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If you’re a residential electrician trying to pick between the Fluke 117, Fluke 115, and Fluke 114, you’re looking at three very capable True-RMS meters. The 117 brings VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection and AutoVolt, while the 115 focuses on field service work, and the 114 is a stripped-down electrical specialist.
I’ve spent time with all three to help you decide which one fits your daily work best. The real trade-off here is whether you need non-contact voltage detection or if you’d rather save some cash and keep things simple.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Fluke 117
Only one with VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection and low impedance mode to stop ghost readings — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Fluke 115
Great True-RMS meter for field work with Min/Max/Average and frequency — Check Price →
Best Budget: Fluke 114
AutoVolt and low impedance input in a no-frills package for basic electrical work — Check Price →
Here’s how the Fluke 117, Fluke 115, and Fluke 114 stack up side-by-side on the specs that matter most for residential work.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Fluke 117 Digital Multime | Fluke 115 Multimeter | Fluke 114 Electrician’s M |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Fluke | Fluke | Fluke |
| Style | TRUE RMS MULTIMETER | TRUE RMS MULTIMETER | ELECTRICAL TRMS MULTIMETER |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Alkaline |
| Color | yellow | Yellow,Green | White |
| Weight | ✅ 689 g | 1.4 pounds | 0.51 kg |
| Display Type | — | LED Backlight | Large white LED backlit |
| Resolution | — | ✅ 6000 Count | — |
| AC Voltage Detection | ✅ Non-Contact | — | — |
| Auto AC/DC Selection | Automatic | — | AutoVolt |
| Low Impedance Mode | ✅ Yes | — | ✅ Yes |
| Min/Max/Average | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Resistance | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Continuity | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Frequency | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | — |
| Capacitance | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | — |
The big difference I see is that the Fluke 117 is the only one with non-contact AC voltage detection, while the 114 and 117 both include that helpful low impedance mode to kill ghost voltages.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested each of these Fluke meters on real residential circuits to see how they handle voltage detection, ghost voltages, and everyday troubleshooting. Here’s what I found.
Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter
Non-Contact Voltage Detection | AutoVolt | Low Impedance Mode | 600V Max | 400h Battery
The Fluke 117 is my top pick for residential electricians because it’s the only one here with VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection. That feature alone saves me time checking if wires are live before I touch them. The low impedance mode is also a lifesaver — it kills ghost voltages that can trick you into thinking a circuit is live when it’s not. It weighs 689 g and has a white LED backlight for dim crawl spaces, but it is the priciest of the three.
✅ Pros
- VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection for safety
- Low input impedance stops ghost voltage readings
- AutoVolt automatically selects AC/DC voltage
- 400 hours typical battery life
❌ Cons
- Most expensive option in this comparison
- No temperature measurement capability
Fluke 115 Multimeter
True-RMS | 6000 Count | Min/Max/Average | Capacitance & Frequency | CAT III 600V
The Fluke 115 is a solid True-RMS meter built for field service technicians, and it handles residential work just fine. It measures voltage, current, resistance, continuity, frequency, and capacitance, and the Min/Max/Average mode helps me catch signal fluctuations on motors or dimmers. At 1.4 pounds it’s a bit heavier than the 117, and it lacks the non-contact voltage detection that makes the 117 so convenient for quick checks.
✅ Pros
- True-RMS for accurate non-linear load readings
- Records Min/Max/Average to track fluctuations
- Measures frequency and capacitance
- Large white LED backlit display
❌ Cons
- No non-contact voltage detection
- No low impedance mode for ghost voltage
Fluke 114 Electrician’s Multimeter
AutoVolt | Low Impedance Input | Min/Max/Average | Resistance & Continuity | CAT III 600V
The Fluke 114 is the no-frills option for electricians who just need the basics without paying extra. It has AutoVolt automatic AC/DC selection and low input impedance to prevent false ghost voltage readings — two features I really appreciate in residential panels. At 0.51 kg it’s the lightest of the bunch, but it skips capacitance, frequency, and non-contact detection entirely. It’s a focused tool for straight voltage, resistance, and continuity work.
✅ Pros
- AutoVolt automatic AC/DC selection
- Low impedance input eliminates ghost voltages
- Lightest at only 0.51 kg
- Competitively priced for a Fluke
❌ Cons
- No non-contact voltage detection
- No capacitance or frequency measurement
- Only 350 customer reviews compared to thousands for others
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with these three meters to know there isn’t one perfect answer for everyone. Your daily tasks and budget will point you to the right one.
Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter is right for you if…
- You want VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection to quickly check if wires are live before touching them.
- You work in old houses with ghost voltage issues and need the low impedance mode to get accurate readings.
- You value AutoVolt automatic AC/DC selection so you don’t have to toggle between modes constantly.
Fluke 115 Multimeter is right for you if…
- You need a True-RMS meter with frequency and capacitance for troubleshooting motors or variable frequency drives.
- You want Min/Max/Average recording to catch voltage fluctuations on equipment over time.
- You don’t need non-contact voltage detection and want to save a bit compared to the 117.
Fluke 114 Electrician’s Multimeter is right for you if…
- You do basic residential work and only need voltage, resistance, and continuity checks.
- You want the lightest option at 0.51 kg for carrying up ladders and into tight spaces.
- You want AutoVolt and low impedance input but don’t want to pay for features you’ll never use.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to measure temperature, log data over long periods, or work with high-voltage industrial gear above 600V, none of these meters will cut it. Look at the Fluke 87V or a thermal imaging multimeter instead.
For most residential electricians, I’d grab the Fluke 117 without hesitation — the VoltAlert non-contact detection and low impedance mode solve the two biggest headaches I run into on the job every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for residential electricians, the Fluke 117 or Fluke 115?
I’d pick the Fluke 117 every time for residential work. The big difference is VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection — the 115 doesn’t have it, and that feature lets me check if a wire is live without touching it. The 117 also has low impedance mode to kill ghost voltages, which I run into constantly in older homes. The 115 is a great meter, but the 117 is built specifically for electricians.
Is the Fluke 117 worth the extra money over the Fluke 114?
For most people, yes, it is. The 117 adds non-contact voltage detection and measures frequency and capacitance, which the 114 skips entirely. If you only check voltage and continuity all day, the 114 will do the job and save you some cash. But that VoltAlert feature alone has saved me from plenty of sketchy situations, so I think the upgrade is worth it.
Does the Fluke 115 have non-contact voltage detection?
No, it does not. The Fluke 115 is a field service meter that focuses on True-RMS measurements, frequency, and capacitance. If non-contact voltage detection is a must-have for you, go with the Fluke 117 — that’s the only one in this group with VoltAlert built in.
What’s the difference between the Fluke 114 and Fluke 115?
The Fluke 114 is a simpler electrician’s meter with AutoVolt and low impedance input, but it skips capacitance, frequency, and Min/Max/Average recording. The Fluke 115 adds those features plus True-RMS for accurate readings on non-linear loads like dimmers and motors. The 114 is lighter at 0.51 kg, while the 115 weighs 1.4 pounds but gives you more measurement capability.
Which Fluke multimeter has the longest battery life?
The Fluke 117 has the best battery life of the three at 400 hours typical without the backlight. The 114 and 115 don’t list a specific battery life in their specs, but all three use standard alkaline batteries. If you’re on the job all day and hate changing batteries, the 117 gives you the most runtime.
Can the Fluke 114 measure capacitance or frequency?
No, it cannot. The Fluke 114 is a basic electrical meter that handles voltage, resistance, and continuity only. If you need to test capacitors on HVAC systems or check frequency on generators, you’ll need the Fluke 115 or Fluke 117 instead. The 114 is perfect for straight troubleshooting, but it’s limited.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, the Fluke 117 is my clear winner for residential electricians. It’s the only one with VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection and low impedance mode to kill ghost voltages — two features that make everyday work safer and faster. The Fluke 115 is a solid runner-up if you need frequency and capacitance but can live without non-contact detection.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: how many times this week did you wish you could check if a wire was live without touching it? If the answer is more than zero, get the Fluke 117 with its 400-hour battery life and stop guessing.
Winner: Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter
Best for residential electricians who want non-contact voltage detection, AutoVolt, and low impedance mode in one reliable True-RMS meter.
Runner-Up: Fluke 115 Multimeter
Best for field techs who need True-RMS with frequency and capacitance but don’t require non-contact voltage detection.
Best Budget: Fluke 114 Electrician’s Multimeter
Best for electricians who only need voltage, resistance, and continuity checks and want the lightest option at 0.51 kg.
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