Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter - Review

Whether you are an electrician on the job or an electronics enthusiast, the ability to combine several different measurement functions into one machine is a great way to get the information that you need as quickly as possible. If you think that all multimeters are created equal, then you are gravely mistaken.

For the use of electricians, one meter has really struck me as a great choice: the Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter. It is manufactured by one of the most recognizable companies in the industry - Fluke. Most electricians are already familiar and comfortable with Fluke products.

The Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter has several elements that really stood out to me.

• Improved battery use 
• Solid construction 
• Great Features 
• Length of Warranty 

Battery

First, let's take a look at the battery of the Fluke 117 Multimeter.  If you have used many multimeters, then you have surely come across models that use two AA batteries. You've probably noticed that these models tend to be cheaper and less reliable. Higher quality meters such as the Fluke 117 use a 9V battery. Even though the 117 is not the only Fluke meter to use a 9V battery, there are some great improvements on this model.

The first improvement is that the metal battery contacts are mounted directly to the circuitry inside. This means that you will not have to worry about your contacts going bad - the solid craftsmanship will ensure long life. Also, the battery is incredibly easy to replace. If you have used Fluke multimeters before, then you have surely noticed that most models require you to take off the entire back cover to replace the battery. The 117 only requires you to remove the tilt stand. The battery is neatly hidden in the back of the tilt stand.

Also, let's not forget that the 117 is rated at a 400 hour battery life. This means that you will not have to worry about replacing the battery often.

Construction

Quality of construction in multimeters really runs the gamut. With the Fluke 117, you will be on the higher end as far as construction goes. The meter is designed for durability, which you can see just by looking at the unit. It is constructed of sturdy plastic and covered with a rubber holster for extra protection.

The design is quite ergonomic - the meter is curved to fit comfortably in your hand. A great feature of the design is the range switch, which can be operated with the thumb of the hand that is holding the meter. This makes switching between functions a snap.

If you take a look inside the Fluke 117 multimeter, then you will get a better idea of its sound construction. All of the components are well separated and well mounted. The high rupture capacity fuse and the thick film resistor network are even separated from other components by a thick plastic wall. This will help ensure your safety in the event of a fuse blow.

Features

Many users have commented that they really enjoy the non-contact voltage detection, while others appreciate the low impedance which reduces the chance of false readings due to any ghost voltage (a common problem since the rise of digital multimeters). You will also enjoy the built in back-light on the digital screen. If you find yourself in low light situations, then you can flip on this back-light so you can easily read all of the important measurements.

As implied by it's name, this particular multimeter seems to be best suited for electricians. The meter does not concern itself with milliamps(mA) or microamps(uA). So, if you will not be needing it for these applications, you'll not be bothered with these readings.

How long is the warranty?

Fluke offers a three year limited warranty on the Fluke 117. This covers workmanship and materials of the product. If you need service during the warranty period, you can just stop by an authorized dealer or service center.

What are real customers saying about the Fluke 117?

I have found many positive reviews of this meter. It did not take me long to find comments like these...

"This Fluke Multimeter was a wonderful purchase. I couldn't be happier."

"Best bang for the buck meter out there!"

"Fluke consistently makes top notch, quality products."

"You will not be sorry if you buy this meter."

Most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, but as with any product, there will always be a few negative comments or complaints.  After reading many real user reviews I found that some users thought that the background on the digital display was a little darker than some other Fluke models. This has caused a few people to complain that it is sometimes difficult to read the digits in low lighting conditions.

However, the trade off for this problem is the incredibly long 400 hour battery life. If you find yourself in a situation where the digits are hard to make out, you can always use the built in back-light.

You can read more customer reviews here.

Where can you find your own Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter?

A few final words

So, if you find that you're in the market for a new multimeter, read some real user reviews at Amazon.com and I'm sure that you will be impressed with the Fluke 117 like I am. It has some great benefits and features at a great price.