Fluke 115 Multimeter Review

fluke-115

Editor Rating: 4.8/5

Excellent

Fluke 115 Multimeter

Reviewed by: Timothy Henderson

Published on: March 1, 2017

Last modified: Jul 12, 2023 @ 10:17 am

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Fluke 115 Review Summary:

If you’re looking for an affordable multimeter with a set of useful functions for a car, the Fluke 115 might be the answer. Many manufacturers offer a lot of different models of multimeters, and it’s pretty hard to choose the right one. However, if you take a moment and read our reviews, you’ll get a better insight into the features and usefulness of many models, and that information could help you to make the right choice. Most of these units don’t differ much when it comes to additional features; however, there are some slight differences which deserve to be mentioned.

Everyone should own at least one because it’s a quite useful automotive multimeter tool . The best thing about modern multimeters is that they are user-friendly. It means that you’re going to get a hold of it even if you never had a chance to use a multimeter.

Fluke 115 – The Basics


As far as this particular multimeter goes, the manufacturer did a great job regarding the design and features as well. However, the main thing about this unit is its portability. It’s a good multimeter with a nice number of additional functions which make it worth checking out.

The True RMS feature offers accurate and precise readings at all times. It has a big digital display which is illuminated with bright LED lights so that you can use it in dim conditions as well. As far as the capabilities go, it’s not much different from many other instruments in this category. Therefore, it can measure capacitance, frequency, continuity, and efficiency.

Even professional electricians find this unit useful because it’s great for field work. It uses a 9V battery; it’s small and fits your pocket. It’s very easy to get it out of your pocket, conduct a measurement, and put it away in an instant, instead of dragging a clunky instrument in your toolbox. On the other hand, the DIY enthusiasts benefit from its simplicity and ease of use.

Fluke 115 measuring

Fluke 115 Features


True RMS


As we said, the True RMS technology offers accurate and precise readings under unfavorable conditions. The technology works on a pretty simple concept. By having the ability to read AC sinusoidal as well as non-sinusoidal waves, it calculates the equivalent DC value of an AC wave. Therefore, the meters that don’t have the True RMS technology tend to display inaccurate data and false readings. People who need this technology the most are individuals who repair or diagnose PC circuits, HVAC applications, electronic ballasts, and more. As you can see, the technology greatly helps with troubleshooting or reading sensitive electronics.

Data hold


The data hold option is especially useful in situations when you can’t immediately write down the readings or remember the values. To avoid losing your data, press the “hold” button on the multimeter and the unit will store your readings until you conduct a new one. It might seem irrelevant, but the data hold option is what makes or breaks a multimeter. Professionals seem to like this feature a lot as it alleviates the use and saves a lot of time and effort.

The display


The big 6000-count backlit screen is easy to read from any angle. It’s important because many LCDs lose contrast under a particular angle and it’s quite hard to read the symbols. However, thanks to the modern technology, the Fluke 115 features a crystal-clear LCD which performs exceptionally well, even in dark conditions.

Auto power off


People often forget to turn off their instrument after use, and it leads to unpleasant surprises. Professional electricians who often use their multimeter appreciate this battery-saving option because it saves a lot of effort, time, and most importantly – money. The device will turn itself off after 15 minutes of inactivity.

Auto ranging


People who benefit from this option are beginners and those who don’t have a lot of experience with digital multimeters. It’s useful because you don’t have to set the range and potentially damage the instrument. Instead, the unit does that for you. Also, if you don’t set a proper mode, you’ll get an audible warning.

Low battery indicator


This function may seem irrelevant, just like the auto power off option. However, a lot of people appreciate an audible warning when the battery is low. Also, many modern multimeters don’t have a low battery indicator, and that can be a burden, especially in urgent situations.

Who Can Use The Fluke 115 Multimeter?


Even though it can be used both by professionals and beginners, it works best for people who aren’t engaged with analyzing electricity related data on a daily basis. In simpler words, if you’re looking for a high-end instrument with great precision, you might check something else out. Although it might not be suitable for hardcore professionals, it still packs a good number of useful features.

Quick readings and field work are trademarks of the Fluke 115. So, if you’re often “on the road” and you don’t want to drag a heavy instrument in your toolbox, feel free to check this one out, it fits in the palm of your hand, and it performs well.

Fluke 115 review

Pros:

N

Affordable

N

Portable and small

N

Lightweight

N

Big display

N

Accurate and precise

Cons:

N

Questionable error scale

N

The backlight could stay on a bit longer

What we didn’t like about this product


Although it’s a good product, it doesn’t come without a few disadvantages. However, all of these cons are pretty minor, and usually easily solvable.

The first thing people get frustrated about is the lack of an mA and uA range. The error scale is also slightly rough at around +/- 4mA which can get pretty unreliable if the readings go as low as 0.001A.

A lot of users complained about not getting the test leads with the instrument. Whether it’s due to company’s negligence or it’s affected by poor shipping, we don’t know, but it’s worth mentioning. However, if you happen to get a product without a user manual or test leads, feel free to contact their customer support, and they will be more than happy to help you with the issue.

Although it has an ergonomic design, it lacks a little bit of weight. People don’t like light tools because the lack of weight is a characteristic of poor quality. However, don’t get troubled by the light weight, look at it as a benefit. You can rest assured that it will perform as advertised.

The last thing that could be better is the test leads. Although they also perform on an expected level, they look unusually thin and unreliable. Bear in mind; this observation is of aesthetic nature; the performance is not affected by the thickness of the leads.

Fluke 115 use

Fluke 115 True RMS FAQs

Is the Fluke 115 hard to use?

Not at all. If you’re a professional, you won’t have an issue with it. Also, if you’re a DIY enthusiast, you’ll get a hold of it quickly, as long as you follow the user manual.

Is the Fluke 115 made in the USA?

No, it is designed in the US. However, Fluke has manufacturing plants all over the world, and all of them produce high-quality merchandise.

Does it come with a calibration certificate?

Companies usually don’t issue certificates like these. However, you can ask for a certificate from Fluke for an additional fee.

What is included in the box?

You’ll get a pair of test leads, a user manual, and the Fluke 115.

Can I measure temperature with this unit?

No, you can’t. Even if you buy a separate probe, the unit doesn’t have a temperature testing option.

What Users Say About The Fluke 115


People like the versatility of Fluke 115. It offers a good set of additional features and general capabilities. The manufacturer is well-known for making quality and sturdy units, and this one isn’t any different. One thing that separates this sensitive instrument from the others is the affordable price. Although it packs a lot of auxiliary options, it comes at a surprising price, especially for people who are on a tight budget.

Amazon users have also been generous toward the Fluke 115. It holds a 4.8-star rating, which is impressive. Even if you don’t know a thing about it, the great 4.8-star rating is more than enough proof of quality and precision. This multimeter has only a few negative reviews, and those are mainly because of poor shipping or rare defective units.

Conclusion


If you recognized the Fluke 115 as a multimeter worth purchasing, you’re on the right track. Although it has a few minor downsides, the usefulness of its features overcomes these minor negative aspects. The model we’ve tested performed exceptionally and with high precision. A lot of people fear that it comes from the cheap Asian market; however, that’s a wrong assumption. It may not be designed in the United States, but Fluke has a lot of branches across Europe and other markets which also produce high-quality products.

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