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.
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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 | 💲 Check Price | 💲 Check Price |
⚡ 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.