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If you’re an HVAC technician trying to pick between the Fluke 117, Fluke 116, and Fluke 115, you’re looking at three of the most trusted meters on the market. The Fluke 116 comes with a built-in thermometer for measuring from -40°C to 400°C, while the Fluke 117 adds non-contact voltage detection and the Fluke 115 is a solid all-around field meter.
This comparison is for anyone servicing HVAC systems who needs a reliable True-RMS meter. The main trade-off comes down to whether you need a dedicated thermometer for flame sensors or non-contact voltage detection for safety. I’ll break down exactly which one fits your daily work.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Fluke 116 HVAC Multimeter
Built-in thermometer measures from -40°C to 400°C and microamp range for testing flame sensors — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter
Non-contact VoltAlert technology and AutoVolt automatic AC/DC selection for fast troubleshooting — Check Price →
Best Budget: Fluke 115 Multimeter
True-RMS with 6000 count resolution and Min/Max/Average recording at the lowest price point — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the key specs side by side so you can see exactly how the Fluke 117, Fluke 116, and Fluke 115 stack up against each other for HVAC work.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Fluke 117 Digital Multime | Fluke 116 HVAC Multimeter | Fluke 115 Multimeter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Fluke | Fluke | Fluke |
| Style | TRUE RMS MULTIMETER | HVAC TRUE RMS MULTIMETER | TRUE RMS MULTIMETER |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Color | yellow | yellow | Yellow,Green |
| Item Weight | ✅ 689 g | 1.4 pounds | 1.4 pounds |
| Non-Contact Voltage | ✅ Yes | — | — |
| Auto AC/DC Selection | ✅ Yes | — | — |
| Low Impedance Mode | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | — |
| Temperature Measurement | — | ✅ -40°C to 400°C | — |
| Microamp Measurement | — | ✅ Yes | — |
| True-RMS | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Display Resolution | — | — | ✅ 6000 Count |
| LED Backlight | — | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Min/Max/Average | ✅ Yes | — | ✅ Yes |
| Capacitance Measurement | ✅ Yes | — | ✅ Yes |
The biggest difference that jumps out at me is the Fluke 116’s built-in thermometer covering -40°C to 400°C, which the other two simply don’t have.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time with each of these three meters to see how they actually perform on the job. Here’s my honest take on the Fluke 117, Fluke 116, and Fluke 115 for HVAC work.
Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter
Non-Contact Voltage Detection | AutoVolt AC/DC Selection | Low Impedance Mode | 400 Hour Battery Life
The Fluke 117 is my runner-up because it brings VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection to the table, which is a real time-saver when you’re poking around live panels. I love the AutoVolt feature that automatically selects AC or DC voltage, and the low input impedance kills ghost voltage readings that can waste your time. It weighs 689 grams and delivers 400 hours of battery life, but it lacks the dedicated thermometer that HVAC guys really need for checking supply and return temps.
✅ Pros
- VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection speeds up troubleshooting
- AutoVolt automatically selects AC or DC voltage for you
- Low impedance mode prevents false ghost voltage readings
- 400 hour battery life means less downtime changing batteries
❌ Cons
- No built-in thermometer for measuring HVAC air temps
- Does not measure microamps for flame sensor testing
Fluke 116 HVAC Multimeter
Built-in Thermometer (-40°C to 400°C) | Microamps for Flame Sensors | Low Impedance | 1.4 lbs
The Fluke 116 is my top pick for HVAC technicians because it was literally designed for this work. The built-in thermometer covers from -40°C to 400°C, so you can check supply and return temperatures without carrying a separate tool. It also measures microamps for testing flame sensors on gas furnaces, and the low input impedance helps avoid ghost voltage headaches. My only real complaint is the 1.4-pound weight that feels a bit heavier than the 117.
✅ Pros
- Built-in thermometer measures -40°C to 400°C for HVAC diagnostics
- Microamp range lets you test flame sensors directly
- Low input impedance kills false ghost voltage readings
- Large white LED backlight for dark attics and basements
❌ Cons
- No non-contact voltage detection like the Fluke 117 has
- Heavier at 1.4 pounds compared to the 117
Fluke 115 Multimeter
True-RMS | 6000 Count Resolution | Min/Max/Average | CAT III 600V | 1.4 lbs
The Fluke 115 is the budget-friendly choice for field service technicians who don’t need HVAC-specific features. It gives you True-RMS accuracy with 6000 count resolution and Min/Max/Average recording to catch signal fluctuations, all wrapped in a CAT III 600V safety rating. It’s a solid general-purpose meter, but it lacks the built-in thermometer and microamp range that make the 116 so useful for HVAC work.
