The Fluke 115 True RMS Digital Multimeter is a compact, rugged, accurate and reliable instrument. It is independently rated for the CE, IEN61010-1 CAT III 600 volt standard, intended to improve safety for technicians working on buses, three phase systems, motor controls, load centers and distribution panels with as much as 600 volts applied. In these environments, transient protection is important due to the current supplied by these circuits as technicians can be injured by an arc over. This multimeter will withstand a 6kV peak.

Fluke warns that this model is not recommended for use near explosive gas or vapor, and should not be used in damp or wet environments.

Fluke supplies this meter with a yellow holster, 4mm silicone test leads, a battery and a user’s manual. Additional PDF manuals can be downloaded from the Fluke website.

The meter has a rounded shape that fits well in the hand. The yellow outer cover provides some impact protection and is equipped with a folding leg that allows the meter to stand upright. Functions are selected through a large rotary switch. The 4 and one-half digit display has a back light for use under dim conditions. The meter operates from a 9 volt battery conveniently located under a small door, and unlike some other meters, doesn’t require the back to be removed for battery replacement. Typical battery life is approximately 400 hours. To prolong the battery, the meter will enter sleep mode after 20 minutes.

The Fluke 115 reads DC voltages with 0.5% accuracy. AC voltages have 1% accuracy, and resistance measurements have 5% accuracy. Currents can be measured with 1.5% accuracy and the amps input is protected by an 11 amp fuse.

In addition to the standard volt, ohms and amperage functions, this dmm ultimeter measures capacitance from one nano farad up to 9999 micro farads. It can detect frequencies up to 50KHz, a handy feature for trouble shooting pulse width modulated power supplies. The meter records minimum, maximum and average voltages with the capability of detecting transients as short as 1 millisecond. In the recording mode, the meter can be left unattended to detect intermittents.

This meter is more costly than some competing models, and some users may have difficulty reading the display or the manual. The user’s manual assumes the reader understands basic electronic terms and troubleshooting, and does not offer explanations of those concepts. Also, while this meter reads the usual volts, ohms and amps in very wide ranges, its capability to measure both frequency and capacitance are limited.

Like many other meters, Fluke 115 has a beeper that warns of improper test lead insertion. The beeper also serves to provide an audible continuity detector that triggers on short or open circuits of 500 micro seconds or longer. It also sounds in the recording mode when a new high or low voltage is detected.

You may find fluke multimeters for sale at Amazon and Ebay.

Some have “Linkoln Tech” label. These are standard Fluke 115 multimeters that have been private-labeled for Lincoln Technical Institute. There are no changes in features or specifications. Price varies from to 115$ to 157$. Also you can buy additional accessories such as case(holster).