Are you searching for the perfect multimeter for troubleshooting electrical and electronic circuits? If so, you may have encountered two powerhouses—the Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter and Fluke 175 True-RMS Multimeter. But how do these two compare to each other? In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the features of both meters and put them head-to-head in a review and comparison. So, if you’re after seeing which one best fits your needs, stay tuned as we dive into our Fluke 117 vs 175 multimeter showdown!
Comparison Table Fluke 117 VS Fluke 175 ESFP
Here is a comparison table for the Fluke 117 Electrician’s Multimeter and the Fluke 175 True-RMS Digital Multimeter:
| Feature/Specification | Fluke 117 Electrician’s Multimeter | Fluke 175 True-RMS Digital Multimeter |
| Intended Use | Demanding settings like commercial buildings, hospitals, schools | Not specified, versatile for various applications |
| Key Features | – VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection – AutoVolt automatic AC/DC voltage selection – LoZ for preventing ghost voltage readings – Large white LED backlight – True-RMS for non-linear loads – Measures up to 10 A (20 A overload) – Measures resistance, continuity, frequency, capacitance – Min/Max/Average recording – Compatible with optional magnetic hanger (ToolPak) – CAT III 600 V safety rating | – Measures voltage (DC and AC), current (DC and AC), resistance, capacitance, frequency – True-RMS – Maximum 1000 V voltage range – Maximum 10 A current range – Maximum 50 MΩ resistance range – Maximum 10,000 µF capacitance range – Lifetime warranty |
| Maximum Voltage | 600 V | 1000 V |
| Safety Standards | IEC 61010-1: Pollution Degree 2, IEC 61010-2-033: CAT III 600V | EN 61010–1 to 1000 V CAT III, EN 61010–1 to 600 V CAT IV, UL, CSA, TÜV listed, and VDE Pending |
| Display | Digital, 6,000 counts, updates 4 per second | Not specified |
| Backlight | Large white LED backlight | N/A |
| Battery Type | 9-volt Alkaline (400 hours typical, without backlight) | Alkaline (~200 hours typical, without backlight) |
| Voltage DC Accuracy | ±(0.5% + 2) | ±(0.15% + 2) |
| Voltage AC Accuracy | ±(1.0% + 3) | ±(1.0% + 3) |
| Current DC Accuracy | ±(1.0% + 3) | ±(1.0% + 3) |
| Current AC Accuracy | ±(2.0% + 3) | ±(1.5% + 3) |
| Resistance Accuracy | ±(0.9% + 1) | ±(0.9% + 1) |
| Capacitance Accuracy | ±(1.9% + 2) | ±(1.2% + 2) |
| Frequency Accuracy | ±(0.1% + 2) | ±(0.1% + 1) |
| Dimensions | 6.57 x 3.31 x 1.81 inches | 43 x 90 x 185 mm |
| Weight | 550 g | 420 g |
Difference Between Fluke 117 VS Fluke 175 Multimeter
The Fluke 117 and Fluke 175 multimeters have several main differences:
Fluke 117:
Application Focus: The Fluke 117 is designed with electricians in mind and is suited for everyday electrical work in commercial buildings, hospitals, and schools.
Measurement Functions: It offers measurements for resistance, continuity, frequency, capacitance, and Min/Max/Average values. These functions are tailored to standard electrical tasks.
Non-Contact Voltage Detection: The Fluke 117 includes integrated VoltAlert™ technology for non-contact voltage detection, which enhances safety and eliminates the need for an additional tool.
Automatic AC/DC Selection: The AutoVolt feature simplifies selecting between AC and DC voltage measurements.
Fluke 175:
General Purpose: The Fluke 175 is a more versatile multimeter designed for general-purpose use, suitable for professional technicians across various industries.
Measurement Functions: It offers true-RMS AC current and voltage measurements, along with the ability to measure frequency, capacitance, resistance, continuity, and diode properties. This makes it suitable for a broader range of applications.
Safety Ratings: The Fluke 175 is rated for industrial use, providing higher safety protection with CAT IV 600 V and CAT III 1000 V compliance. It’s suitable for more demanding and high-voltage environments.
Additional Features: The Fluke 175 includes features like Display Hold and Auto Hold, which help capture and record essential measurement data. It also offers manual and automatic ranging for added flexibility.
Warranty: Its lifetime warranty indicates its durability and long-term reliability.
