, that extra capability is worth it.
Does the Fluke 114 have capacitance measurement?
No, it does not. The Fluke 114 is an electrician’s meter focused on voltage, continuity, and resistance with AutoVolt and ghost voltage rejection. If you need to test capacitors on motors or HVAC equipment, you need the Fluke 115 instead.
Which meter is better for ghost voltage — the Fluke 115 or Fluke 114?
The Fluke 114 is better for ghost voltage because it has low input impedance designed specifically to prevent false readings from induced voltages on long wire runs. The Fluke 115 doesn’t have this feature, so if you work in commercial or industrial electrical panels with long parallel runs, the 114 is the safer choice.
Can the Fluke 114 measure frequency?
No, the Fluke 114 cannot measure frequency. That’s another feature exclusive to the Fluke 115. If you need to check motor drive output frequency or find a noisy signal, the 115 is the only one of these two that can do it.
Which meter has a better backlight for working in dark panels?
Both meters have the large white LED backlight, so visibility in dark panels is essentially identical. I’ve used both in dim basements and electrical closets, and neither left me squinting. This isn’t a deciding factor between them.
My Final Verdict
The Fluke 115 is my clear winner for field service technicians. It measures capacitance and frequency at 6000 count resolution, which covers motors, drives, and sensors that the 114 simply can’t touch. The Fluke 114 is a great runner-up if you’re an electrician dealing with ghost voltage and don’t need those extra functions, but for most techs, the 115 is the more versatile tool.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you ever test capacitors or check frequency on a variable frequency drive? If yes, the 115 is your only choice between these two. If you only measure voltage and continuity in electrical panels, save a few bucks and grab the 114.
Winner: Fluke 115 Multimeter
Best for field service techs who need capacitance and frequency measurement. The 6000 count resolution and large white LED backlight make it the more capable meter for motor and drive work.
Runner-Up: Fluke 114 Electrician’s Multimeter
Best for electricians who fight ghost voltage daily. The AutoVolt feature and low input impedance make it a specialist tool for electrical panels and long wire runs.
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