This compact Fluke True RMS multimeter is noted for its basic troubleshooting capability and ease of use. Having just the basics – voltage, resistance and continuity – and one-handed operation make it especially useful for beginners. Auto voltage detection and a low impedance mode extend its limited functionality.
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The Fluke 114 has a nice backlit screen and build quality, and can perform accurate measurements of various AC drive outputs. Being thin on features, it has decent battery life and is reliable for everything from general purpose electrics and vehicle maintenance to fire alarm troubleshooting.
Key Features
- Uncluttered interface
- Measures voltage, resistance and continuity
- Measures millivolts
- AutoVolt voltage selection
- Auto and manual ranging
- True RMS readings on AC voltage
- Large display with backlight
- Min/Max mode to record changing values
- Safety rated to Category III @ 600V
- Size: 6.6″ (167mm) x 3.3″ (84mm) x 1.8″ (46mm)
- Weight: 1.2lbs (550g)
Included
- 114 meter
- Rubber holster
- 9V battery
- Test leads
- Manual (online pdf)
In-depth Review of the Fluke 114
It should be noted that the 114 is a pretty basic multimeter, though a multimeter all the same. While it is without electronics-friendly ranges, like capacitance and a diode checker, as well as having no amperage inputs, it does have voltage, resistance and continuity. In addition are AC and DC millivolts, plus all ranges have separate positions on the dial selector.
You can select either auto or manual ranging, with manual ranging mode giving the opportunity to select the range you want. This allows for quicker measuring response time and often suits those used to manual ranging meters. The continuity test has a buzzer and can detect open and closed circuits.
AUTO-V LoZ: this function is a real plus for such a basic meter. AUTO-V can measure both AC and DC circuits and then display the results correctly. This is ideal for those unsure of the voltage range of a signal. It is twinned with the LoZ function, which lowers the input impedance of the meter and ultimately cancels out any ‘ghost’ voltages that might appear in nearby circuitry.
You can also measure and accurately record the values of a fluctuating signal with the Min/Max mode and average them.
SPECS
| RANGE | ACCURACY | RESOLUTION | |
|---|---|---|---|
| *AC voltage | 6V / 600V | ±(1.0% +3) @ 45-500Hz | 0.001V-0.1V |
| *Auto volts | 600V | ±(2.0% +3) @ 45-500Hz | 0.1V |
| DC voltage | 6V / 600V | ±(0.5% +2) | 0.001V-0.1V |
| *AC millivolts | 600mV | ±(1.0% +3) @ 45-500Hz | 0.1mV |
| DC millivolts | 600mV | ±(0.5% +2) | 0.1mV |
| Resistance | 600Ω / 40MΩ | ±(0.9% +1) @ 600Ω-6MΩ | 0.1Ω-0.01MΩ |
| Continuity | 600Ω | 1Ω | |
*AC voltage / Auto volts / AC millivolts @ 45Hz to 500Hz range
Build Quality
The 114 is durable and sturdy, with a solid central dial switch and meaty, protective holster. On the rear is a tilting bail. The 9V battery is accessed by a separate panel underneath, which has solid terminals soldered directly to the circuit board. The Fluke 114 has been designed to be operated with one hand.
The 110 series is put together in China – outsourced to bring the cost down of this series. Although there is a perceived difference in quality of US-built multimeters, it is still Fluke and the overall build quality, together with input protection, is good.
Display and Labels
Immediately obvious is the large display, mostly on account of it being a compact meter. The display is 6,000 counts (able to display 5999Ω before dropping to 600.0 Ω, for example), and refreshes at a rate of four times per second. In addition is a fast-updating, 33-segment bar graph, which represents a signal in analog form.
This display comes with a decent backlight, but is perhaps let down by the digits looking slightly washed out when compared with more expensive Flukes, or even cheaper meter brands. It is also not great when read at an angle.
Function and Performance
The 114 performs well enough, with a quick continuity checker and nice manual ranging. The range switch has dedicated ranges, largely on account of the lack of functions. The only time you need to hit the select button is when measuring DC millivolts.
The battery life from the 9-volter is around 400 hours of nominal usage (i.e. without backlight). There is an auto power-off through non-use to save the battery life – this can be disabled.
BUTTONS
HOLD: locks the display
MIN/MAX: automatically records low and high values (plus average)
RANGE: selects manual ranges and changes between auto and manual ranging
Select: changes between AC and DC millivolts
Backlight: on / off
As there is no amperage, there are just two inputs on the Fluke 114 – COM (black) and + (red). With that, you never need to remove the leads to test any range.
Protection
All Fluke multimeters are built with toughness in mind. They have tough cases and thick rubber holsters to protect from drops. The 110 series has a protruding dial switch more so than most, which is its weak point. Even so, they can take a pounding. Input protection is excellent, with appropriate power resistors and MOVs. Over-voltage protection is to 6kV (6,000V), leading it to be rated CATIII @ 600V to ground.
Fluke 114 Pros and Cons
PROS
- Compact (operate with one hand)
- Sturdy and durable
- Ranges have dedicated positions
- Auto ranging + manual ranging
- Pretty accurate
- Min/Max/Average
- Auto-volt and low impedance mode
CONS
- Display could be better
- No amps or milliamps
- No diode check
- No capacitance or frequency
Roundup
The Fluke 114 review details a general electrician’s multimeter. It features a basic set of ranges, but lacks amperage and capacitance, as well as frequency. There is no diode test function either, so it is thus not recommended for those into electronics.
Spending a bit more money would get you the functionality of the 115 multimeter, which is also in this series.