A multimeter is a valuable tool for anyone dealing with electronics. Many hobbyists have their own needs for a digital multimeter, but choosing a new multimeter to buy is no easy task. To help you in your buying decisions, I have listed four different models of digital multimeters that are popular among hobbyists and DIY-ers.
To see which one makes the most sense for you as an electronics hobbyist, I will briefly introduce each model before I outline the pros and cons. All the multimeters in this comparison article are available under $50 and have been used by hobbyists and DIY electronics for years.
Top 7 Best Multimeter Models for Electronics Hobbyists
OUR TOP PICK
There are other automotive multimeters, but Innova 3340 may be the best, one attractive feature of this device is it’s the versatile ability to pinpoint problems and test a wide variety of components on a vehicle including the alternator diodes, solenoids, wirings, switches, duty cycles, breaker point, and several other parts.
For this multimeter, there may not be one major feature, but there are several qualities that qualify it as a device that worth the money you spend on it; every single time you use it, you discover something new.
The Min/Max and Hold buttons of the Innova 3340 enables you to save data from a test to reduce times wasted on retesting components in the event of an interruption or when the previous information is needed for future usage.
Although this multimeter did not turn out to be CAT III or CAT IV certified, with the reverse polarity protection, it reduced possibilities of being shocked while you operate. Instead of dealing with the stress of determining the ranges to set while testing vehicles or the electrical devices you are working on, the auto range feature makes this device valuable and easy to first-time users.
Apart from its ability to measure temperature, sometimes converting measurements to Fahrenheit and Celsius could create inaccuracy, but this multimeter is satisfyingly by providing you temperature readings in both Fahrenheit and Celsius measurements.
A few extra features that make the Innova 3340 the best digital multimeter for its money worth are the auto shut off and overload protection feature that allows the device to function at full capacity and not wear out quickly. It also comes with wrist straps and built-in stands for hands-free use so that you can have an increase in your working flexibility.
Regardless of all the excellent features, the Innova 3340 has some minor shortcomings, like the inconsistent temperature and RPM reader that might make you run the test several times to select the best possible accuracy. The screen of this device is dimmed which may affect its usability in dark places until you use an additional light source while you operate.
EDITORS CHOICE
You want a multimeter that is easy to use, affordable, and safe. These are the adjectives that people who look for best multimeters to use at home use to describe their desired products to me when they ask for my help. After some consideration, I picked a multimeter that is a perfect match for people who need a product with these characteristics. Before I reveal my number one pick, I want to encourage you to stick around after I reveal the best multimeter for home use, to find out the specific reasons why this multimeter proved to be the best one out there in this category.
Which multimeter is the best one for home use? The best multimeter for home use is Fluke 101. Multimeter market is really large, so there was really a lot of other multimeters with a potential to win, but if you decide to get this multimeter, I am sure that you will agree with the decision I made. Fluke is a brand that is currently leading the multimeter market when it comes to, well, everything multimeter related. From quality, ease of use, and accuracy to battery life and durability, Fluke 101 reflects that it was made by the Fluke company in every way.
How does it feel to use Fluke 101? Imagine that you are holding it in your hands. A multimeter that is a little bit smaller than other multimeters, but with a nice, softly textured grip that is very comfortable to hold. Despite its smaller size, you won’t have any trouble holding it for as much as you need to because the material is not slippery. Regardless if you wear gloves or not, Fluke 101 will remain firmly in your hand. I find this fact to be a huge plus over other models in this price range. Although you probably won’t use Fluke 101 on high areas, the grip quality is very important nevertheless, because you need to keep the multimeter steady when you are working with it.
Is this multimeter made from quality materials on the inside, too? Yes, it is.
I don’t know if they still make it like this, but the last time I checked, Fluke 101 had blast shields on the inside. However, it is possible that they removed this feature after all this time. Those blast shields were made proportional to the general size of the multimeter and its intended function. This means that they were able to protect the user from injuries related to work at home and injuries related to lighter, simpler industrial work. Basically, all other materials are made from materials from which Fluke makes its other products. That is a confirmation of quality.
