The 110 series of Fluke multimeters is one of the most popular on the market. These entry level devices are compact and cover a fairly wide spectrum of usage, appealing to both professionals and amateurs. They are signified by a one-handed operational design and also have the advantage of being at the lower end of the budget.
Here, we have run up a comparison between the five, detailing uses and main differences. A handy chart also displays these (below).
113: Utility Multimeter
114: Basic Electrical
115: Field Service
116: HVAC
117: Electrician’s meter
All models have True RMS accuracy on AC ranges and are furnished with a large 6000-count backlit display.
Other same attributes:
- One-handed operation
- User-friendly
- Auto / manual ranging
- Data hold feature
- MIN/MAX mode to record fast moving signals
- Backlit screen
- Analog bar graph
- Same size
- Fluke-quality input protection
- Category rating: CAT-III to 600V
- 9V battery
- Similar battery life
- Auto power-off
- Holster with tilting bail
- Probe leads
- IP42 rating
- Made in China
Fluke 113
The cheapest and most basic in the series, the 113 is a utility multimeter with minimal range positions and good functionality. Its VCHECK capability allows it to pick up whether the user is measuring voltage or performing a continuity or diode test. While great for general electrical work, it is limited in its electronics use on account of its low input impedance. Full review…
Fluke 114
The 114 is a bit of a step up in cost but has a fair bit more functionality over the 113. A basic electrical multimeter, it doesn’t have amperage or capacitance ranges. The standout feature is its AUTO-V / LoZ (low impedance) range, which can measure and display both AC and DC voltages. Best for general purpose electrics. Full review…
Fluke 115
This is the overall favourite for many people in the 110 range. It is basically a fully fledged multimeter with a current range and separate dial positions for the voltages. Although lacking milliamp and micro-amps, it does come with millivolts, capacitance and frequency, making it good for electronics work. General purpose and handy for field service use. Full review…
Fluke 116
The 116 is a slight step-up in price, but it is a bit of a specialist meter, namely for HVAC work. There is no amps input, but it does have a micro-amps range (can test flame sensors), along with a temperature range and even AUTO-V. Full review…
Fluke 117
The most expensive meter in the bunch has most of the functionality of the others, including a VoltAlert, non-contact voltage detector. You can also measure AC and DC amps with the 117, as well as millivolts, capacitance, resistance and more. There is no milliamp or micro-amps range, however, so it suits electricians best. Full review…
Optional extras: you can also buy combo kits for these meters (to include magnetic hanging strap) and have the calibration certified by NIST.
Differences Between the Fluke 113, 114, 115, 116 and 117
| MODEL | 113 | 114 | 115 | 116 | 117 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BASIC FEATURES | |||||
| Digits | 3 5/6 | 3 5/6 | 3 5/6 | 3 5/6 | 3 5/6 |
| True RMS | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto/Man Ranging | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| RANGES (MAX) | |||||
| Voltage AC / DC | 600V | 600V | 600V | 600V | 600V |
| Current AC / DC | - | - | 10A | 200µA | 10A |
| Micro-amps | - | - | - | ✓ | - |
| DC Accuracy | ±(2.0%+3) | ±(0.5%+2) | ±(0.5%+2) | ±(0.5%+2) | ±(0.5%+2) |
| Resistance | 60kΩ | 40MΩ | 40MΩ | 40MΩ | 40MΩ |
| Capacitance | 10,000µF | - | 10,000µF | 10,000µF | 10,000µF |
| Frequency | - | - | 50kHz | 50kHz | 50kHz |
| Continuity (beep) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diode Test | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Temperature | - | - | - | ✓ | - |
| SPECIAL FEATURES | |||||
| VoltAlert | - | - | - | - | ✓ |
| VCHEK | ✓ | - | - | - | - |
| AUTO-V | - | ✓ | - | ✓ | - |
| LoZ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ |
| MODES & FUNCTIONS | |||||
| Min/Max Recording | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Data Hold | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Power-Off | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Battery | 9V | 9V | 9V | 9V | 9V |
| Holster | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| DISPLAY | |||||
| 6000-count | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Backlit | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bar Graph | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| SAFETY | |||||
| CAT-III Rating | 600V | 600V | 600V | 600V | 600V |
| IP Rating | IP42 | IP42 | IP42 | IP42 | IP42 |
Conclusion
In the Fluke 110 series comparison, amateurs would be better off with the 113 or 114, with the 115 and 117 being suited to electricians. If you are more for electronics and HVAC work, the 116 is the best pick. While you could use these multimeters in industry, they are only category rated to CAT-III (to 600V) and don’t have the input protection required to absorb the energetic spikes that CAT-IV rated multimeters can.
This series was tendered out to a Chinese factory to keep the price down. They still retain Fluke’s reliability and build quality. However, the displays are a little washed out, though this is perhaps the only detrimental aspect to this series.
Need something more comprehensive and accurate? Have a look at the Fluke 170 Series.