Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter vs KORAD KA3005P Programmable DC Power Supply
Head-to-head spec comparison to help you pick the right supply for your needs.
Fluke
$189
KORAD
$89
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Spec | Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter | KORAD KA3005P Programmable DC Power Supply |
|---|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 0 V | 30 V |
| Max Current | 0 A | 5 A |
| Load Regulation | 0 % | 0.01 % |
| Ripple & Noise | 0 mV | 5 mV |
| Programmable | No | Yes |
| Channels | 1 | 1 |
| Display | 6000-count backlit LCD | 4-digit LED |
| Interface | None | USB + RS-232 |
| Price | $189 | $89 |
| Rating | 9.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Pros & Cons
Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter
Pros
- True RMS AC measurement accurate on variable-frequency drives, switch-mode supplies, and non-sinusoidal loads
- VoltAlert non-contact voltage detection built in — no accessory swap needed for quick wire tracing
- AutoVolt automatically selects AC/DC — eliminates mode errors during fast troubleshooting
- CAT III 600V / CAT IV 300V safety rating; meets IEC 61010 for industrial environments
- Backlit display readable in dim equipment racks and junction boxes
Cons
- No PC interface (USB or Bluetooth) — logging requires manual transcription or a separate logger
- Banana jack spacing is Fluke-proprietary; third-party leads with recessed plugs may not seat fully
- Resolution is 6000 counts — acceptable for most work but a 20000-count meter reads finer increments
- Price premium over equivalent-spec Uni-T or Klein meters is real; justified by build quality and support life
KORAD KA3005P Programmable DC Power Supply
Pros
- 30V / 5A range covers virtually every hobbyist DC project without requiring a second supply
- USB and RS-232 PC control via SCPI commands — rare at this price point, enables scripted test automation
- 4-digit V/A display with coarse + fine adjustment knobs; panel feels like a real instrument
- CC (constant-current) mode actively limits current and protects components under test
- Stable load regulation — bench-tested at <0.01% + 3mV typical under moderate load
Cons
- Fan noise is audible at medium load — not suitable for quiet audio bench work
- USB driver setup on Windows 10/11 requires manual INF install; not plug-and-play
- Output terminals accept banana plugs only — no binding-post adapters included
- Ripple measured at ~5mV typical, acceptable for digital work but too high for sensitive RF circuits
Our Verdicts
Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter
The Fluke 117 is the most-recommended mid-range multimeter in r/electronics for one reason: it works correctly on real-world signals. The True RMS on non-sinusoidal loads is genuinely useful, not a spec-sheet checkbox. If budget is tight, a Uni-T UT61E covers 80% of use cases at 40% of the price — but Flukes outlast careers.
KORAD KA3005P Programmable DC Power Supply
The KA3005P is the go-to first bench supply for electronics hobbyists. PC control via SCPI at under $100 is genuinely unusual. The fan noise and ripple keep it out of audio/RF labs, but for Arduino, embedded, and general repair work it earns its bench space.