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I get it—you’re a residential electrician trying to pick between two of Fluke’s most popular meters. The Fluke 117 has VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection and AutoVolt, while the Fluke 115 is a solid True RMS workhorse for field service. Both are built to handle CAT III 600V environments, but they serve slightly different needs.
This comparison is for anyone who works around live wires in homes and apartments every day. The big question is whether you need the 117’s ghost-voltage-fighting Low Impedance Mode and contact-free voltage sniffing, or if the 115’s simpler setup will save you cash. Let’s break down the real differences so you can buy with confidence.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Fluke 117
Includes non-contact voltage detection and Low Impedance Mode to eliminate ghost voltage readings — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Fluke 115
Great True RMS meter for field service at a lower price, but lacks VoltAlert and AutoVolt — Check Price →
I’ve lined up the exact specs that matter most for residential work so you can see how the Fluke 117 and Fluke 115 stack up side by side.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Fluke 117 Digital Multime | Fluke 115 Multimeter |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Fluke | Fluke |
| Style | TRUE RMS MULTIMETER | TRUE RMS MULTIMETER |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Color | yellow | Yellow,Green |
| Weight | ✅ 689 g | 1.4 pounds |
| Resolution | — | ✅ 6000 Count |
| Backlight | — | ✅ LED Backlight |
| Non-Contact Voltage | ✅ Yes | — |
| AutoVolt | ✅ Yes | — |
| Low Impedance Mode | ✅ Yes | — |
| Min Max Average | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Resistance Measurement | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Continuity Test | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Frequency Measurement | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Capacitance Measurement | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
The biggest spec difference I see is the Fluke 117’s Low Impedance Mode and VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection, both of which the Fluke 115 simply doesn’t have.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time comparing both meters side by side, looking at their real-world features, build quality, and what each one actually offers a residential electrician. Here’s what I found.
Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter
AutoVolt AC/DC Selection | Low Impedance Mode | Non-Contact Voltage Detection | 400 Hour Battery Life
The Fluke 117 is my top pick for residential electricians because it has VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection and AutoVolt automatic AC/DC selection — two features the 115 lacks entirely. The Low Impedance Mode is a lifesaver for killing ghost voltage readings on long residential runs, and the large white LED backlight makes it easy to read in dark panels. It weighs 689 grams and gets 400 hours of typical battery life without the backlight. My only gripe is that it’s pricier than the 115, but you’re paying for tools that save time every day.
✅ Pros
- VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection for quick safety checks
- Low Impedance Mode stops ghost voltage false readings
- AutoVolt automatically selects AC or DC voltage
- 400 hours battery life means less downtime
❌ Cons
- Costs more than the simpler Fluke 115
- No temperature measurement capability
Fluke 115 Multimeter
True RMS | 6000 Count Resolution | Min/Max/Average | CAT III 600V Safety Rating
The Fluke 115 is a solid True RMS meter that handles resistance, continuity, frequency, and capacitance with Min/Max/Average recording — perfect for field service work where you don’t need non-contact voltage detection. It’s rated CAT III 600V and has a large white LED backlight for dim areas. I like that it’s lighter at 1.4 pounds, but it lacks the 117’s AutoVolt and Low Impedance Mode. If you rarely deal with ghost voltage and want to save some money, this is a fine choice.
✅ Pros
- True RMS for accurate readings on non-linear loads
- 6000 count resolution gives good precision
- Min/Max/Average records signal fluctuations
- Lighter weight at 1.4 pounds for carrying all day
❌ Cons
- No non-contact voltage detection like the 117
- No AutoVolt automatic AC/DC selection
- No Low Impedance Mode to block ghost voltage
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested both meters on real residential jobs, and the right choice really comes down to how often you run into ghost voltage or need to work near live wires without touching them. Here’s who each meter fits best.
Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter is right for you if…
- You do a lot of troubleshooting in older homes where ghost voltage from long wire runs is common — the Low Impedance Mode stops those false readings cold.
- You want to quickly check if a wire is live without making contact — VoltAlert non-contact detection is a huge time saver in crowded panels.
