Fluke 87V vs Fluke 117: Which One Should You Buy?

Tracing a dead circuit in the garage usually starts with a meter at the panel or the outlet, checking whether voltage is present and where it stops. When the job moves from a simple outlet check to drive troubleshooting, the meter matters more. This comparison covers fluke 87v vs fluke 117, two Fluke options aimed at different work.

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Example meters

1

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke·9.7/10 Shop Score

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The Shop Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

An industrial multimeter with a 1000 V AC/DC range, peak capture, a low-pass filter and CAT III 1000V and CAT IV 600V ratings.

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Pros

• 1000 V AC/DC range stated
• Peak capture at 250 µS
• Low-pass filter for adjustable speed drives
• CAT III 1000V and CAT IV 600V safety rating

Cons

• No clamp meter included
• No carrying case stated
• No current figure stated
• No TPAK or hanging accessory stated

2

Fluke 117/323 Kit Multimeter and Clamp Meter Combo

Fluke·9.5/10 Shop Score

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The Shop Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

A multimeter and clamp meter combo kit for residential and commercial electricians, with 400 A AC clamp current and a carrying case.

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Pros

• Clamp meter plus multimeter in one kit
• 400 A AC current on the clamp meter
• Low input impedance helps prevent false readings from ghost voltage
• True RMS on both meters

Cons

• No CAT rating stated
• No peak capture figure stated
• Clamp meter voltage stated at 600 VAC and DC

Side by side

Every rating comes from the brand’s listing and is not a shop test (gathered 3 November 2026).

Choosing between fluke 87v vs fluke 117

The split is simple: the 87V example is an industrial multimeter for advanced troubleshooting, while the 117 kit is a multimeter plus a clamp meter for residential and commercial electricians. The 87V example states a 1000 V AC/DC range, peak capture and a low-pass filter. The 117 kit states a clamp meter that measures 400 A AC current and 600 VAC and DC voltage, beside a multimeter with true RMS and low input impedance.

Neither listing states the other side’s headline figure, so the comparison rests on what each listing actually publishes. The 87V listing states no clamp current and no clamp voltage. The 117 kit listing states no peak capture figure and no display counts. Treat a missing figure as unclear, not as a loss.

Voltage, current and readings

The 87V example measures up to 1000 VAC and DC, with switchable high display resolution that allows 6000 to 20,000 counts, so small changes in displayed readings stay visible. It captures intermittents as fast as 250 µS with Peak Capture, and its Fluke-designed low-pass filter gives accurate frequency measurements on adjustable speed drives.

The 117 multimeter in the kit measures AC and DC voltage as well as AC and DC amps, with true RMS for accurate measurements on non-linear loads and low input impedance to help prevent false readings due to ghost voltage. The 323 clamp meter in the same kit measures AC and DC voltage as well as AC amps, with true RMS AC voltage and current, 400 A AC current and 600 VAC and DC voltage.

On voltage alone, the two examples state different figures for different tools: 1000 V AC/DC for the 87V meter, 600 VAC and DC for the 323 clamp meter. The 117 multimeter itself states no voltage figure in this listing, so a direct meter-to-meter voltage comparison is unclear from these listings.

What each example includes

The 87V example includes TL75 leads, AC175 alligator clips and an 80BK temp probe, beside the meter itself. The 117 kit includes leads, TPAK and a carrying case, beside the 117 multimeter and the 323 clamp meter. A case is stated only for the kit, while a temp probe is stated only for the 87V example.

Safety ratings and warranty

The 87V listing states CAT III 1000V and CAT IV 600V safety ratings, plus an operating altitude of 2000 m. The 117 kit listing states no CAT rating. On warranty, the 87V listing states 10 years, while the kit listing states a 2 yr warranty on material and workmanship.

For more choices, see the best automotive multimeter for troubleshooting and the clamp meter vs multimeter comparison.

Garage Fit Check

• Check bench room for the 87V example, which measures 9.49 by 6.5 by 3.5 inches and weighs 1.3 Pounds.
• Allow case room for the 117 kit, which includes a carrying case.
• Confirm the range covers the job: the 87V example states 1000 V AC/DC, while the clamp example states 600 VAC and DC.
• Check the warranty terms before ordering: 10 years for the 87V example and 2 yr on material and workmanship for the kit.

FAQ: garage tools

Which meter suits residential electrical work?

The 117 kit is sold for residential and commercial electricians, pairing a multimeter with a clamp meter. The 87V example is sold as an industrial meter for advanced troubleshooting. For house and shop electrical work, the kit covers more jobs in one box.

Does the 87V example include a clamp meter?

No. The 87V example includes TL75 leads, AC175 alligator clips and an 80BK temp probe, but no clamp meter. The clamp meter comes with the 117 kit, as the 323 clamp meter beside the 117 multimeter.

What does the low-pass filter do on the 87V?

According to the listing, the Fluke-designed low-pass filter gives accurate frequency measurements on adjustable speed drives. No other filter detail is stated in the listing, so the filter is best judged on that stated use.

What is ghost voltage, and which example addresses it?

The 117 multimeter features low input impedance, which the listing says helps prevent false readings due to ghost voltage. The 87V listing states no such feature. The listing does not explain ghost voltage further, so the claim rests on the stated feature alone.

Which example has the longer warranty?

The 87V example states 10 years, while the 117 kit states a 2 yr warranty on material and workmanship. On stated terms alone, the 87V example carries the longer term.

Related: the analog vs digital multimeter comparison, the best automotive multimeter for beginners, and the diagnostics and electrical hub.