Fluke 179vs117
Two multimeters, compared from their makers' published US specs. Specs checked 2026-10-17.
Fluke 179
Safety rating CAT III 1,000 V, CAT IV 600 VDC voltage 1,000 VAC voltage 1,000 V
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Find 179 prices on Amazon Find 179 prices at Acme Tools Opens the retailer in a new tab; the current price is shown there. Marketplace sellers vary: check the seller and exact model.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 Acme Tools 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 179 is rated CAT III 1,000 V, CAT IV 600 V; the 117 CAT III 600 V. The lower of the meter's and the leads' ratings applies.
- Cells: the 179 uses 9 V battery; the 117 9 volt Alkaline.
- In the box: the 179 comes with 80BK Temperature Probe, Installed 9V battery, Test leads; the 117 with (1 pair) 4 mm silicone test lead set, Holster, Quick reference guide.
From the published figures only; no testing. Rated figures from different makers are not measured the same way.
Where they differ
- Safety rating: the 179 is CAT III 1,000 V, CAT IV 600 V; the 117 is CAT III 600 V.
- Fluke 179: higher AC voltage range (1,000 V vs 600 V).
- Fluke 179: higher DC voltage range (1,000 V vs 600 V).
- Fluke 179: higher resistance range (50 MΩ vs 40 MΩ).
- Fluke 179: lighter (420 g vs 550 g).
12 of 15 listed specs differ or are listed by only one maker. Stated from the published figures only; no testing.
Every published spec, side by side
| Spec | Fluke 179 | Fluke 117 |
|---|---|---|
| Safety rating (IEC 61010 CAT)Differs | CAT III 1,000 V, CAT IV 600 V | CAT III 600 V |
| DC voltage, max rangeDiffers179: +400 V (+66.7%) | 1,000 V | 600 V |
| AC voltage, max rangeDiffers179: +400 V (+66.7%) | 1,000 V | 600 V |
| AC current, max range | 10 A | 10 A |
| DC current, max range | 10 A | 10 A |
| True-RMS | Yes | Yes |
| Display resolutionOnly one listed | Not on maker page | 6,000 counts |
| Resistance, max rangeDiffers179: +10 MΩ (+25.0%) | 50 MΩ | 40 MΩ |
| Batteries (cells)Differs | 9 V battery | 9 volt Alkaline |
| WarrantyDiffers | Lifetime | 3 years |
| Capacitance, max rangeDiffers | 10,000 μF | 9,999 μF |
| Frequency, max rangeDiffers | 100 kHz | 50 kHz |
| Temperature measurementOnly one listed | -40°C / 400°C | Not on maker page |
| SizeDiffers | 43 x 90 x 185 mm | 167 x 84 x 46 mm (6.57 x 3.31 x 1.82 in) |
| WeightDiffers117: +130 g (+31.0%) | 420 g | 550 g |
"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: 179, 117. Swap either model in the compare tool. copied
Fluke 179
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 179 prices on Amazon Find 179 prices at Acme Tools Opens the retailer in a new tab; the current price is shown there. Marketplace sellers vary: check the seller and exact model.Fluke 117
Safety rating CAT III 600 VDC voltage 600 VAC voltage 600 V
Paid link: we may earn a commission.
Find 117 prices on Amazon Find 117 prices at Acme Tools 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 2026-10-17
- Fluke US product page 179, retrieved 2026-10-17
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). Found an error? Tell us.
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