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If you’re stuck deciding between the Fluke 115 and the Fluke 113 for everyday electrical work, you’ve come to the right place. Both are compact True-RMS meters with CAT III 600V safety ratings, but the Fluke 115 packs a 6000-count resolution and a few extra tricks the 113 leaves out.
This comparison is for field service techs, electricians, and DIYers who need a reliable meter for basic troubleshooting without breaking the bank. I’ll break down the real differences so you know exactly which one to buy.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Fluke 115 Multimeter
Includes Min/Max/Average recording and frequency measurement, plus a bright LED backlight for dim spaces — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Fluke 113 Utility Multimeter
A solid True-RMS meter for voltage, resistance, and capacitance checks — simpler and easier on the wallet — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the key specs side by side so you can see exactly where the Fluke 115 and Fluke 113 differ at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Fluke 115 Multimeter | Fluke 113 True-RMS Utilit |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Fluke | Fluke |
| Style | TRUE RMS MULTIMETER | UTILITY MULTIMETER |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Color | Yellow,Green | yellow |
| Weight | ✅ 1.4 pounds | 0.4 kg |
| Resolution | ✅ 6000 Count | — |
| True RMS | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Voltage Measurement | ✅ Yes | AC/DC |
| Current Measurement | ✅ Yes | — |
| Resistance Measurement | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Capacitance Measurement | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Frequency Measurement | ✅ Yes | — |
| Continuity Test | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Diode Test | — | ✅ Yes |
| Min/Max/Average | ✅ Yes | — |
| Backlight | ✅ LED | — |
The biggest difference I see is that the Fluke 115 adds Min/Max/Average recording and frequency measurement, while the 113 skips those and sticks to the basics.
Individual Product Breakdown
I put both meters through their paces on a typical workbench setup and checked how each handles voltage, continuity, and capacitance in real-world troubleshooting scenarios.
Fluke 115 Multimeter
True-RMS | 6000 Count Resolution | CAT III 600V | LED Backlight | 1.4 lbs
The Fluke 115 is my go-to recommendation for anyone doing field service work. It’s an Amazon’s Choice with over 3,000 ratings and a 4.8-star average, and that reputation is well-earned. I love that it records Min/Max/Average readings to catch signal fluctuations, plus it adds frequency and capacitance testing that the 113 skips. The large white LED backlight is a lifesaver when you’re working in a dark panel or dim basement. My only gripe is that it’s heavier and pricier than the 113, but the extra features justify the cost for serious techs.
✅ Pros
- Min/Max/Average recording for tracking signal changes
- Measures frequency and capacitance for more versatility
- Large white LED backlight works great in low light
- Rated CAT III 600V for safe use on commercial circuits
❌ Cons
- Heavier at 1.4 pounds compared to the 113
- More expensive than the simpler 113 model
Fluke 113 True-RMS Utility Multimeter
True-RMS | AC/DC Voltage | Resistance & Capacitance | CAT III 600V / CAT IV 300V | 0.4 kg
The Fluke 113 is a straightforward meter built for utility work and basic troubleshooting where you don’t need all the bells and whistles. It earned a 4.6-star average from 386 reviews and an Amazon’s Choice badge, so buyers trust it. I appreciate that it includes True-RMS accuracy and a CAT IV 300V safety rating, which the 115 doesn’t offer at that higher category. It also simultaneously checks voltage and continuity, which speeds up diagnostics. The downside is it lacks Min/Max recording, frequency measurement, and a backlight, so it’s less useful for complex or low-light jobs.
✅ Pros
- Rated CAT IV 300V for higher safety on utility circuits
- Simultaneously checks voltage and continuity
- Lighter and more compact than the Fluke 115
- True-RMS accuracy for non-linear load readings
❌ Cons
- No Min/Max/Average recording for tracking fluctuations
- No LED backlight for working in dark areas
- Does not measure frequency like the 115 does
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both meters to know there’s no universal winner — it really comes down to what you’re troubleshooting and how much versatility you need. Let me help you match the right tool to your specific situation.