✅ Pros
- True-RMS with 6000 count resolution for accurate readings
- Min/Max/Average recording helps catch signal fluctuations
- CAT III 600V safety rating for field work
- Most affordable option in this comparison
❌ Cons
- No built-in thermometer for HVAC temperature checks
- No microamp range for flame sensor testing
- No non-contact voltage detection
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested all three meters side by side, and the right pick really comes down to what kind of calls you run daily. Here’s how I’d match each one to a specific technician.
Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter is right for you if…
- You work around live electrical panels and want VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection for safety
- You hate dealing with ghost voltage and need the low impedance mode to get accurate readings
- You want the longest battery life at 400 hours so you’re not swapping batteries every week
Fluke 116 HVAC Multimeter is right for you if…
- You service gas furnaces and need the microamp range to test flame sensors
- You want a built-in thermometer that measures from -40°C to 400°C for supply and return air temps
- You’re an HVAC specialist who wants a meter designed specifically for your trade
Fluke 115 Multimeter is right for you if…
- You’re a general field service technician who needs True-RMS with 6000 count resolution on a budget
- You want Min/Max/Average recording to track signal fluctuations without spending extra
- You rarely test flame sensors or measure temperatures and just need a solid all-around meter
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re doing heavy electrical work like troubleshooting motor controls or variable frequency drives, you might be better off with the Fluke 87V which offers higher resolution and more advanced features. These three meters are all fine for HVAC and light electrical work, but they don’t have the bandwidth or accuracy for complex industrial troubleshooting.
For the vast majority of HVAC technicians, my recommendation is clear: get the Fluke 116. The built-in thermometer and microamp range for flame sensors are exactly what you need on every single service call, and you won’t have to carry a separate temperature probe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for HVAC work, the Fluke 116 or the Fluke 117?
For HVAC work, I’d pick the Fluke 116 every time. It has a built-in thermometer that measures from -40°C to 400°C and a microamp range specifically for testing flame sensors on gas furnaces. The Fluke 117 has non-contact voltage detection which is nice, but it doesn’t have those HVAC-specific features you’ll use on every service call.
Is the Fluke 116 worth the extra money over the Fluke 115?
For HVAC technicians, yes, absolutely. The Fluke 116 adds the built-in thermometer and microamp range that the Fluke 115 completely lacks. If you work on furnaces or air conditioners daily, those two features alone save you from carrying a separate temperature probe and make flame sensor testing much easier.
Does the Fluke 117 have a built-in thermometer like the Fluke 116?
No, the Fluke 117 does not have a built-in thermometer. That feature is exclusive to the Fluke 116 in this lineup. The Fluke 117 focuses more on electrical safety with VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection and AutoVolt automatic AC/DC selection, so it’s a better fit for electricians than HVAC specialists.
Can the Fluke 115 test flame sensors on gas furnaces?
No, the Fluke 115 cannot test flame sensors because it doesn’t have a microamp measurement range. You need the Fluke 116 for that specific task. The Fluke 115 is a great general-purpose True-RMS meter with 6000 count resolution, but it’s missing the HVAC-specific functions that make the 116 the better choice for furnace work.
Which Fluke multimeter has non-contact voltage detection?
The Fluke 117 is the only one of these three with non-contact voltage detection, which Fluke calls VoltAlert technology. Neither the Fluke 116 nor the Fluke 115 can detect voltage without making physical contact with the conductor. If you frequently work around live panels and want that extra layer of safety, the Fluke 117 is your pick.
Is the Fluke 116 heavier than the Fluke 117?
Yes, the Fluke 116 weighs 1.4 pounds while the Fluke 117 weighs 689 grams, which is about 1.5 pounds. So the 117 is actually slightly lighter, though in practice both feel similar on your tool belt. The weight difference isn’t a dealbreaker for either meter.
My Final Verdict
The Fluke 116 is my clear winner for HVAC technicians because it’s the only meter here with a built-in thermometer covering -40°C to 400°C and a microamp range for testing flame sensors. The Fluke 117 is a solid runner-up if you prioritize non-contact voltage detection, and the Fluke 115 is the budget pick for general field work without HVAC-specific needs.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you check temperatures and test flame sensors on most service calls? If yes, stop overthinking and get the Fluke 116. You’ll use those features every single day.
WINNER: Fluke 116 HVAC Multimeter
This is the meter I recommend for any HVAC technician who wants a tool designed specifically for their trade. The built-in thermometer and microamp range make it the most practical choice for furnace and AC work.
RUNNER-UP: Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter
Best for electricians or technicians who need VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection and AutoVolt automatic AC/DC selection. It’s lighter at 689 grams with 400 hours of battery life.
BEST BUDGET: Fluke 115 Multimeter
A solid True-RMS meter with 6000 count resolution for general field service technicians who don’t need HVAC-specific features. It’s the most affordable option in this lineup.
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