Fluke vs Megger

Fluke and Megger are the two most recognised names in electrical test instruments among UK electricians. Both brands produce multifunction testers that comply with BS EN 61557 and are capable of performing all the tests required by BS 7671. The question of which is "better" is one of the most debated topics in the trade — the answer depends entirely on what you value most in a testing instrument.

Megger is a British company headquartered in Dover, with a history dating back to 1889 when they invented the first hand-cranked insulation tester (the original "Megger"). They have deep roots in the UK electrical industry and the largest UK service and calibration network of any test equipment manufacturer. Fluke is an American company (now part of Fortive Corporation) with a global reputation for precision-engineered test and measurement instruments used across multiple industries worldwide.

This comparison focuses on the current flagship models from each brand — the Fluke 1664FC and the Megger MFT1845. Both are designed for professional electricians carrying out initial verification and periodic inspection under BS 7671:2018+A4:2026. We also reference the Megger MFT1741 (Megger's mid-range model) where relevant, as it remains popular with many electricians.

The Fluke 1664FC and Megger MFT1845 represent the premium tier of multifunction testers from each manufacturer. Both instruments perform all the tests required for BS 7671 compliance: continuity, insulation resistance, loop impedance (including no-trip mode), RCD testing (trip time and trip current), and earth fault loop impedance.

Both instruments offer no-trip loop impedance mode — essential for testing circuits protected by RCDs without causing nuisance tripping. The Megger MFT1845 includes half-rated (1/2x In) RCD testing as standard, which verifies that the RCD does not trip below its rated sensitivity — a requirement that some RCD types can fail on aged devices. The Fluke 1664FC does not include 1/2x In testing.

Megger also produces the MFT1741, which is their mid-range model with a monochrome display and USB data download (no Bluetooth). The MFT1741 typically costs £900 to £1,200 and remains a popular choice for electricians who do not need the premium features of the MFT1845.

The Megger MFT1845 and Fluke 1664FC occupy a similar premium price bracket, though pricing varies by retailer and kit configuration. Both brands offer starter kits that bundle the MFT with a clamp meter, voltage indicator, proving unit, test leads, and carry case — these kits typically save £100 to £200 compared to buying each instrument separately.

For electricians on a budget, the Megger MFT1741 offers the best overall value — it performs every BS 7671 test, costs less than either flagship, and has Megger's 3-year warranty and extensive UK support network. For electricians who want the premium experience with Bluetooth, colour display, and maximum data storage, the Megger MFT1845 is the leading option. For electricians who prioritise build quality and drop-test performance above all else, the Fluke 1664FC remains the benchmark.

Factor in ongoing costs: calibration (£80 to £130 per year), test lead replacement (£20 to £40 per set), and battery costs (approximately £30 to £50 per year for heavy use). These ongoing costs are similar for both brands. Both instruments are available from major electrical wholesalers (CEF, Rexel, Edmundson) and online retailers (RS Components, Rapid, CPC).

Both instruments must be calibrated annually by a UKAS-accredited laboratory. This is the industry-standard interval required by all major competent person scheme providers (NICEIC, NAPIT, ELECSA, STROMA). Using an instrument with expired calibration invalidates your test results and can lead to scheme sanctions.

Megger offers a 3-year warranty on the MFT1845 as standard, which is industry-leading. Fluke offers a 1-year standard warranty with optional extended warranty packages available at additional cost. The Megger warranty alone can save several hundred pounds over the life of the instrument — factor this into your total cost of ownership calculation.

Track calibration expiry automatically

Elec-Mate stores your instrument details (make, model, serial number, calibration date) and alerts you before calibration expires.

Try it free for 7 days

User experience is subjective, but there are consistent themes from electrician feedback on both instruments. Megger users consistently praise the speed of testing, the colour display readability, and the intuitive rotary dial that maps directly to BS 7671 test types (continuity, IR, loop, RCD). The Megger interface feels purpose-built for UK electrical testing — test function names match exactly what appears on schedule of test results forms.

Fluke users consistently praise the build quality ("it feels like it will last forever"), the precision of readings, and the Fluke Connect ecosystem for reviewing measurements on your phone. Fluke instruments have a premium, solid feel that reflects the premium price — the rotary switch clicks firmly, the case feels indestructible, and the display is crisp even at awkward viewing angles.

In terms of learning curve, both instruments are straightforward for anyone who has completed a City and Guilds 2391 inspection and testing course. If you trained on a Megger (which is more common in UK training centres), you may find the Megger more immediately familiar. If you trained on a Fluke, the reverse applies. In either case, the transition between brands takes only a few hours of hands-on use.

Both instruments have active user communities and extensive training resources available online. YouTube has hundreds of tutorial videos for both brands covering every test type. Megger also runs regular free webinars and CPD events for UK electricians — check their website for schedules.

Elec-Mate is brand-neutral — it works with Fluke, Megger, Kewtech, Metrel, or any other compliant MFT. You enter test results into the app by typing, speaking (voice entry), or using the AI board scanner for circuit data. The app auto-validates every result against BS 7671 limits for the protective device on that circuit — no manual look-up of maximum Zs values required.

Any MFT, same auto-validation

Elec-Mate auto-validates every test result against BS 7671 maximum permitted values. Zs, R1+R2, insulation resistance…

Try it free for 7 days

Your instrument details (make, model, serial number, calibration date) are stored once and printed on every EICR, EIC, and Minor Works certificate automatically. The app reminds you when calibration is approaching expiry so you never arrive on site with an out-of-date instrument.

Whether you choose Fluke, Megger, or another brand entirely, the critical requirement is that your instrument complies with BS EN 61557 and is calibrated annually by a UKAS-accredited laboratory. The instrument is only as good as the person operating it — proper training, correct test procedures, and accurate recording of results matter far more than brand choice.