How easy is it to use this multimeter? Fluke 101 is incredibly easy to use. If you thought that this multimeter is one of those multimeters that are crammed up with buttons and settings, you can be confident that this is not the case with this model. It was designed very simplistically, with the ease of use being one of the highest priorities for designers. This multimeter is used like any other model. You need to turn the dial on to select the desired setting and press one of two buttons below the screen to turn it on and off or to select a hold function.
What features does this multimeter have? Since Fluke 101 is designed for home use, among other things, the designers at Fluke decided to remove a lot of features from other multimeters that would be redundant on this model. This proved to be a success because it didn’t only make Fluke 101 easier to use. It made it lighter and enabled the manufacturer to make it more compact. When it comes to buttons, Fluke 101 has an on or off button and a button for ‘HOLD’ function. Fluke 101 is equipped with settings that enable the user to measure AC or DC voltage, millivolts, resistance and continuity, and frequency.
Is this multimeter equipped with safety features? This multimeter comes equipped with a high quality ceramic fuse and a 600 V CAT III safety rating. Safety measures incorporated into this multimeter are adapted to suit the uses this multimeter was designed for. This means that this multimeter should protect you from most dangers when you work with it around the house, but if you decide to use it in an industrial setting with powerful currency, it is less likely to protect you efficiently. Make sure that you maintain your multimeter once a month, and during that maintenance session, always remember to check the fuse for damage. If you don’t know how to do that, or if you are not entirely sure if you are doing it right, check out the link that will take you to the article on this site that will describe the entire process of how to do that for you.
Does this multimeter come shipped with any other equipment? Yes, it does. Fluke 101 comes with a pair of test leads equipped with caps and a manual. Caps that come with this multimeter are made of quality material, just like this multimeter, and unlike caps shipped along multimeters produced by other manufacturers, they are accurate and have a long life expectancy.
How much does this multimeter cost? Fluke 101 is very affordable for users of various monetary abilities. I think that it is sufficient to say that you get a product with a quality that is several levels above its price range.
There is no other way to find out if Fluke 101 is the multimeter for you than to get it and test it out for yourself. However, I believe that this article has shed some light on just how much effort was invested into the design process and quality of this multimeter and made it clear what features to expect from Fluke 101 if you decide to get it. I sincerely believe that you will be very pleased with Fluke 101.
BEST VALUE
The Klein MM400 is by far the most expensive multimeter in this test, but one of the smaller and lighter ones. It also offers a few unique features that are missing on the other multimeters, such as the ability to measure temperature and a CAT-III rating. It’s built more ruggedly than the other meters and is clearly made to last in a working environment. The Klein MM400 measures up to 600V in AC or DC, and offers the standard tests that you expect in a digital multimeter. It is also the one multimeter that extends its intended use beyond the household (very good multimeter model from home use).
The backlight on the LED screen makes the readings easy to see, and the continuity test has both a light and a beeper, which makes using it in a noisy environment a lot more effective. It stores the probes neatly on the back of the meter, which makes the meter nice and compact to carry around. The readout can be a bit difficult to read, which is a common problem with multimeters, but something to consider when your demands include reading the measurements from above.
Another quirk I found with this multimeter is that the button for the backlight doesn’t work like any of the other buttons. The backlight button is the only one that you need to hold for a full second before it turns on.
Other than these minor drawbacks, the Klein MM400 is a great multimeter that justifies its price with a great accuracy, excellent build quality, and CAT-III rating. It doesn’t have the range of capacities of more expensive and advanced meter, but overdelivers on what it does promise.
Pros
- Rugged feel and build that will last a long time
- High quality engineering
- CAT-III rating
- Includes temperature probe
Cons
- More expensive than comparable multimeters
- Screen can be hard to read from some angles
RUNNER UP
Using the Extech EX330, you would discover it has the complete 12 required functions to test resistance, capacitance, AC/DC and voltage, temperature, pulse ratio, frequency and a lot more. It is versatile in that you can test and repair almost every electronic device including sensitive electronics like cameras and computers.
Built with an attractive set of features, the Extech EX330 is compact, lightweight and engaging, with a neat, large and readable display to help accuracy in darker environments. You do not necessarily have to be an expert to operate this easy to use this device.