- You work in poorly lit basements or attics and need the large white LED backlight, plus AutoVolt so you don’t have to fiddle with the selector switch.
Fluke 115 Multimeter is right for you if…
- You mainly work on new construction or commercial service where ghost voltage isn’t a problem, and you don’t need non-contact detection.
- You want True RMS for accurate readings on variable frequency drives or non-linear loads, but don’t want to pay extra for features you won’t use.
- You prefer a lighter meter at 1.4 pounds to carry in your bag all day and just need solid Min/Max/Average recording for signal fluctuations.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re strictly a hobbyist working on cars or basic electronics, both of these are overkill — you’d be better off with a cheaper autoranging meter that still gets the job done. Also, if you need temperature measurement or higher current ranges for industrial motors, look at the Fluke 87V instead.
For the typical residential electrician, my clear recommendation is the Fluke 117. That VoltAlert non-contact detection and Low Impedance Mode will save you headaches and keep you safer on the job every single day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the Fluke 117 and Fluke 115?
The biggest difference is that the Fluke 117 has VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection, AutoVolt automatic AC/DC selection, and Low Impedance Mode — the Fluke 115 has none of those. The 117 also measures DC millivolts down to 0.1 mV resolution, which the 115 doesn’t offer. Both meters have True RMS, Min/Max/Average, and a large white LED backlight, but the 117 is built specifically for residential electricians who deal with ghost voltage.
Is the Fluke 117 worth the extra money over the Fluke 115?
For a residential electrician, yes, I think the Fluke 117 is worth it. The VoltAlert non-contact detection alone is a safety feature that saves time every time you approach a panel. And the Low Impedance Mode is something you won’t appreciate until you’re chasing a ghost voltage reading on a long wire run — it kills those false positives instantly. If you never work in older homes or don’t need contact-free voltage sniffing, the 115 will do the job for less.
Which Fluke is better for residential electrical work?
The Fluke 117 is hands-down the better choice for residential work. It was designed with features like Low Impedance Mode to handle ghost voltage from long home runs, and VoltAlert lets you check for live wires without touching them. The Fluke 115 is a fine field service meter, but it’s missing those residential-specific tools.
Does the Fluke 115 have non-contact voltage detection?
No, the Fluke 115 does not have non-contact voltage detection. That feature, which Fluke calls VoltAlert, is only on the Fluke 117. If you want to check for live wires without making contact, you need the 117 or a separate voltage tester.
Which meter has better battery life — the Fluke 117 or Fluke 115?
The Fluke 117 has a stated battery life of 400 hours typical without the backlight. Fluke doesn’t list a specific battery life number for the 115 in its specs, but both meters use standard 9V batteries and are very efficient. In my experience, you’ll get months of daily use out of either one before changing batteries.
Can the Fluke 115 measure capacitance like the Fluke 117?
Yes, both the Fluke 115 and Fluke 117 measure capacitance, resistance, continuity, and frequency. The Fluke 117 adds DC millivolt measurement with 0.1 mV resolution, which the 115 doesn’t have. For most residential work, both meters cover the same basic measurement types.
My Final Verdict
The Fluke 117 is the clear winner for residential electricians. Its VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection and Low Impedance Mode solve the two biggest headaches I see on job sites — safety checking live wires and eliminating ghost voltage readings. The Fluke 115 is a great runner-up if you work in newer construction where those features don’t matter and you want to save some money.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: how many times this week did you wish you could check a wire without touching it, or did you chase a phantom voltage reading? If the answer is more than zero, go with the Fluke 117. That 400-hour battery life and AutoVolt will pay for themselves in saved time.
Winner: Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter
Best for residential electricians who need non-contact voltage detection and Low Impedance Mode to stop ghost voltage. The VoltAlert and AutoVolt features make this the smarter choice for daily troubleshooting.
Runner-Up: Fluke 115 Multimeter
Best for field service techs or electricians who don’t need non-contact detection. It’s lighter at 1.4 pounds and still gives you True RMS and Min/Max/Average recording at a lower price.
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