Two popular Fluke models that serve different types of users are the Fluke 117 Electrician’s Multimeter and the Fluke T6-1000 Electrical Tester. While they may seem similar at first glance, they’re built with very different purposes in mind.
This article compares the two so you can decide which one best fits your needs.
📊 Comparison Table
| Feature | Fluke 117 | Fluke T6-1000 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Digital Multimeter | Electrical Tester |
| True-RMS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Voltage Measurement | Up to 600V AC/DC | Up to 1000V AC/DC |
| Current Measurement | Up to 10A (via leads) | Up to 200A (open fork) |
| Resistance, Continuity, Capacitance | ✅ | ✅ |
| Frequency | ✅ | ✅ |
| Non-Contact Voltage Detection | ✅ (VoltAlert) | ✅ (FieldSense) |
| LoZ (Ghost Voltage Elimination) | ✅ | ❌ |
| Display | Backlit digital | Backlit digital |
| Safety Rating | CAT III 600V | CAT III 1000V / CAT IV 600V |
| Portability | Compact handheld | Slim, field-friendly design |
| Price | Moderate | Higher |
📋 Overview of the Fluke 117
The Fluke 117 is designed specifically for electricians in residential and commercial environments. It’s a compact, professional-grade multimeter that combines reliability with convenience.
Key Features:
- True-RMS for accurate measurements on non-linear loads.
- VoltAlert™ non-contact voltage detection.
- AutoVolt automatic AC/DC voltage selection.
- LoZ (Low Input Impedance) to eliminate ghost voltages.
- Measures voltage, current, resistance, continuity, frequency, and capacitance.
- Large backlit display.
- Safety rating: CAT III 600V.
Best for: Electricians and technicians who need precise, versatile measurements in everyday troubleshooting.
📋 Overview of the Fluke T6-1000
The Fluke T6-1000 Electrical Tester takes a different approach. Instead of being a traditional multimeter, it’s a field tester with open-jaw technology, allowing you to measure voltage and current without test leads.
Key Features:
- FieldSense™ technology: Measures AC voltage, current, and frequency without test leads.
- Open-fork design fits wires up to AWG 4/0 (120 mm²), measuring up to 200 A.
- Measures AC/DC voltage up to 1000V.
- Rugged and portable design.
- Safety rating: CAT III 1000V, CAT IV 600V.
Best for: Electricians and field technicians who want fast, safe, and lead-free voltage and current measurements.
👍 Pros & Cons of Each
Fluke 117
Pros:
- Professional-grade multimeter for electricians.
- VoltAlert for non-contact detection.
- LoZ prevents ghost readings.
- AutoVolt saves time when testing.
- Great all-around troubleshooting tool.
Cons:
- Limited to 600V range.
- Current measurement limited to 10A.
- Requires test leads for most functions.
Fluke T6-1000
Pros:
- FieldSense allows safe, lead-free voltage and current measurements.
- Handles up to 1000V and 200A.
- Rugged and designed for quick testing in the field.
- Higher safety category rating (CAT IV 600V).
Cons:
- Less precise for detailed electrical measurements compared to a multimeter.
- More expensive.
- Not ideal for electronics or fine troubleshooting.
🏁 Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose the Fluke 117 if you’re a professional electrician or technician who needs a compact, precise, all-around multimeter for troubleshooting in residential and commercial environments.
- Choose the Fluke T6-1000 if you work in the field with high-voltage equipment and want fast, safe, lead-free measurements of current and voltage.
Both are excellent tools, but their strengths are different — the 117 excels at detailed multimeter tasks, while the T6-1000 shines in quick, high-voltage field testing.