Both the Fluke 323 clamp meter and the Fluke 117 digital multimeter are popular choices among electricians.
🏷️ Fluke Multimeter Deals ⭐⭐⭐⭐
While they both measure electrical values, they are built for different tasks. If you’re deciding between these two, it’s important to understand their differences, strengths, and limitations.
📊 Fluke 323 vs Fluke 117 Comparison Table
| Feature | Fluke 323 (Clamp Meter) | Fluke 117 (Digital Multimeter) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Measuring current without breaking the circuit | General-purpose electrical measurements |
| Measurement Type | Clamp-on for AC current | Probe-based multimeter |
| True RMS | Yes | Yes |
| Voltage Range | Up to 600V AC/DC | Up to 600V AC/DC |
| Current Measurement | AC only, up to 400A | AC/DC up to 10A (20A for 30s) |
| Resistance | Up to 4 kΩ | Up to 40 MΩ |
| Continuity/Diode Test | Yes | Yes |
| Frequency Measurement | No | Up to 50 kHz |
| Temperature Measurement | No | No |
| Display | Simple digital display | Backlit digital display with large digits |
| Special Features | Clamp design for non-intrusive current testing | AutoVolt (automatic AC/DC detection), LoZ (low impedance) to prevent ghost voltages |
| Safety Rating | CAT III 600V | CAT III 600V |
| Typical Price | Check Price | Check Price |
⚡ Fluke 323 Overview
The Fluke 323 is a clamp meter, designed to measure AC current up to 400A without disconnecting wires. This makes it highly useful for electricians who need to quickly check current flow in circuits. It also measures voltage, resistance, and continuity, but it does not measure frequency, DC current, or temperature.
✅ Pros of Fluke 323
- Clamp design makes current measurement safe and easy
- True RMS for accurate readings
- Compact and portable
- More affordable than the 117
❌ Cons of Fluke 323
- Measures AC current only (no DC current)
- No frequency or temperature measurement
- Limited resistance range compared to 117
- No advanced features like AutoVolt or LoZ
🔧 Fluke 117 Overview
The Fluke 117 is a True RMS digital multimeter designed for electricians in residential and commercial environments. It’s versatile, offering AC/DC voltage, resistance, frequency, and current measurements up to 10A. With features like AutoVolt (automatic AC/DC selection) and LoZ mode (prevents ghost voltage readings), it’s well-suited for fast, accurate troubleshooting.
✅ Pros of Fluke 117
- Measures AC and DC current (up to 10A)
- AutoVolt function simplifies use
- LoZ mode prevents false readings from ghost voltages
- Backlit display for easy reading in dark spaces
- Wider measurement range for resistance and frequency
❌ Cons of Fluke 117
- Requires direct connection with test leads (not contactless like clamp meters)
- Limited to 600V (not industrial-grade like higher Fluke series)
- Slightly more expensive than the 323
🎯 Recommendation
- Choose the Fluke 323 if you need a safe, simple clamp meter for measuring AC current up to 400A without breaking circuits. It’s best for electricians who primarily deal with current checks in residential or light commercial environments.
- Choose the Fluke 117 if you want a versatile digital multimeter for general-purpose electrical troubleshooting. With its AutoVolt and LoZ features, it’s more flexible and better suited for diagnosing a wide range of electrical issues.
👉 In short: The Fluke 323 is a great tool for current measurements, while the Fluke 117 is the better choice for all-around electrical testing. Many electricians even carry both, since they complement each other.