Fluke 117 Electrician’s True-rms Multimeter with VoltAlert

A compact true-rms multimeter built for electricians

The Fluke 117 Electrician’s Multimeter is a compact CAT III 600 V true-rms digital multimeter with integrated non-contact voltage detection (VoltAlert), automatic AC/DC voltage selection (AutoVolt) and a selectable low-impedance mode (Auto-V LoZ) that prevents false readings from ghost voltage. A quick turn of the dial gives voltage, resistance, continuity, frequency, capacitance and Min/Max/Average, and the backlit display suits dark worksites. Fluke positions it for commercial buildings, hospitals and schools; it ships with 4 mm silicone test leads, a holster and a manual.

Technical specifications

All accuracies are specified for one year after calibration at 18 to 28 C and 0 to 90% RH. Because inputs below 1% of range are not specified, true-rms meters can show small non-zero readings with open leads, which is normal.

Choosing between the 114, 115, 116 and 117

The 114, 115, 116 and 117 share one platform. According to the specification sheet, Auto-V LoZ is on the 114, 116 and 117; AC and DC current inputs on the 115 and 117; capacitance and diode test on the 115, 116 and 117; and the K-type temperature input only on the 116. Fluke describes the 115 as the field-service model and the 117 as the electrician model, which adds non-contact voltage detection and the low-impedance mode. Models in the family carry their own kits, such as the 117 with insulated hand tools, with a 323 clamp meter or with a 240 V proving unit.

For work on live installations always use test leads and accessories rated for the measurement category, and measure a known source before and after a safety-critical test, as the safety sheet instructs. Confirm the kit contents and any calibration-certificate requirement before ordering.

How the Fluke 117 works

A digital multimeter measures voltage, current and resistance with one instrument, and a true-rms meter gives the correct value of AC signals that are not pure sine waves, such as the current of electronic loads. The Fluke 117 has a 6,000 count display with a 33-segment bar graph and a backlight. The dial selects the function, and the meter gives AC and DC voltage, current to 10 A, resistance to 40 Mohm, capacitance, frequency, diode test and continuity, with Min, Max and Average recording.

Where the Fluke 117 is used

• Electrical maintenance in commercial buildings.
• Fault finding in lighting and power circuits.
• Checks in hospitals, schools and offices.
• Control panel and motor circuit checks.
• Quick safe voltage checks before work starts.

Selection checklist for the Fluke 117

• Safety rating of CAT III 600 V.
• True-rms AC voltage with 1.0 percent + 3 accuracy at 45 to 500 Hz.
• DC voltage accuracy of 0.5 percent + 2.
• AutoVolt automatic selection of AC or DC.
• Auto-V LoZ low-impedance mode of about 3 kohm.
• VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection.
• Current ranges of 6.000 A and 10.00 A.
• Resistance from 600.0 ohm to 40.00 Mohm.
• Capacitance up to 9999 uF.
• Operating range of -10 to +50 degrees C.

Installation, commissioning and maintenance notes

Check the test leads and the meter for damage before every use, and select the right function and input terminal before touching the circuit. Use the meter only within its CAT III 600 V rating, and keep your hands behind the finger guards of the probes. The current input is protected by an 11 A fuse rated for 1000 V, so replace it only with the same type. Remove the battery if the meter will not be used for a long time, and clean the case with a damp cloth.

Requesting a quotation for the Fluke 117

Send the quantity and any kit or accessory you need with the meter. Seven Star LLC serves industrial customers in Oman and the GCC and replies with a quotation based on the information provided.

VoltAlert and ghost voltage

VoltAlert detects AC voltage without contact, so you can see if a conductor is live before you probe it. The low-impedance mode loads the circuit lightly, so false readings from induced ghost voltage drop to zero, while a real voltage is still shown.

Power and battery

The meter runs on one 9 V alkaline battery for about 400 hours without the backlight, and it has an IP42 case rating.

Supplied with the meter

The set includes 4 mm silicone test leads, a holster and a manual, so the meter is ready for work when it is unpacked.

Fluke 117 test records

Record the circuit, the reading and the date when the values are used for maintenance reports.

Documents and quotation

The attached file is the two-page Fluke detailed-specifications sheet for the 114, 115, 116 and 117. See also the Fluke 87V for industrial work, the Fluke 1587 FC and the wider portable test and measurement range. Send quantity, kit and region for a quotation.