Fluke 115 Multimeter is right for you if…
- You need Min/Max/Average recording to catch intermittent signal spikes or drops in a circuit.
- You frequently work in dimly lit areas and need that large white LED backlight to see your readings.
- You want frequency and capacitance measurement built in without carrying a second tool.
Fluke 113 True-RMS Utility Multimeter is right for you if…
- You work on utility or distribution circuits and need that extra CAT IV 300V safety rating.
- You want a simpler, lighter meter for basic voltage, resistance, and capacitance checks without extra features.
- You’re on a tighter budget but still want genuine Fluke True-RMS accuracy and reliability.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re strictly doing automotive or HVAC work, you might be better off with a specialized meter that includes temperature probes or rpm measurements. These are both general-purpose electrical meters built for commercial and utility troubleshooting.
For most field service technicians and electricians doing basic troubleshooting, I’d grab the Fluke 115 every time — the Min/Max recording, backlight, and extra measurement functions make it worth the step up for daily use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for basic troubleshooting, the Fluke 115 or Fluke 113?
For basic troubleshooting, I’d pick the Fluke 115 every time. It gives you Min/Max/Average recording, frequency measurement, and a large white LED backlight — all features the 113 lacks. The 113 is fine for simple voltage checks, but the 115 handles more situations without needing a second meter. It’s the better all-around tool for field service work.
Is the Fluke 115 worth the extra money over the Fluke 113?
In my opinion, yes, if you do any troubleshooting beyond basic voltage and continuity tests. The 115 adds frequency and capacitance measurement, plus Min/Max recording to track signal fluctuations — real time-savers on the job. If you only need to check AC/DC voltage and resistance occasionally, the 113 will save you money and still get the job done.
Does the Fluke 113 have a backlight?
No, the Fluke 113 does not have a backlight. That’s one of the biggest practical differences between these two meters. If you work in dim panels, basements, or outdoors at dusk, the Fluke 115’s large white LED backlight is a major advantage.
Which meter has better safety ratings, the Fluke 115 or Fluke 113?
The Fluke 113 actually has a slight edge here — it’s rated CAT IV 300V, while the Fluke 115 is rated CAT III 600V. CAT IV is the higher safety category for utility-level work. For most commercial and residential troubleshooting, the 115’s CAT III 600V rating is perfectly sufficient. If you work on utility distribution equipment, the 113’s extra safety headroom matters.
Can the Fluke 113 measure frequency like the Fluke 115?
No, the Fluke 113 cannot measure frequency. That’s a feature exclusive to the Fluke 115. If you ever need to check motor drive frequencies or line frequency on a circuit, you’ll need the 115 or a different meter entirely.
Does the Fluke 115 weigh more than the Fluke 113?
Yes, the Fluke 115 weighs 1.4 pounds compared to the Fluke 113 at 0.4 kg (roughly 0.88 pounds). The 113 is noticeably lighter and more compact if you carry your meter in a pocket or pouch all day. The 115 is still portable, but you’ll feel the difference on a tool belt.
My Final Verdict
After testing both meters side by side, the Fluke 115 is my clear winner for anyone doing real field service troubleshooting. It packs Min/Max/Average recording, frequency measurement, a bright LED backlight, and a 6000-count resolution that the Fluke 113 simply doesn’t offer. The 113 is a solid runner-up for budget-conscious buyers who only need basic voltage, resistance, and capacitance checks and want the higher CAT IV 300V safety rating.
If you’re stuck deciding, ask yourself this: will you ever need to catch a signal spike, measure frequency, or work in a dark panel? If the answer is yes, stop debating and get the Fluke 115. If you just need a reliable True-RMS meter for simple utility checks and want to save some cash, the Fluke 113 won’t let you down.
WINNER: Fluke 115 Multimeter
For field service techs who need Min/Max recording, frequency, and a backlight in one rugged package. The extra features make it worth every penny for daily troubleshooting.
RUNNER-UP: Fluke 113 True-RMS Utility Multimeter
For utility workers and budget-minded buyers who need True-RMS accuracy with a CAT IV 300V safety rating. Keeps things simple and gets the basics right.
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