Choosing the right multimeter for your job is not easy as there are lots of devices to pick from. And if you deal with a wide range of applications on a daily basis, the task may even be more difficult as you’ve to pick a tool with features and functions that you want. On that note, we did our research and found that the Fluke 117 True RMS multimeter is a great HVAC tool for people who deal with a lot of applications at home and in the industry. Read this Fluke 117 Review to know more about this true rms multimeter.
Related: Similar Display – Fluke 87V Review
The Fluke 117 multimeter is well-made to withstand wear and tear, versatile, accurate, and very reliable. You can use it to measure voltage, frequency, capacitance, continuity, diode test, and much more. One of the main differences between entry-level multimeters and HVAC multimeters is the range and resolution. The Fluke 117 has a range of 600mv, which is suitable for most HVAC applications. This Fluke 117 Review is really a great help for you to understand this product.
Technical Specifications of the Fluke 117 multimeter
| Features | Fluke 117 multimeter |
| Display: | Digital: 6,000 counts, updates 4 per second |
| Auto volts: | Range/resolution 600.0 V / 0.1 V Accuracy 2.0% + 3 (DC, 45 Hz to 500 Hz) 4.0% + 3 (500 Hz to 1 kHz) |
| DC volts: | Range/resolution 6.000 V / 0.001 V 60.00 V / 0.01 V 600.00 V / 0.1 V Accuracy ±([% of reading] + [counts]): 0.5% + 2 |
| DC millivolts: | Range/resolution 600.0 mV / 0.1 mV Accuracy ±([% of reading] + [counts]): 0.5% + 2 |
| AC volts¹ True RMS: | Range/resolution 6.000 V / 0.001 V 60.00 V / 0.01 V 600.0 V / 0.1 V Accuracy 1.0% + 3 (DC, 45 Hz to 500 Hz) 2.0% + 3 (500 Hz to 1 kHz) |
| AC millivolts¹ True RMS: | Range/resolution 600.0 mV / 0.1 mV Accuracy 1.0% + 3 (DC, 45 Hz to 500 Hz) 2.0% + 3 (500 Hz to 1 kHz) |
| Diode test: | Range/resolution 2.00 V / 0.001 V Accuracy 0.9% + 2 |
| Continuity: | Range/resolution 600 Ω / 1 Ω Accuracy Beeper on < 20 Ω, off > 250 Ω detects opens or shorts of 500 μs or longer. |
| Ohms: | Range/resolution 600.0 Ω / 0.1 Ω 6.000 kΩ / 0.001 kΩ 60.00 kΩ / 0.01 kΩ 600.0 kΩ / 0.1 kΩ 6.000 MΩ / 0.001 MΩ Accuracy 0.9% + 1 Range/resolution 40.00 MΩ / 0.01 MΩ Accuracy 5% + 2 |
| Capacitance: | Range/resolution 1000 nF / 1 nF 10.00 μF / 0.01 μF 100.0 μF / 0.1 μF 9999 μF / 1 μF 100 μF to 1000 μF Accuracy 1.9% + 2 Range/resolution > 1000 μF Accuracy 5% + 20% |
| Lo-Z capacitance: | Range 1 nF to 500 μF Accuracy 10% + 2 typical |
| DC amps: | Range/resolution 6.000 A / 0.001 A 10.00 A / 0.01 A Accuracy 1.0% + 3 20 A continuous overload for 30 seconds max |
| AC amps True RMS (45 Hz to 500 Hz): | Range/resolution 6.000 A / 0.001 A 10.00 A / 0.01 A Accuracy 1.5% + 3 20 A continuous overload for 30 seconds max |
| Operating Temperature: | -10°C to + 50°C |
| Storage Temperature: | -40°C to + 60°C |
| Warranty: | 3 year |
| Price: |  Check Today’s Price |
Without much ado! Here are the Fluke 117’s features, functions, pros, and cons. This review will help you know if this is the right digital multimeter for your electrical tasks or not. Read to the end.
Electricians Multimeter Fluke 117 Review
Summary of Contents
Construction
To start with, all Fluke multimeters are well-designed and can withstand tough outdoor conditions. As a result, the Fluke 117 multimeter is no exception. This unit is made of hard plastic which ensures that it lasts for many years to come. Also, this unit is not big thus very convenient to handle with a one-handed operation. Such a feature is important to HVAC electricians who need to have one of their hands-free so that they can perform other functions. Setting the mode is also simple as the rotary switch is smooth and easy to operate.
Related: Fluke 323 Review
Display
This is one of the distinctive features of the Fluke 117. The large bright digital screen can be seen and it’s easy to read values. Besides being big, this screen is of great quality, which is a very crucial attribute. This is synonymous with other Fluke multimeters as the manufacturer didn’t want to take any chance.