The Extech EX330 is tagged a “non-contact detector” for its ability to analyze specific voltages without contact with what you are working on. It is a safer process; you only need to hover the multimeter over the device you are testing, and it would detect the presence of current or any ghost voltage that may cause a short circuit or even damage your electronics.
The Extech EX330 has an auto power off feature that shuts off the multimeter after 15 minutes of inactivity, which might not be so much of a big deal until you calculate the sum of money and time you invest into replacing old batteries.
It also stores your last reading to save your efforts when you cannot keep records of your test while you work, and there is a low battery indicator to keep help you know when to replace your battery, so pay attention to the battery symbol, and you would have a smooth working process.
Being a Mini Multimeter, the temperature sensor gives it an advantage, selecting the temperature mode alone would show the room temperature, and connecting the probe to your item without mixing the polarities would reveal the temperature of the item you are testing.
Another feature is the precise and fast auto-ranging ability for easier handling. But as all electrical devices, the Extech EX330 also has some disadvantages, like the short tips of the test leads and the difficulty to read the display from a certain angle, and not all packs come with the test leads and temperature probes.
Pros
- Compact, lightweight and easy to operate
- Durable with sturdy casing
- Large digit, 400 count LCD screen
- Good precision and resolution
Cons
- Test leads have short metal tips
- No LED backlight
RUNNER UP
The Mastech MS8268 is an auto-ranging multimeter that will delight many hobbyists. It comes with neat features that help guide inexperienced users, such as lead sockets that will light up until the leads are all the way in, and an audible and visible warning when the jacks are inserted for a different function than is currently selected. It measures up to 1000V in AC or DC, and allows for all other standart tests you expect in a digital multimeter.
Although it doesn’t have a rugged feel of industrial multimeters, it feels very sturdy for a household tool, and delivers quality and performance that holds up to more expensive meters when limited to use around the house. The readings are accurate and it comes with all the features you’d expect in a multimeter in this class. Another nice feature is that you can store the leads flat against the back of the multimeter. This keeps everything tidy when you’re putting your multimeter away.
However, the readings are fairly slow. For some tests, it will take a few seconds for the readings to come in. When you’re working with tiny objects, this can be frustrating. Sometimes it can take the meter a while to ‘warm up’ as it were, and give reliable readings. When you’re looking for a fast multimeter that can be used in an instant, the Mastech MS8268 shouldn’t be your first choice.
Pros
- Solid range for a multimeter in the price category
- Good quality readings
- Tidy design that doesn’t take up a lot of space
- Great choice for beginners with audible feedback to prevent mistakes, this model is one of
- the best options in category – “best multimeter for beginners”
Cons
- Readings can be slow
RUNNER UP
The Craftsman 34 – 82141 is the smallest multimeter that’s discussed in this article. It easily fits in your pocket and weighs too little to bother you as you work on other things. It has a big enough 2000 count display but is the only model we’ve discussed that doesn’t offer an auto-ranging function. With those things in mind, the Craftsman is the most basic model in this article.
It does what it needs to but doesn’t come with the before-mentioned auto-ranging feature, so it might be a little harder to use for absolute beginners. At the same time, the accuracy of the readings is impressive, and the Craftsman 34 – 82141 doesn’t round its numbers like some other multimeters do.
The most obvious downside of this multimeter is the lack of a backlight. When you’re working in less-than-optimal conditions, a backlight can be a very important feature, and if you can’t work without one, don’t rely on the Craftsman.
This really is the most basic multimeter discussed in this test, and this holds true for all of its features. It doesn’t have extra tests, doesn’t have a backlight, and misses an auto-ranging feature that the other multimeters have. On the other hand, it is smaller, cheaper, and lighter multimeter than the other models and does what it needs to do just as well.
Pros
- Small design makes it easy to fit in your pocket
- Easy on a small budget
Cons
- Lacks an autoranging feature
- Screen has no backlight
RUNNER UP
The Innova 3320 is one of the heavy weights among the digital multimeters, weighing in at over a pound. It is also considerably larger than most other multimeters but comes with a protective guard that keeps it from breaking when you drop it. The auto range function works really well and the readings are precise; the Innova will measure AC and DC up to 600 Volts.
