Head-to-Head Spec Duel · /trades
Fluke 87V Industrial vs Fluke 117 Electrician True-RMS Multimeter — CAT IV 600V Duel
Which meter belongs in your toolbag for commercial 480V 3-phase VFD panels vs residential/light-commercial troubleshooting?
98
Fluke 87V Industrial Multimeter
CAT III 1000V / CAT IV 600V • VFD Low-Pass Filter • 0.05% DC Accuracy • Temp Probe
Est. Street/MSRP ~$479
VS
94
Fluke 117 Electricians Multimeter
CAT III 600V • AutoVolt LoZ Ghost-Voltage Elimination • VoltAlert Non-Contact
Est. Street/MSRP ~$269
| Technical Specification Metric | Fluke 87V Industrial Multimeter | Fluke 117 Electricians Multimeter | Real-World Fitment Impact | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IEC 61010 Overvoltage Category Rating | CAT IV 600V / CAT III 1000V (8kV Surge) | CAT III 600V (6kV Surge) | Utility service entrances and outdoor feeders require CAT IV 600V arc-flash protection | 87V Required for Service Entrance ✓ |
| Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Harmonic Filter | Dedicated Low-Pass VFD Button | Standard True-RMS Only | Commercial HVAC/chiller VFDs cause false voltage readings without a low-pass filter | 87V Locks True VFD Output ✓ |