The best part of the display screen is its backlight. The white LED backlight is not automatic and can be turned on by a press of a button. So, you only turn it on when you need the light, which is very convenient.
Functions
Using this unit is easy as it features a smooth rotary switch and the input dial can be easily adjusted using the left-hand thumb. Simply select the task that you want such as AC/DC volts and amps, resistance, millivolts, frequency, continuity, and capacitance. Note that the diode test has an audible beep.
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The voltage and amperage ranges are on the other side of the dial and the Auto-V and Volt Alert have their personal selector. As we stated earlier, this unit can be operated with one hand but it is also compatible with the ToolPak magnet hanger for exclusive hands-free usage. Always make sure to see and follow the Fluke 117 manual to know how to use it.
Related: Similar Price – Fluke 115 Digital Multimeter Review
True RMS
Testing HVAC units require a great level of accuracy and preciseness. That’s why having a unit with the True RMS function like the Fluke 117 DMM is important. Therefore, as you take measurements in HVAC systems, you can be sure that you’re getting accurate results every time.
Non-Contact voltage detection
This feature works in a very simple way – if you don’t have test leads but want to test the presence of voltage, you will only be required to linger over the object you’re examining and wait for an audible signal. And if the device starts to beep, just know you’ve got voltage present in the circuit. This function is also a great safety measure for electricians.
Auto-Shutoff
The auto shut off function is one of the most overlooked features of this device. However, it is very crucial as it helps you to save batteries and reduce your expenses. Many times, people forget to turn off the device and it ends up draining the batteries. To avoid this, the auto shut off feature turns off the device after 15-minutes of inactivity.
Related: If you are searching for a multimeter that has both manual and automatic ranging, check this Fluke 179 Multimeter Review
Protection
A good multimeter should be well protected and safe to utilize. The Fluke comes with a durable case and rubber boot for great protection of the unit. But it also has an 11 amp HRC ceramic fuse and the onboard oppression devices that protect the multimeter from overload. In addition, the device is protected from humidity levels and bad weather by the deep lip built into the interior of the case.
Warranty
Fluke is confident about its products and that’s why they offer a warranty on all of them. The Fluke 117 multimeter comes with a 3-year limited warranty. So, in case of a defect in material or workmanship, you can always have the unit repaired or replaced. Looking for a multimeter with a lifetime warranty is possible with Fluke, read this Fluke 289 Review.
Summary: Why buy this Fluke 117 Multimeter?
- Durable construction for long-lastingness
- Compact and portable for easy use and carry
- Has True RMS for offering accurate and precise non-linear loads
- Large white LED backlight screen for easy reading of values even in the dark
- Extremely responsive bar graph
- Unique features like auto shut off and non-contact voltage detection
- Easy to access the battery
- No false readings caused by ghost voltage
- Safe and reliable to use with CAT III rated up to 600V
- 3-year limited warranty
Cons of the Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter
- The display is not very clear when tilted at certain angles
- The unit doesn’t measure milliamp and micro-amp ranges
- It is made in China and not the USA
Who will buy this Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter?
This is a great tool for DIYers, beginners, and general electricians. It is ideal for use around homes, schools, light industry, and hospitals. When it comes to diagnosing advanced electronic circuits, a more advanced digital meter should be applied such as Fluke 87-V multimeter. However, this can also act as a good backup for professional electricians in the field. So upon reading the Fluke 117 Reviews, you may now have the idea of what best suits your needs.
Conclusion
If you’re an HVAC electrician and want a reliable multimeter for your job, then this is the best unit for you. It comes with all the features that you may desire in a quality HVAC multimeter. What is more, it is sturdily built for longevity, compact, accurate, reliable, and easy to use. The only thing that the manufacturer should work on is its display. Many users have complained that it is not clear at certain angles. I hope you’ve found this Fluke 117 Review 2024 to be interesting and what you were looking for!
FAQ
Question: Is this a good multimeter for beginners?
Answer: Yes, it is. Beginners can have an easy time using this unit as it is straightforward. However, the multimeter is ideal for HVAC expert and doesn’t make sense for people who don’t deal with HVAC appliances to acquire it. This will be a waste of money on features that you will not require. But if you want a unit with a great range and high resolution, then you can still purchase it.
Question: Is this multimeter very complicated to use?
Answer: The Fluke 117 multimeter might not be the simplest tool on the market, but neither is it complicated to use. If you know how to use a digital multimeter, then it won’t be a problem reading values and graphs on this device. Just ensure that you read the manual first before using the multimeter.
Still, have a question after reading this Fluke 117 Review? Comment below.
The Fluke 117 multimeter is a well-designed and can withstand tough outdoor conditions. It is safe and reliable to use.