It also comes with a specific battery load test, which is not readily available on other multimeters. Color-coded LED lights to help make a snap judgment about the battery tests, where green, yellow, and red make for very quick checks that anyone can execute.
The giant screen makes results very easy to read and the Innova 3320 also comes with a wrist wrap that allows for hands-free testing. Finally, the multimeter also offers reverse polarity protection and is UL certified.
Some of the downsides of this digital multimeter are the probes. They’re don’t feel high quality and aren’t as reliable as comparable products. You have to really touch the tip of the probes to get the right reading, which may not work as well in every situation. Overall, the meter feels cheaper than other multimeters in the category and is not as durable. The plastic clips on the side of the meter that is supposed to hold the probes are flimsy and don’t add anything to the meter. When it comes to the readings themselves, the Innova 3320 holds up well in any test.
Pros
- Colored LED lights make battery checks incredibly easy
- UL certified and reverse polarity protection
- Comes with a wrist wrap
Cons
- Poor quality leads
- Feels cheaper than comparable multimeters
Best Multimeter Models for Electronics Hobbyists Buying Guide
Beginner electricians who want to learn how to make simple tests around the house of electrical devices and outlets must have a multimeter to safely get the job done. Multimeters are extremely helpful for determining if you need to call in the experts or if you can do the job yourself.
Knowing which multimeter you should purchase can be confusing if you’re just starting out so we’re going to walk through most of the basic information that you should know when deciding on a great multimeter. What price range should you go for? Is one brand better than another? What functionality do you need the multimeter to have?
Let’s walk through all of this so the buying process will be much easier.
Features and Functionality to Look for When Buying a Multimeter
Every multimeter has similar basic functionality like measuring voltage and current so those are a given on all multimeters. There are other things you should look out for when trying to decide which multimeter to get. Here are a few important features to look for:
- Resistance, Continuity, and Diode: These three functionalities are quite common and important when you want to test different electrical currents running through objects. If you have to pick between different measurement functionality, these are the 3 that I suggest you try to get.
- Lighting: Does the screen have a backlight? If it doesn’t then you’re going to rely on having perfect lighting to see the screen.
- Min/Max/Hold: There are a few options on the multimeter which are helpful including the Hold functionality which will save the current measurement on the screen. That way if you don’t have anywhere to write down the measurement, you can stop measuring and get something to document the measurement without having to re-do it. Also, the min/max will show you what the highest and lowest value during a measurement was.
- Measurement Ranges: You want to make sure your multimeter can measure high measurements so that the screen doesn’t max out and you’re left in the dark. I suggest at least 20mA and at least 50mV for your measurement ranges.
Auto Ranging vs Manual Ranging Multimeter?
Since you’re just starting out, this is an easy answer – Auto Ranging. Multimeters have different settings which can be very confusing to know how to set it up. A manual ranging multimeter requires you to understand the voltage of the object you’re measuring within a specific range. If it’s auto-ranging the multimeter will just adjust to determine what range to put it in so you don’t have to worry about any of it.
If you can spend a bit more, you can get one that’s both auto and manual ranging. Manual ranging is only necessary on more complex jobs – so only do that if you plan to get into the weeds a little on electrical circuits.
Best Multimeter Brand For Hobbyist, DIY, Beginner?
By far the best multimeter brand on the market is the Fluke company (Check on Amazon.com). They have the most accurate multimeters with incredibly great functionality out of all multimeter brands, however, as much as I love Fluke, their multimeters typically come with a steeper price range. If you have the extra cash, get a Fluke!
If you want more affordable multimeters that still are quite reliable then you can go with the Mastech, Klein Tool, Extech and Innova brands. They each have great functionality while still remaining affordable. These four are my suggested budget brands that will still last for many years.
