Fluke 117 and the Fluke 179 are excellent tools, but they serve different needs. If you’re deciding between these two, this comparison will help you choose the right one.
Quick Summary
The Fluke 117 is the better choice for electricians, while the Fluke 179 is ideal for industrial professionals and engineers who require accuracy and advanced features.
📊 Fluke 117 vs Fluke 179 Comparison Table
| Feature | Fluke 117 | Fluke 179 |
|---|---|---|
| Target Users | Electricians, general-purpose technicians | Industrial electricians, advanced professionals |
| True RMS | Yes | Yes |
| AutoVolt (AC/DC Selection) | Yes | No |
| LoZ (Low Impedance) | Yes, prevents ghost voltages | No |
| Voltage Range | Up to 600V | Up to 1000V |
| Accuracy (DC Voltage) | ±0.5% | ±0.09% |
| Temperature Measurement | No | Yes (with included probe) |
| Frequency Range | Up to 50 kHz | Up to 100 kHz |
| Display | Backlit, large digits | Backlit, 6000-count resolution |
| Safety Rating | CAT III 600V | CAT IV 600V / CAT III 1000V |
| Warranty | 3 years | Lifetime warranty |
| Size/Weight | Compact and lightweight | Larger, slightly heavier |
| Typical Price | Lower (~$200 range) | Higher (~$350+ range) |
⚡ Fluke 117 Overview
The Fluke 117 is built with electricians in mind, especially for commercial and residential applications. Its standout features are AutoVolt (automatic AC/DC detection) and LoZ (Low Impedance), which prevent false readings from ghost voltages. It’s compact, simple to use, and a great choice for quick troubleshooting.
✅ Pros of Fluke 117
- Compact, lightweight, and easy to carry
- AutoVolt and LoZ make everyday testing faster and safer
- True RMS for accurate AC readings
- More affordable than the 179
❌ Cons of Fluke 117
- Limited to 600V, not suitable for high-voltage industrial work
- No temperature measurement capability
- Lower accuracy compared to the 179
- Shorter warranty (3 years)
🔧 Fluke 179 Overview
The Fluke 179 belongs to Fluke’s 170 series, known for its precision and ruggedness. It offers higher accuracy (±0.09%), 1000V measurement capacity, and comes with temperature measurement capability. With a CAT IV safety rating and a lifetime warranty, it’s designed for industrial environments and demanding professionals.
✅ Pros of Fluke 179
- Higher accuracy and wider measurement range
- Includes temperature measurement with probe
- Rugged build with CAT IV safety rating
- Lifetime warranty
- Better suited for industrial and electronics work
❌ Cons of Fluke 179
- Larger and heavier than the 117
- Higher cost (almost double the 117)
- Lacks AutoVolt and LoZ features that simplify electrician work
🎯 Recommendation
- Choose the Fluke 117 if you’re an electrician or technician working in residential or commercial environments. It’s portable, user-friendly, and has features like AutoVolt and LoZ that make electrical troubleshooting safer and faster.
- Choose the Fluke 179 if you need industrial-grade precision, higher voltage capacity, temperature measurement, and maximum safety ratings. It’s more expensive, but worth it for demanding professional applications.