When it comes to reliable electrical testing tools, two brands stand out — Fluke and Klein Tools. Both are highly respected by electricians and technicians, and their products often get compared head-to-head. A common comparison is between the Fluke 117 Electrician’s Multimeter and the Klein CL800 Clamp Meter.
Although they are both excellent tools, they are designed for slightly different tasks. Let’s break down the differences so you can choose the right one for your work.
📊 Comparison Table: Fluke 117 vs Klein CL800
| Feature | Fluke 117 | Klein CL800 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Digital Multimeter | Clamp Meter |
| True-RMS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Voltage Measurement | Up to 600V AC/DC | Up to 1000V AC/DC |
| Current Measurement | Up to 10A (via leads) | Up to 600A (via clamp) |
| Resistance, Continuity, Capacitance | ✅ | ✅ |
| Frequency Measurement | ✅ | ✅ |
| Non-Contact Voltage | ✅ (VoltAlert) | ✅ |
| LoZ (Ghost Voltage Elimination) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Temperature Measurement | ❌ | ✅ (with thermocouple) |
| Display | Large backlit | Backlit dual display |
| Safety Rating | CAT III 600V | CAT IV 600V / CAT III 1000V |
| Best Use | General electrician troubleshooting | High-current & HVAC applications |
| Price | Moderate | Moderate–High |
📋 Overview of the Fluke 117
The Fluke 117 is a compact, professional-grade digital multimeter designed for electricians working in residential and commercial environments.
Key Features:
- True-RMS for accurate readings on non-linear loads.
- VoltAlert™ non-contact voltage detection.
- LoZ (Low Input Impedance) to eliminate ghost voltages.
- AutoVolt automatic AC/DC voltage selection.
- Measures voltage, current (up to 10A), resistance, continuity, frequency, and capacitance.
- Large backlit digital display.
- Safety rating: CAT III 600V.
Best for: Electricians who need a versatile, compact troubleshooting multimeter.
📋 Overview of the Klein CL800
The Klein CL800 is a true-RMS clamp meter designed for professional use, especially when measuring higher currents. It combines standard multimeter functions with the added advantage of a clamp for current measurement.
Key Features:
- True-RMS for accurate measurements.
- Clamp design measures AC/DC current up to 600A without breaking the circuit.
- Measures AC/DC voltage, resistance, continuity, frequency, capacitance, and duty cycle.
- Temperature measurement with included thermocouple.
- Low impedance mode to eliminate ghost voltages.
- Backlit display with dual line readout.
- Safety rating: CAT IV 600V / CAT III 1000V.
Best for: Electricians and HVAC technicians working with high-current systems and requiring clamp-on measurement.
👍 Pros & Cons of Each
Fluke 117
Pros:
- Compact and easy to handle.
- Accurate True-RMS readings.
- AutoVolt and LoZ features save time.
- VoltAlert for non-contact detection.
Cons:
- Limited to 10A current measurement.
- CAT III 600V rating is lower than CL800.
- No temperature measurement.
Klein CL800
Pros:
- Clamp design measures up to 600A without test leads.
- Higher voltage range (1000V vs 600V).
- Includes temperature measurement.
- Higher safety category rating (CAT IV 600V).
Cons:
- Bulkier than a standard multimeter.
- Less convenient for precise low-current measurements.
- Slightly more expensive in some markets.
🏁 Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose the Fluke 117 if you need a compact, highly reliable multimeter for everyday electrician troubleshooting tasks. It’s perfect for residential and commercial environments where current rarely exceeds 10A.
- Choose the Klein CL800 if you work with high-current systems, HVAC equipment, or need temperature measurement in addition to standard multimeter functions. Its clamp capability makes it much more versatile for those applications.
Both are excellent, professional-grade tools — but the choice depends on whether you prefer a classic multimeter (Fluke 117) or the versatility of a clamp meter (Klein CL800).