Fluke is one of the most trusted names in the industry. Two of their most popular models, the Fluke 117 and the Fluke 87V, are often compared by electricians, technicians, and engineers. Both are accurate, reliable, and rugged, but they serve slightly different purposes.
Below, we’ll take a closer look at the features, differences, and pros and cons of each to help you decide which is the better fit for your work.
📊 Comparison Table: Fluke 117 vs Fluke 87V
| Feature | Fluke 117 | Fluke 87V |
|---|---|---|
| Target Users | Electricians, general-purpose technicians | Industrial electricians, advanced technicians |
| True RMS | Yes | Yes |
| AutoVolt (Automatic AC/DC selection) | Yes | No |
| Low Input Impedance (LoZ) | Yes, prevents ghost voltages | No |
| Accuracy (DC Voltage) | ±0.5% | ±0.05% |
| Maximum Voltage | 600V | 1000V |
| Maximum Current | 10A (20A for 30s) | 10A (20A for 30s) |
| Frequency Measurement | 0.01 Hz – 50 kHz | 0.5 Hz – 200 kHz |
| Temperature Measurement | No | Yes (with probe) |
| Display | Backlit, large digits | Large dual display with analog bar graph |
| Safety Rating | CAT III 600V | CAT III 1000V, CAT IV 600V |
| Size/Weight | Compact, lightweight | Larger, heavier |
| Battery Life | ~400 hours | ~400 hours |
| Typical Price | Check Price | Check Price |
⚡ Fluke 117 Overview
The Fluke 117 is designed with electricians in mind, particularly for commercial and residential applications. Its standout feature is the AutoVolt function, which automatically detects AC/DC voltage without manual switching. It also includes a low input impedance mode (LoZ) that prevents ghost voltages from interfering with measurements.
✅ Pros of Fluke 117
- Compact, lightweight, and easy to carry
- AutoVolt and LoZ make everyday electrical troubleshooting faster
- Great for residential and commercial electrical work
- Lower price point compared to the 87V
❌ Cons of Fluke 117
- Limited to 600V, not ideal for heavy industrial applications
- No temperature measurement feature
- Lower frequency measurement range compared to 87V
- Not as precise as the 87V for demanding applications
🔧 Fluke 87V Overview
The Fluke 87V is part of Fluke’s Industrial Series, built for advanced troubleshooting in industrial environments. It offers extremely high accuracy (±0.05% on DC voltage) and can handle up to 1000V. It also measures temperature (with a probe), frequency up to 200 kHz, and has a dual display with an analog bar graph for fluctuating signals.
✅ Pros of Fluke 87V
- Exceptional accuracy and resolution
- Wide measurement ranges (voltage, frequency, and temperature)
- Robust safety ratings: CAT III 1000V / CAT IV 600V
- Ideal for demanding industrial and electronics applications
- Built to withstand harsh environments
❌ Cons of Fluke 87V
- Larger and heavier compared to the 117
- More expensive (often more than double the 117)
- Lacks AutoVolt and LoZ, which are useful for electricians
- Overkill for simple residential or light commercial work
🎯 Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose the Fluke 117 if you are an electrician or technician dealing mostly with residential, commercial, or light industrial electrical work. It’s compact, easy to use, and has practical features like AutoVolt and LoZ.
- Choose the Fluke 87V if you work in industrial environments, need high precision, or frequently deal with complex electronics and variable frequency drives (VFDs). While more expensive, it’s the gold standard for advanced troubleshooting.
👉 In short: The Fluke 117 is best for everyday electricians, while the Fluke 87V is best for industrial professionals and engineers.