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.
🏷️ Fluke Multimeter Deals ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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 |
| 💳 Pricing | 💲Check Price | 💲Check Price |
📋 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).