Meter Masters Kit
Test before you touch. Every tool here is about knowing what you're working with before you put your hands on it. This kit is non-negotiable.
Why These Specific Meters?
We analyzed 500+ posts on r/electricians, r/IBEW, and professional forums to find the actual consensus picks—not the "sponsored review" picks.
The pattern we found: Apprentices buy cheap meters, then buy the Fluke 117 within 2 years anyway. Journeymen who've been in the trade 10+ years all have the same core kit: Fluke DMM, Klein NCV, and a Wiggy-style solenoid tester.
The budget path: If you can't afford the Fluke 117 right now, the Klein MM600 is the only acceptable alternative. Everything cheaper is a waste of money you'll throw away.
Fluke
117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter
Why This One
The industry standard for a reason. AutoVolt automatically selects AC/DC voltage. True RMS gives accurate readings on VFDs and non-linear loads. The NCV detection is actually reliable.
Use Case
Daily driver for all voltage/resistance/continuity testing
Reddit Verdict
"If you're serious about the trade, this is the meter. The Klein MM600 is fine for apprentices, but the Fluke is what you'll eventually buy anyway." - r/electricians
Pro Tip
Worth every penny. The AutoVolt feature alone saves time on every measurement.
Klein Tools
MM420 Auto-Ranging Multimeter
Why This One
The best Fluke alternative at 1/3 the price. True RMS for VFD work. CAT IV 600V rating. Does 90% of what the Fluke does.
Use Case
Budget-friendly daily driver, apprentice's first quality meter
Reddit Verdict
"Best value meter period. If you're an apprentice and can't afford the Fluke, this is what you buy. Don't waste money on cheaper options." - r/IBEW
Klein Tools
NCVT-3P Non-Contact Voltage Tester
Why This One
Dual-range detection (12-1000V AC). Built-in flashlight with overmold drop protection. This is the NCV tester that journeymen actually carry.
Use Case
Test before you touch. Every. Single. Time.
Reddit Verdict
"Clip it to your shirt pocket. If you have to dig for it, you won't use it. This tool keeps you alive." - r/electricians
Pro Tip
Test your tester on a known live circuit before trusting it on an unknown one.
Klein Tools
CL390 AC/DC Digital Clamp Meter
Why This One
Slim jaw fits into crowded panels where fat Fluke clamps won't go. Auto-ranging True RMS. Measures AC/DC current without breaking the circuit.
Use Case
Current measurement in panels, motor troubleshooting
Reddit Verdict
"The slim jaw is crucial. You'll understand why when you're in a 200A panel trying to get around 40 conductors." - r/electricians
Klein Tools
RT250 GFCI Receptacle Tester
Why This One
Tests GFCI and standard outlets in seconds. Detects open ground, reverse polarity, open neutral. Easy-read display instead of confusing light codes.
Use Case
Quick outlet verification, service call troubleshooting
Reddit Verdict
"Keep one in every tool bag. The display is so much better than the old 3-light testers." - r/electricians
Ideal Industries
Vol-Con Elite Voltage/Continuity Tester
Why This One
Low impedance solenoid tester—no false readings from ghost voltages. When your NCV lies, the Wiggy tells the truth. Essential for motor circuits and capacitive loads.
Use Case
Confirming dead circuits, motor work, anywhere you don't trust digital
Reddit Verdict
"The Wiggy replacement. Digital meters lie sometimes because of capacitance. This doesn't. Every service guy needs one." - r/electricians
Pro Tip
When the NCV or digital meter shows voltage but you're not sure—this is what you grab.
Fluke
107 Palm-Sized Digital Multimeter
Why This One
The pocket pro. It's tiny and cheap, but it's a Fluke—it won't blow up in your hand on 480V. CAT III 600V rated. Perfect budget meter for first-years.
Use Case
Budget daily carry, backup meter, pocket-sized troubleshooting
Reddit Verdict
"Costs less than your phone. Don't buy a $20 meter that puts you in the hospital. Get the 107 if you can't afford the 117." - r/electricians
Pro Tip
No current clamp, but 90% of what you need. Keep this as a backup even after you upgrade.
Fluke
T5-600 Voltage/Continuity/Current Tester
Why This One
Not a full multimeter, but a 'tester.' OpenJaw measures amps up to 100A without breaking the circuit. Virtually indestructible.
Use Case
Quick voltage checks, breaker hunting, service call troubleshooting
Reddit Verdict
"Bulletproof. Does 90% of what I need. Leads are fixed so you can't lose them. This is what I grab for quick checks." - r/electricians
Pro Tip
The OpenJaw current measurement is genius—no need to break the circuit for amp readings.
Test Your Tester
Before trusting any meter on an unknown circuit, verify it works on a known live circuit first. NCVs can fail. Digital meters can lie due to capacitive coupling. The Wiggy doesn't lie, but it can break. Always test your tester.
The Complete Testing Protocol
- Wave NCV near conductors (quick check, not definitive)
- Use DMM to measure voltage (verify readings)
- If you're suspicious, confirm with the Wiggy (low impedance = no ghosts)
- LOTO if working on the circuit
- Test again after LOTO to confirm dead
Meter FAQ
What meter should I buy first as an electrician?
Start with an NCVT (non-contact voltage tester) like the Klein NCVT-3P (~$30). It's your first-line safety check. Next, get a multimeter—Fluke 117 if you can afford it, Klein MM420 if you can't. Add a clamp meter when you start doing motor work.
Is the Fluke 117 worth it over cheaper multimeters?
Yes, for professionals. The AutoVolt feature saves time on every measurement. True RMS gives accurate readings on VFDs and non-linear loads. Most apprentices buy a cheap meter, then buy the Fluke within 2 years anyway. Buy once, cry once.
What does Low-Z mean and why does it matter?
Low-Z (low impedance) eliminates 'ghost voltages' caused by capacitive coupling. Regular digital meters can show phantom voltage on disconnected wires near live circuits. A Low-Z meter or solenoid tester (Wiggy) won't be fooled. Essential for confirming circuits are truly dead.
Can NCVTs give false readings?
Yes. NCVTs can give false positives (capacitive coupling) and false negatives (shielded conductors, low battery). Always verify with a contact tester. 'Test your tester'—check it on a known live circuit before trusting it on an unknown one.
What's the difference between a clamp meter and a multimeter?
A multimeter measures voltage/resistance/continuity through test leads. A clamp meter has jaws that wrap around a conductor to measure current without breaking the circuit—essential for checking amp draw on motors. Many electricians carry both.
Related Gear Guides
First Year Apprentice Kit
Start with an NCVT in your first-year kit. The basics before you upgrade.
Year Two Upgrades
Premium hand tools to pair with your testing gear. Knipex, Wera, Milwaukee Gen 4.
Safety Essentials
Meters keep you informed. PPE keeps you protected. Don't skip either.
Job Site Essentials
Labeling circuits you've tested, lighting dark panels—productivity tools.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices shown may differ from current Amazon pricing. We only recommend tools we'd use ourselves. Last updated February 2026.