Budget
Multimeters can range anywhere from $50 up to $500 so you’ll want to decide how much you’re willing to spend before you decide what to get. For most beginners and hobbyist, you won’t need to spend more than $50-$100 on a multimeter unless you plan to use it for more professional use in the long-run. Here are a couple different digital multimeter all around $50-100 range that will be perfect starter multimeters for hobbyists and beginners
- Fluke 101 [Editor’s Pick]: By far one of our favorite multimeters for beginnings is the Fluke 101. As the name states, it’s the 101 version so it’s perfect for beginners. It not only has the Fluke name built with safety, but it’s also affordable and easy to use. The Fluke 101 has many of the unnecessary functionality removed so you don’t have a dial with 30 buttons on it to remember what to do with it. It has all of the needed functionality and is built to last! This is our favorite model for beginners.
- Klein Tools MM400:This digital multimeter has a strong case that will last longer and is built with great quality. It has all of the functionality we discussed above for a great multimeter but also comes with a temperature probe so you can take temperature measurements making it a well-rounded functional multimeter.
- Mastech MS8268: This multimeter is designed for beginners who still want a lot of functionality out of their device. For a very affordable price, you get some of the best functionality in multimeters – auto-ranging, audible signals, backlight, temperature/humidity, resistance, continuity, etc. While this multimeter can often be slower to produce the results you need, if you have patience it’ll get you much more functionality for the same affordable price.
- Innova 3340: The 3340 is the highest priced out of these, however, it is one of the most durable devices in the list. It has a hard outer case and a very wide variety of functions available. It not only is good for home use, but also for automotive use so you can check if your battery or spark plugs are working appropriately.
- Extech EX330:The EX330 is compact and easy to carry around with you when you’re on the go. It has all of the must-have features we discussed above including the backlight, hold, min/max, etc, plus it has temperature measuring capabilities while maintaining an affordable price. While the brand is not as well-known, the quality of this digital multimeter is really great!
Multimeter Safety
Multimeters measure electricity and current through metal objects which means there is a serious risk to your safety if you do not have the proper safety equipment/setup. So let’s go through some important pieces of information.
- Word “budget” doesn’t mean cheap – Although most hobbyist and beginners don’t need an expensive multimeter, I don’t suggest for you to get the cheap $10 multimeters. They will not show accurate results no matter what those reviews say and often you’ll risk safety issues of the device backfiring, exploding, starting on fire, etc. Go for the $40-50 range at the minimum as most of them are quite shock resistant.
- Wear proper safety clothing – Electrical resistant gloves are required no matter what to ensure even if there is a shock to the multimeter, you will have no risk of getting a direct shock to your body. Safety goggles are also suggested as your eyes are very important, but you typically won’t see any issues to your eyes in multimeter measurements.
- When in doubt, don’t – If you get your multimeter and you really feel nervous or scared to do something – don’t do it. Ask around to your friends and family to see if anyone else has experience in whatever task you’re trying to do. If they can show you the first time, you’ll be more confident to do it on your own in the future.
Enjoy buying your first multimeter and learning all of the amazing tasks you can complete on your own at home without hiring an expensive professional!
Conclusion
Much of picking a multimeter is knowing what you want to get out of it. If you’re looking for a basic multimeter that doesn’t cost more than it has to and gives you the occasional reading, the Craftsman is perfect for you. On the other end of the scale is the Klein MM400, which is more expensive, more extensive, and meant to be used more regularly and in more demanding situations.
In between those two extremes, the Innova 3320 and the Mastech offer their own features. The Innova has a lower range than the Mastech and isn’t built as ruggedly. Its quick battery reading feature might make the difference for someone who foresees using it a lot, but the Mastech comes out of this showdown as the winner.
For the electronics hobbyist, your best call is the Mastech MS8268 if you work with electronics occasionally. Others might pick the Klein MM400 if they expect to use it more than just every now and then. For those who can’t justify spending much on a multimeter but still need one, the Craftsman is a good meter in a lower price range that does what it needs to.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are multimeters used for?
We use multimeters for measuring and testing various properties of various objects. The area of multimeter applicability is truly enormous. Multimeters are divided by their purpose.
We have standard multimeters designed for technicians. These multimeters are most common. Basic multimeter functions are voltage, capacitance, and amperage. All multimeters have those functions except multimeters designed for beginners. These multimeters sometimes can’t measure amperage.
Basic multimeters are used in combination with two standard multimeter probes. The user is required to plug those probes in the multimeter on the lower front side.