The Fluke 117 is a compact, electrician-specific multimeter focusing on basic electrical measurements, non-contact voltage detection, and quick operation. At the same time, the Fluke 175 is a more versatile, general-purpose multimeter with true RMS capabilities, safety ratings, and additional features. Your choice should depend on your specific needs, the types of measurements you’ll be performing, and the environment in which you’ll be using the multimeter. If you require a more rugged and versatile instrument for various applications, the Fluke 175 may be the better choice.
Fluke 117 Electrician’s Multimeter
The Fluke 117 Electrician’s Multimeter is a must-have for any electrician, with its compact, CAT III 600 V, True-RMS meter design. Get quick, accurate measurements with a selectable low-impedance mode to help prevent false readings from ghost voltage. The easy-to-use interface with a bright backlight allows you to move from job to job quickly and efficiently. Get accurate readings for resistance, continuity, frequency, and capacitance with the turn of the dial, and use the Min/Max/Average readings to get the job done faster. The VoltAlert™ technology built into the multimeter keeps you safe with fast, go/no go non-contact voltage detection, no extra tools necessary. The AutoVolt automatic AC/DC selection is perfect for quickly finding the necessary voltage and moving on. The Fluke 117 Electrician’s Multimeter has 4mm silicone test leads, a holster, and a manual, so you’re ready to do the job correctly.
Key Features:
Non-Contact Voltage Detection:
The Fluke 117 includes integrated VoltAlert technology for non-contact voltage detection. This feature allows you to quickly and safely detect the presence of voltage without making physical contact, enhancing safety on the job.
AutoVolt AC/DC Selection:
It features AutoVolt, which automatically selects the appropriate AC or DC voltage range, making it convenient and efficient for electricians.
LoZ Mode:
The LoZ (Low Impedance) mode prevents misleading readings caused by ghost voltage, ensuring accurate measurements even in difficult electrical situations.
Large White LED Backlight:
The multimeter’s bright white LED backlight allows you to work in dimly lit or dark environments, improving vision during readings.
True-RMS Accuracy:
The True-RMS capability ensures accurate measurements of non-linear loads, making it suitable for various electrical applications.
Amperage Measurement:
It can measure up to 10 A, with an overload capacity of 20 A for 30 seconds, allowing you to handle various current levels.
Versatile Measurements:
The Fluke 117 can measure resistance, continuity, frequency, and capacitance in addition to voltage and current, making it a handy tool for electricians.
Min/Max/Average Recording:
The multimeter can record signal fluctuations with Min/Max/Average functionality, providing useful data for troubleshooting and analysis.
Hands-Free Operation:
It is compatible with a magnetic hanger (ToolPak), which allows for hands-free operation and convenience when working on electrical systems.
Safety:
The Fluke 117 has a CAT III 600 V safety rating, ensuring it can be used safely in demanding settings like commercial buildings, hospitals, and schools.
PROS AND CONS
Pros:
- Compact and Rugged Design: The Fluke 117 is a small and rugged multimeter, making it ideal for field technicians needing a durable tool to withstand challenging working conditions.
- Large Digital Display: It features a large digital display that is easy to read, allowing users to quickly and accurately view measurement results, even in low-light conditions.
- True RMS Feature: The True RMS capability is a significant advantage. It enables the multimeter to accurately read complex signals, making it suitable for various electrical applications.
Cons:
- No Carrying Case: One notable drawback is that it does not come with a carrying case. This can be inconvenient for users who prefer a dedicated case for safe storage and transportation of the multimeter and its accessories.
FAQS About Fluke 117 Multimeter
The Fluke 117 Electrician’s Multimeter is purpose-built for electricians and excels in challenging environments like commercial buildings and hospitals.
The Fluke 117 is equipped with VoltAlert technology for non-contact voltage detection. This feature allows you to detect the presence of live voltage without making physical contact with the wires or circuit, enhancing safety.
True-RMS ensures accurate measurements of non-linear loads, making the Fluke 117 suitable for various electrical testing applications where precision is essential.
Yes, the Fluke 117 Electrician’s Multimeter includes a 10 amp current range for measuring AC and DC current, with a maximum resolution of 1 milliamp.
The Fluke 117 enhances safety through its non-contact voltage detection, which allows electricians to quickly determine the presence of live voltage without physical contact, reducing the risk of electrical accidents.
The Fluke 117 typically has a battery life of approximately 400 hours without the backlight.
