Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter vs Pomona 5069 Deluxe Banana Plug Test Lead Set
Head-to-head spec comparison to help you pick the right supply for your needs.
Fluke
$189
Pomona
$38
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Spec | Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter | Pomona 5069 Deluxe Banana Plug Test Lead Set |
|---|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 0 V | 0 V |
| Max Current | 0 A | 30 A |
| Load Regulation | 0 % | 0 % |
| Ripple & Noise | 0 mV | 0 mV |
| Programmable | No | No |
| Channels | 1 | 2 |
| Display | 6000-count backlit LCD | N/A |
| Interface | None | 4mm banana plug |
| Price | $189 | $38 |
| Rating | 9.0/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 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
Pomona 5069 Deluxe Banana Plug Test Lead Set
Pros
- Silicone-insulated leads rated to 30A / 1000V — handles high-current bench work without insulation creep
- Standard 4mm banana plugs fit virtually every bench supply and multimeter without adapter hassle
- Color-coded red/black with shrouded plugs for CAT III safety compliance
- Flexible at low temperatures — silicone doesn't stiffen in cold garages or poorly heated labs
- Repeat-purchase anchor: quality leads outlast three sets of cheap alternatives
Cons
- No alligator clips or probe tips included — a complete lead kit requires separate accessories
- Silicone insulation picks up dust and debris more readily than PVC; wipe down periodically
- Higher price than budget sets from untested brands
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.
Pomona 5069 Deluxe Banana Plug Test Lead Set
Test leads are the most overlooked bench consumable. Cheap leads introduce contact resistance that corrupts measurements. The Pomona 5069 is the standard recommendation in r/electronics precisely because the banana plug fit is reliable and the silicone insulation lasts.