Multimeters are the rare tool category where spending more money is almost always worth it — you trust these things in live circuits, and a failure isn't an inconvenience, it's a safety event. Klein's MM700 and Fluke's 117 are both legitimate professional tools in the $100–$200 range. Klein has made its name in the electrical trade; Fluke essentially invented the professional DMM market. Here's how they actually compare.
Fluke 117
Fluke 117 wins on accuracy, brand trust in live panel work, and long-term reliability; Klein MM700 wins on value for electricians who want a quality meter at a lower price.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Klein Tools MM700 | Fluke 117 |
|---|---|---|
| True RMS | Yes | Yes |
| DC Voltage Accuracy | ±0.5% | ±0.5% |
| CAT Rating | CAT III 600V / CAT IV 300V | CAT III 600V / CAT IV 300V |
| NCV Detection | Yes | Yes |
| LoZ Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Price (approx) | ~$110 | ~$165 |
True RMS and Accuracy
Both meters are True RMS — they measure AC voltage and current accurately on non-sinusoidal waveforms, which is essential when testing circuits with variable frequency drives, LED dimmers, or switching power supplies. An average-responding meter gives wrong readings in these environments.
Fluke's accuracy specification on the 117 is ±0.5% for DC voltage — industry-leading in its class. Klein's MM700 specifies ±0.5% as well on paper, but Fluke's calibration consistency and quality control has a documented track record that Klein's newer professional DMM line hasn't yet matched.
For a home inspector or DIYer, neither accuracy difference is meaningful. For an electrician troubleshooting VFD circuits or power quality issues, Fluke's track record matters.
CAT Rating and Safety
The Fluke 117 is CAT III 600V / CAT IV 300V rated — suitable for measurements at the load side of a service panel and in distribution systems. The Klein MM700 carries the same CAT III 600V / CAT IV 300V rating.
CAT ratings only matter if the meter is genuinely built to the standard — not just printed on it. Fluke's safety testing record and independent verification give the 117 more credibility in live panel environments where a failure means an arc flash.
Pro Tool Reviews and multiple electrical professional forums note that Fluke's CAT ratings are conservative and backed by rigorous manufacturing. Klein's MM700 hasn't accumulated the same depth of independent validation.
Features and Display
The Fluke 117 includes a Non-Contact Voltage (NCV) detector, auto-ranging, a large backlit display, and low-impedance LoZ mode for eliminating ghost voltages on de-energized circuits. The LoZ mode is particularly useful for electricians troubleshooting newer wiring systems where induced voltages cause false readings.
The Klein MM700 includes NCV detection, auto-ranging, low impedance mode, and a bright backlit display. The feature set is nearly identical to the Fluke 117 — Klein clearly targeted the 117 directly.
Both tools measure AC/DC voltage, current, resistance, continuity, diode, and capacitance. Side by side, the display quality and button feel are where Fluke's build quality shows most — buttons are more tactile, display is crisper.
Price and Value Proposition
The Fluke 117 retails around $155–$175. The Klein MM700 runs $100–$120. That $50–$55 premium is the entire Fluke argument — does the brand trust and manufacturing consistency justify it?
For an apprentice electrician buying their first real DMM, the Klein MM700 is an excellent choice. It's a professional-grade meter, not an overpriced toy. The features match the Fluke 117.
For a journeyman electrician working in industrial environments or high-voltage service work, the Fluke's track record is worth the extra $50. Meters don't fail often, but when they do in a live circuit, you want the one with decades of verified quality behind it.
Klein Tools MM700 Strengths
- ~$100–120 — $50 less expensive than Fluke 117 with equivalent features
- Full feature set: NCV, True RMS, LoZ mode, auto-ranging
- Strong Klein brand reputation in the electrical trade
Fluke 117 Strengths
- Decades of verified accuracy and manufacturing quality — the industry trust benchmark
- LoZ mode widely praised for eliminating ghost voltages in modern wiring diagnostics
- Fluke's safety validation record gives confidence in live panel and service work
Klein Tools MM700 Weaknesses
- Newer professional DMM line — less depth of independent validation vs Fluke
- Display and button feel slightly below Fluke's build quality standard
Fluke 117 Weaknesses
- $155–175 — $50 more than Klein for essentially the same feature set on paper
- Smaller display than some competitors in the $150+ class
Best For
- a: Apprentice electricians, HVAC techs, and serious DIYers who want professional True RMS capability at a lower price point
- b: Journeyman and master electricians working in industrial panels, service work, and high-voltage environments where measurement trust is non-negotiable
FAQ
Is True RMS really necessary for an electrician?
Yes — modern electrical systems with dimmers, VFDs, and switching power supplies produce non-sinusoidal waveforms that only True RMS meters measure accurately. An average-responding meter can be off by 20–40% on these loads.
What does LoZ mode do?
Low impedance (LoZ) mode uses a low-resistance measurement path that bleeds off induced voltages. In newly wired buildings, wires running parallel often induce phantom voltages — LoZ shows you whether a circuit is truly energized or just picking up induction from adjacent conductors.
Are there cheaper meters worth buying?
For basic continuity checking and outlet polarity testing, a $25 meter works fine. For any live circuit work, VFD diagnostics, or situations where accuracy matters, spend the money — the Klein MM700 at $110 is the minimum professional entry point.