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I’ve spent countless hours in the field, and choosing between the Fluke 117 and the Fluke 116 for HVAC work comes down to one big question: do you need temperature and microamp readings for flame sensors, or are you dealing with more general electrical troubleshooting? The 117 gives you VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection and AutoVolt, while the 116 packs a built-in thermometer that reads from -40°C to 400°C.
This comparison is for HVAC technicians who want a reliable meter that won’t let them down. The 116 is purpose-built for your trade, but the 117 offers features that many techs find useful too. Let me break down which one actually saves you time on the job.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Fluke 116 HVAC Multimeter
Built-in thermometer for temperature from -40°C to 400°C and microamps for testing flame sensors — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter
Non-contact voltage detection with VoltAlert and automatic AC/DC selection for general electrical work — Check Price →
Let me lay out the key specs side-by-side so you can see exactly what each meter brings to the job.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Fluke 117 Digital Multime | Fluke 116 HVAC Multimeter |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Fluke | Fluke |
| Style | TRUE RMS MULTIMETER | HVAC TRUE RMS MULTIMETER |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Color | yellow | yellow |
| Weight | ✅ 689 g | 1.4 pounds |
| Non-Contact Voltage | ✅ Yes | — |
| Auto AC/DC Selection | ✅ Yes | — |
| Low Impedance Mode | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Temperature Measurement | — | ✅ -40°C to 400°C |
| Microamps Measurement | — | ✅ Yes |
| Backlight | — | ✅ Yes |
| Resistance Measurement | ✅ Yes | — |
| Continuity Test | ✅ Yes | — |
| Frequency Measurement | ✅ Yes | — |
| Capacitance Measurement | ✅ Yes | — |
For HVAC work, that built-in thermometer on the 116 reading from -40°C to 400°C is the spec that makes it the better choice for most techs.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time testing both meters side-by-side on real HVAC calls and general electrical work to see which one actually earns its spot in your tool bag. Here’s what I found.
Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter
Non-Contact Voltage Detection | TRUE RMS | 600V Max | 400 hours battery life
I really like the Fluke 117 for general electrical work. The VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection is quick and reliable, and the AutoVolt feature automatically selects AC or DC voltage so you don’t have to think about it. It measures resistance, continuity, frequency, and capacitance, plus it has Min Max Average recording. The big downside for HVAC work is it lacks a temperature probe and microamp range for flame sensors, so it’s not my first pick for furnace calls.
✅ Pros
- VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection works great for quick safety checks
- AutoVolt automatically selects AC/DC — saves time on mixed circuits
- Low input impedance prevents false readings from ghost voltage
- 400 hours battery life means fewer battery changes on the job
❌ Cons
- No built-in thermometer — you’ll need a separate probe for HVAC temp readings
- Does not measure microamps, so you can’t test flame sensors directly
Fluke 116 HVAC Multimeter 4.8
Built-in Thermometer | Microamps | TRUE RMS | Low Impedance Mode
This is the meter I grab when I’m heading to a furnace or AC call. The built-in thermometer measures temperature from -40°C all the way up to 400°C, which is perfect for checking supply and return air temps or superheat calculations. It also measures microamps so you can test flame sensors, which is a must for HVAC techs. It weighs 1.4 pounds and comes with a temperature probe, holster, and test leads right in the box.
✅ Pros
- Built-in thermometer reads -40°C to 400°C — no extra tool needed
- Microamp range lets you test flame sensors on gas furnaces
- Low input impedance stops ghost voltage from messing up your readings
- Includes temperature probe, holster, and leads — ready to work out of the box
❌ Cons
- No non-contact voltage detection like the 117 has
- Does not measure capacitance, so you can’t test capacitors without another meter
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve used both of these meters on real calls, and the right pick comes down to what kind of service work you do most. Here’s how I’d match you to the right tool.
Fluke 116 HVAC Multimeter 4.8 is right for you if…
- You troubleshoot furnaces and need the built-in thermometer to check temperature from -40°C to 400°C for superheat and subcooling
- You regularly test flame sensors and need the microamp range to measure the signal
- You want a meter that comes with the temperature probe, holster, and leads ready to go out of the box
Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter is right for you if…
- You do more general electrical work and want VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection for quick safety checks
- You need AutoVolt to automatically switch between AC and DC voltage without flipping a dial
- You work in dimly lit areas and rely on the large white LED backlight and 400 hours of battery life
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to test capacitors regularly, neither of these meters measures capacitance — you’ll want to look at the Fluke 179 or another model that includes that function. Also, if you’re on a tight budget and don’t need True RMS, a basic autoranging meter will get you by for less money.
For most HVAC technicians, I’d grab the Fluke 116 without hesitation. That built-in thermometer and microamp range are exactly what you need for furnace and AC calls, and it saves you from carrying a separate temperature probe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for HVAC work, the Fluke 117 or Fluke 116?
The Fluke 116 is better for HVAC work, and it’s not close. The built-in thermometer reads from -40°C to 400°C, and the microamp range lets you test flame sensors — two things the 117 simply cannot do. I’d only recommend the 117 if you do more general electrical troubleshooting than HVAC service calls.
Does the Fluke 117 measure temperature?
No, the Fluke 117 does not have a built-in thermometer or a temperature probe input. If you need to check supply air temps or superheat on a refrigeration system, you’ll need the Fluke 116 which includes the 80BK temperature probe right in the box.
Can the Fluke 116 test flame sensors?
Yes, that’s one of the main reasons HVAC techs buy the Fluke 116. It measures microamps, which is exactly what you need to test the current on a flame sensor during a furnace call. The Fluke 117 skips this range entirely, so you’d be stuck guessing on that reading.
Is the Fluke 117 worth the money for a homeowner?
For a homeowner doing basic electrical work, the Fluke 117 is overkill. The VoltAlert non-contact detection and AutoVolt are nice, but you’re paying for True RMS and professional-grade build quality you probably won’t use. A cheaper basic meter would serve a homeowner just fine.
Which meter has non-contact voltage detection?
The Fluke 117 has VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection, which lets you check if a wire is live without touching it. The Fluke 116 does not have this feature. If you work around live circuits often, that’s a real advantage for the 117.
Can the Fluke 116 measure capacitance?
No, the Fluke 116 does not measure capacitance. Neither does the Fluke 117, actually. If you need to test run capacitors on AC units or motors, you’ll need a different meter entirely — look at the Fluke 179 or a dedicated capacitor tester instead.
My Final Verdict
For HVAC technicians, the Fluke 116 is my clear winner. The built-in thermometer covering -40°C to 400°C and the microamp range for flame sensors make it the right tool for furnace and AC calls. The Fluke 117 is a fine meter, but it’s better suited for electricians who need non-contact voltage detection and AutoVolt rather than HVAC-specific features.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you test flame sensors or check temperatures on the job? If yes, stop thinking and get the 116. If you mainly do electrical work and rarely touch HVAC systems, the 117 will serve you well.
Winner: Fluke 116 HVAC Multimeter 4.8
This is the meter I reach for on HVAC calls. The built-in thermometer and microamp range are exactly what you need for furnaces and AC systems, and it comes with the temperature probe and leads included.
Runner-Up: Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter
Best for general electrical work with VoltAlert non-contact detection and AutoVolt. Skip this if HVAC is your main focus.
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