Fluke 115 / 117 vs Brymen BM235/BM786/121GW – Which Multimeter Should I Choose? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: nerone
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 16, 2024, 08:49:38 pm
content: Dear EEVblog forum,I've been using a Fluke 12 for everyday small electronics troubleshooting and occasional AC 230V work at home. It's been incredibly reliable, but it's starting to show its age. I'm now considering upgrading to the Fluke 115, which is available here in Sweden for around $286 & Fluke 117 for arround $367. However, it feels a bit pricey compared to the Brymen options.From what I understand, the Fluke 115 & 117 is an entry-level model from Fluke, manufactured in China. Is it worth the cost?How does it stack up against the Fluke 117, Brymen BM235, BM786, or the 121GW?I'd appreciate your thoughts!

author: BeBuLamar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2024, 09:39:18 pm
content: I've seen a number of Fluke 115 and 117 and they were made in Malaysia and not China. I actually like the Fluke 12 very much. I got a Fluke 113 and I thought it should be about as good as the Fluke 12 but it's not.

author: eeproks
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 16, 2024, 10:05:33 pm
content: How exactly is it worse? Serious question.

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2024, 04:58:15 am
content: Looking at some eBay listings, it seems older Fluke 115/117 units from 10+ years ago were made in China, but around 2019 and newer appear to be Malaysia. There are also "C" models, such as the 117C which appear to be exclusively for the Asian or Chinese market and most likely are made in China.However, the 115 and 117 are very basic, low-end DMMs for the prices you listed in Sweden. So probably there are import fees at play and another manufacturer like Brymen might be better.The prices at Welectron look pretty good, with free shipping to Sweden:https://www.welectron.com/navi.php?qs=eevblog(Are there other fees involved??)I vote BM235 for budget option, BM786 for something a bit more decked out (I'd suggest the BM789 instead of the BM786).The 121GW is an odd beastie; probably better suited for enthusiasts as the reasons for getting one can be a bit complex.

author: BeBuLamar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2024, 11:47:26 am
content: Quote from: eeproks on December 16, 2024, 10:05:33 pmIf you read the specs of the 113 it doesn't have a normal voltage measurement. It has 1 setting which measures both AC and DC as well as coninuity. So often with low voltage the meter doesn't switch over to measure voltage. From time to time when I check the output of a battery it doesn't read. Strangely it might give me a reading when I reverse the leads. So it's not reliable. I thought it would be a good unit for people who doesn't know much about electricity but actually it causes a lot of confusion.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2024, 03:33:05 pm
content: Flukes are Flukes no matter where they're made. The quality is the same.At the individual level they're not good value for money compared to Brymen though. You'd need averygood reason to buy a Fluke if you're in a position to choose freely between the two brands.Given the little you've said so far: I'd say theBM235is a good fit.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2024, 03:43:01 pm
content: Quote from: BeBuLamar on December 17, 2024, 11:47:26 amWhat's the lowest DC voltage it can read? I can't find it in the manual (weird forFluketo leave that out).I have a fully automatic Aneng and it can't measure below 0.8V but that's still good enough for batteries. I'd have though the Fluke would be similar.