Fluke 175 ESFP Digital Multimeter
The Fluke 175 True RMS Digital Multimeter is an industry-standard multimeter with the features and accuracy you need for basic and advanced troubleshooting. It provides fast, accurate True RMS AC, voltage readings, frequency, capacitance, resistance, continuity, and diode measurements. You can capture significant events with the Display Hold and Auto Hold features, while the ergonomic case with an integrated protective holster makes it easy to transport and use. The Fluke 175 is safety-rated for industrial use with IEN61010-1 CAT IV 600 V/CAT III 1000 V rating, UL and CSA listed, and TÜV pending. It also includes closed-case calibration through the front panel and a lifetime warranty. This reliable and versatile tool makes it easy to troubleshoot and repair electrical and electronic systems with professional accuracy.
Key Features:
Essential Multimeter Functions:
Equipped with fundamental features necessary for diagnosing and fixing electrical and electronic systems.
Precise True-RMS Measurements:
Provides accurate readings for AC, voltage, frequency, capacitance, resistance, continuity, and diode testing.
Enhanced Productivity:
Improves efficiency through manual and automatic ranging, Display Hold, Auto Hold, and Min/Max-average recording features.
Safety Ratings:
Safety rated as CAT III 1000 V and CAT IV 600 V, ensuring safe use in various electrical environments.
Lifetime Warranty:
Enjoy long-term peace of mind with a lifetime warranty.
Convenient Calibration:
Allows closed-case calibration through the front panel, simplifying the calibration process.
Protective Holster:
Includes an ergonomic case with an integrated protective holster for added durability.
PROS AND CONS:
Pros:
- True RMS Voltage and Current: Provides accurate measurements on non-linear loads, ensuring precise readings in various electrical applications.
- Built-in USB Port: Features a built-in USB port for conveniently downloading logged data to a PC, allowing for easy data analysis and record-keeping.
- Durable Design: Designed for durability with reinforced protection against drops and shocks, ensuring the meter’s longevity in challenging work environments.
Cons:
- Insufficient Brightness (Backlight): The backlight may have limited brightness, potentially making it less effective in poorly lit conditions.
FAQS About Fluke 175 Multimeter
The Fluke 175 is a foundational tool for general-purpose measurements, meeting the essential requirements of professional technicians worldwide. It offers vital troubleshooting capabilities, including frequency, capacitance, resistance, continuity, and diode testing. Features like Display Hold and Auto Hold assist in capturing critical events efficiently.
Yes, the Fluke 175 is safety-rated for industrial applications, complying with standards such as IEN61010-1 CAT IV 600 V/CAT III 1000 V. It holds certifications from UL, CSA, TÜV, and VDE Pending, ensuring accurate and reliable true-RMS measurements over an extended service life.
For higher accuracy or temperature measurement needs, you can explore the Fluke 177 and Fluke 179 True RMS Digital Multimeters, which offer advanced capabilities beyond the baseline features of the Fluke 175.
The Fluke 175 is safety-rated as CAT III 1000 V and CAT IV 600 V, providing confidence and peace of mind for users working in diverse electrical environments.
Yes, the Fluke 175 offers additional features, including a lifetime warranty, closed-case calibration accessible through the front panel, and an ergonomic case with an integrated protective holster for added durability.
Recommendation
For General Industrial Use: The Fluke 175 True RMS Digital Multimeter is the ultimate choice for professionals who require a broad spectrum of functions in industrial settings. It’s a one-stop solution for diagnosing issues with essential troubleshooting features, including frequency, capacitance, resistance, continuity, and diode testing. The added benefits of Display Hold and Auto Hold simplify the process, helping you capture crucial events swiftly. This multimeter’s robustness and worldwide recognition make it a reliable asset for professionals across the globe.
Compact and Efficient for Electricians: Conversely, the Fluke 117 Electrician’s Multimeter with Non-Contact Voltage Detection offers electricians a compact and efficient solution. Operating at a CAT III 600 V safety rating, it’s tailor-made for demanding tasks. Features like resistance, continuity, frequency, capacitance, and Min/Max/Average measurements are ideal for professionals working in commercial buildings, hospitals, and schools. Its bright backlight ensures visibility even in darker work conditions, saving time and enabling efficient job-to-job transitions.
In conclusion, choosing between Fluke 117 and 175 depends on your specific requirements. For general industrial use and a broad range of functions, the Fluke 175 stands as a reliable option. On the other hand, if you’re an electrician with demanding everyday tasks in varying environments, the compact and efficient Fluke 117 will be a valuable addition to your toolkit.
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My name is Robert Phillipson, and I am an Electrical Engineer with 20 years of experience in the field. My fascination with multimeters began early on during my career as I was captivated by their precision and accuracy. Over the years, I have gained a deep understanding of how they work, enabling me to use them effectively for measurement applications like testing circuit boards and other components.