Fluke 117vs87V
Two multimeters, compared from their makers' published US specs. Specs checked 2026-10-18.
Comparing the Fluke 117 (MULTIMETER) and Fluke 87V (MULTIMETER) : across 13 specs published for both models, 7 differ and 6 match, while 2 specs are published by only one maker and not assumed for the other. Key distinction: Safety rating: the 117 is CAT III 600 V; the 87V is CAT III 1,000 V, CAT IV 600 V. All figures are from published US manufacturer specs and operator manuals, not hands-on testing.
Fluke 117
Safety rating CAT III 600 VDC voltage 600 VAC voltage 600 V
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Find 117 prices on Amazon Find 117 prices at eBay Opens the retailer in a new tab; the current price is shown there. Marketplace sellers vary: check the seller and exact model.Fluke 87V
Safety rating CAT III 1,000 V, CAT IV 600 VDC voltage 1,000 VAC voltage 1,000 V
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Find 87V prices on Amazon Find 87V prices at eBay Opens the retailer in a new tab; the current price is shown there. Marketplace sellers vary: check the seller and exact model.How to choose between them
- Working at the service entrance or on utility feeds needs a CAT IV rating; panels and feeders CAT III. The 117 is rated CAT III 600 V; the 87V CAT III 1,000 V, CAT IV 600 V. The lower of the meter's and the leads' ratings applies.
- Cells: the 117 uses 9 volt Alkaline; the 87V 9 V Battery.
- In the box: the 117 comes with (1 pair) 4 mm silicone test lead set, Holster, Quick reference guide; the 87V with TL75 Test Leads (TL175 Eur), AC175 Alligator Clips, Holster with tilt-leg, test lead storage.
From the published figures only; no testing. Rated figures from different makers are not measured the same way.
Where they differ
- Safety rating: the 117 is CAT III 600 V; the 87V is CAT III 1,000 V, CAT IV 600 V.
- Fluke 87V: higher AC voltage range (1,000 V vs 600 V).
- Fluke 87V: higher DC voltage range (1,000 V vs 600 V).
- Fluke 87V: higher resistance range (50 MΩ vs 40 MΩ).
- Fluke 87V: higher frequency range (200 kHz vs 50 kHz).
7 verified spec differences across 13 specs published for both models (2 specs are listed by only one maker). Stated from the published figures only; no testing.
What they share
- Same tool category: both are multimeters.
- Matching published specs: AC current, max range: 10 A; DC current, max range: 10 A; True-RMS: Yes; Display resolution: 6,000 counts; Batteries: 9 volt Alkaline; Capacitance, max range: 9,999 μF.
Published by only one maker (data gaps)
- Weight: 117 lists 550 g; not listed on 87V's US maker page.
- Temperature measurement: 87V lists -200.0 °C to 1,090 °C (-328.0 °F to 1994.0 °F); not listed on 117's US maker page.
A missing value means the manufacturer page does not publish that figure; we never guess or count an unstated spec as a verified difference.
Every published spec, side by side
| Spec | Fluke 117 | Fluke 87V |
|---|---|---|
| Safety rating (IEC 61010 CAT)Differs | CAT III 600 V | CAT III 1,000 V, CAT IV 600 V |
| DC voltage, max rangeDiffers87V: +400 V (+66.7%) | 600 V | 1,000 V |
| AC voltage, max rangeDiffers87V: +400 V (+66.7%) | 600 V | 1,000 V |
| AC current, max range | 10 A | 10 A |
| DC current, max range | 10 A | 10 A |
| True-RMS | Yes | Yes |
| Display resolution | 6,000 counts | 6,000 counts |
| Resistance, max rangeDiffers87V: +10 MΩ (+25.0%) | 40 MΩ | 50 MΩ |
| Batteries (cells) | 9 volt Alkaline | 9 V Battery |
| WarrantyDiffers | 3 years | Lifetime |
| Capacitance, max range | 9,999 μF | 9,999 μF |
| Frequency, max rangeDiffers87V: +150 kHz (+300.0%) | 50 kHz | 200 kHz |
| SizeDiffers | 167 x 84 x 46 mm (6.57 x 3.31 x 1.82 in) | 201 x 98 x 52 mm (with holster) |
| WeightOnly one listed | 550 g | Not on maker page |
| Temperature measurementOnly one listed | Not on maker page | -200.0 °C to 1,090 °C (-328.0 °F to 1994.0 °F) |
"Differs" marks different published values; pure formatting is not counted. "Only one listed" marks a spec only one maker page gives. Box contents, owner ratings, manuals and sources are on each model's own page: 117, 87V. Swap either model in the compare tool. copied copied
Fluke 117
Safety rating CAT III 600 VDC voltage 600 VAC voltage 600 V
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Find 117 prices on Amazon Find 117 prices at eBay Opens the retailer in a new tab; the current price is shown there. Marketplace sellers vary: check the seller and exact model.Fluke 87V
Safety rating CAT III 1,000 V, CAT IV 600 VDC voltage 1,000 VAC voltage 1,000 V
Paid link: we may earn a commission.
Find 87V prices on Amazon Find 87V prices at eBay Opens the retailer in a new tab; the current price is shown there. Marketplace sellers vary: check the seller and exact model.Sources
- Fluke US product page 117, retrieved 2026-10-18
- Fluke US product page 87V, retrieved 2026-10-18
Spotted a wrong number? Report a spec error (opens an email with both models filled in). We re-check against the makers' pages and correct the page.
Researched by Rob, licensed electrician (Australia), 18 years on the tools. Found an error? Tell us.
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