Fluke 116 vs 117 Digital Multimeters

At the very first glance, there’s not much of a big difference and a tough competition between the digital multimeter 116 and 117 by Flukes. Both the tools are top-notch, reliable, and trusted by the experts they have been individually designed for. The 116 is ideal for HVAC professionals, and 117 has been labelled and often referred to as the ‘electricians best friend. Thus, our options narrow down to you and what you want to use the device for.

Fluke 116 vs 117 Table

Both 116 and 117 have been examined in order to safe use and have excellent display features while also being an ultimate help for single hand operators. However, they have been modified to address a different kind of applications. Here is a short comparison with key specs between these two rivals to help you out with the decision-

Fluke 116	Fluke 117
Made out of plastic with digital tool type.	Tool type digital, plastic used as the material.
Maximum voltage coverage 600V	Maximum voltage coverage 600V
It helps prevent false readings due to ghost voltage	It helps prevent false readings due to ghost voltage
Has a battery type of 9 volt Alkaline	Identical to its rival, has a battery type of 9 volt Alkaline.
True-rms for accurate measurements on non-linear loads	True-rms for accurate measurements on non-linear loads
Its built-in thermometer for HVAC applications	VoltAlert technology for non-contact voltage detection
Fluke offers a 3-year warranty	Fluke offers a 3-year warranty
Negative for the usage for non-contact AC voltage.	Includes non-contact AC voltage.
Rated for CAT III, 600V	Rated for CAT III, 600V
Check Price on Amazon	Check Price on Amazon

Along with all these descriptions mentioned above, Fluke 116 weighs 1.21lbs and so does 117. Where 116 is more suitable for HVAC professionals, 117 is so for electricians and electrical applications.

What’s The Difference

Main difference between Fluke 116 and 117 Digital Multimeters is that Fluke 116 can read the temperature. On the other hand, the Fluke 117 has VoltAlert which can detect voltage without making contact. It is designed for electricians and can detect voltage up to 900 volts. Fluke 117 also has backlight for the display while the 116 doesn’t. The Fluke 116 is designed for HVAC, and the Fluke 117 is for electricians.

Short Review of Fluke 116

Fluke 116 has been trusted with the most accurate readings for its easy and convenient usage procedure that doesn’t need any extra skills or effort. This multimeter comes along with a variety of adaptation with exterior conditions and excellent display and LED backlight.

Reading is stored in this particular model until the next one is recorded. So there is no chance for wrong measurements and it buys you extra time. It permits fast troubleshooting and mending with the flexibility of HVAC tools by measuring resistance, continuity, frequency, and capacitance. The reliability of fluke 116 has been marked with safety measures as its products are followed by tests in CAT || 600 V environments. Its further enhancement makes it handy for one-handed users and can be clicked and fitted into magnetic hangers for hand-free operators.

Special Features

• It has Microamps to test flame sensors.
• Min/ Max/ Average helps keep track and record signal fluctuation.
• Data capture stores reading.
• Low inputs help prevent false reading due to ghost voltage.
• Comes along with an optimum display that doesn’t lose contrast at various angles and has a bigger font size that makes reading easier.
• Fluke 116 has a Holster with probe holders that makes it easy to store information and allows optimum freedom of movement.

Limitations

• Temperature measurements can be more precise.
• The display could be more improved and enhanced.

Although the Fluke 116 Multimeters are designed to be used by HVAC experts and ideal for HVAC commercials, they can also be used in residential maintenance and installation purposes. It also boasts automatic shutoffs with artificial intelligence, saving up to the maximum battery savings and avoiding the wastage of charge.

Short Review Fluke 117

The fluke 117 was designed to use electricians to provide accurate readings of frequency, resistance, continuity and capacitance for electricians regarding electrical devices. For commercial buildings like school-college and hospitals, fluke 117 features true RMS for demanding applications.

One of the qualities that make 117 stand out more than the rest is that it has specially modified VoltAlert technology that gives access to non-contact voltage detection, which is a great safety feature. It alerts just by making the multimeter hover over the devices.

Special Features

• LED light makes it possible for the user to read in low light.
• Auto shut-off after 15 minutes of unattended fluke 117 increases battery life and saves over expense.
• Volt-alert technology provides for fast, go/no-go non-contact voltage detection making readings precise and easy.
• True RMS capabilities give exact measurements on non-linear loads.
• Auto-volt assures the automatic AC/VC voltage selection.

Limitations

• It is incapable of measuring microamps.
• The display could have been improved.

Seems like both the models come with the disadvantage of their display being a little less convenient. But keeping in mind the criteria one intends to apply it on might help the buyer choose the best between the two. The Fluke 117 Multimeters is found helpful for various electrical purposes and the use of electricians. On the other hand, for residential maintenance fluke 116 is a lucrative option to go for.

Key Differences

Tried and true, there is no second questioning or room for doubts about their work efficiency. The Fluke 116 and 117 are individually designed for different kinds of usage, so comparing these two allows the kind of needs the users are trying to attend to. So before taking a pick considering what the purchasers intend to use it for will make the process convenient.

The individuals should be prioritized than the features of these two products themselves, which to a great extent are pretty similar to each other. Let’s have a recap of their specific qualities. Dont worry, We can check our other comparison Fluke 287 vs 289 from here.

Summary

For all the practical practices in everyday purposes, the Fluke 116 and the Fluke 117 are both similarly compelling and competitive. Both are equally great choices or the typical professional that they each have been designed for. However, they both do have a slight difference that you might want to take note of before purchasing one or another.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)