Then we have multimeters that are used in ‘Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning’ area. Air conditioning technicians and plumbers use those types of multimeters. Such multimeters usually have additional functions like temperature measuring and sometimes non-contact voltage testing function alongside the essential multimeter functions.
When measuring HVAC specific functions with multimeters of this type, one is to use particular probes that are designed for those functions. This rule only applies to the temperature function on all multimeters except industrial multimeters. For example, if a user is to measure temperature, he will need to use thermal probes. If a user is to measure essential functions, like voltage, he is to use standard multimeter test leads.
The third multimeter type is called an ‘automotive multimeter,’ and it is used for testing various car properties. Most common and most important features when it comes to this type of multimeters are a rotations-per-minute function, continuity testing function, non-contact voltage testing and voltage testing. RPM function is used to test if the engine is performing optimally, the continuity function can be used for testing the tachometer, and the voltage function is used for car battery testing.
Almost all multimeters except the cheapest models have safety features like inbuilt fuses, blast shields, and safety certificates.
The pricier the multimeter is, it is safer to use, and it has more added protection.
What do multimeter symbols mean?
The manufacturer writes multimeter functions symbols around the dial and buttons of the multimeter because they serve the purpose of saving time and energy for the user so that he won’t have to read words, but will instead merely see the symbol and know what the purpose of the selected setting is.
Since you are probably confused by the variety of symbols, I will now describe them and write what they mean. Multimeter symbols are separated into specific subsections that users can easily differentiate by finding a universal symbol. For example, the symbols for voltage functions are written as a capital letter V in combination with other symbols. If a tilde is beside the capital V, that function is for AC voltage measuring.
You can see a straight line and an intermittent line beneath it with a capital V on the side for the DC voltage measuring function. The symbol mV is used for emphasizing the millivolt measuring function. ‘A’ means amperage measuring. If an ‘A’ has an ‘m’ beside it, this signifies the milliamperes function.
A Greek letter omega symbolizes the resistance measuring function while the symbol that is very similar to the wifi symbol signifies the continuity measuring function. A ‘T’ flipped on the right on the left and an arrow flipped to the left on the right side symbol is used to signify the capacitance function. Thermometer symbolizes the temperature measuring function. If it has an ‘F’ or a ‘C’ beside it, the multimeter can measure either in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit, or both, if you press the button for alternating between functions.
Hz symbol is short for ‘Hertz’ which is a physics symbol for frequency.
Symbols for multimeter functions can be quite confusing, but I hope that this answer has brought a little clarity to you.
What can multimeters measure?
Basic multimeters designed for technicians can measure capacitance, resistance, continuity and some can measure amperage. Only the output of the continuity setting varies from the multimeter to multimeter.
Some multimeters have visual indicators of continuity, either in the form of an LED that lights up or signs on the screen of the multimeter. However, the existence of continuity is most often signalized by a beeping sound signal because it is easiest to detect.
Some specialized multimeters for users in HVAC fields can measure temperature and moisture.
Multimeters that are designed for automotive use are designed to be able to measure rotations per minute, sometimes temperature and frequency. Automotive multimeters also possess the ability to measure essential multimeter functions like voltage, for example, in increments that are suited to the automotive field of work. For example, a voltage function in an automotive multimeter is designed to be able to measure car battery life in values that are more precise than they would have been if the user had used a standard multimeter and conducted the measurement with it.
Multimeters are also useful in finding faults within existing systems where it is difficult to pinpoint the exact problem. Such operations don’t have a set function. It is instead necessary to use multiple functions to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem. For example, if there is a broken lead on the circuit, it would be obvious that something is wrong when I would start testing some function of the circuit, for example, resistance. After I noticed that, I would set the multimeter to continuity mode and test the circuit, part by part.
After I placed the probes between the broken part, the continuity buzzer would not work, and it would be evident that there is a problem with some part of the circuit. I would then replace the broken part and test the circuit again to see if everything is fine.
How to choose a multimeter?
Multimeters come in all sorts of shapes and sizes so it can be challenging to choose the right model for you. Pinpointing what you need as narrow as possible will help you to decide which multimeter is the best one for you.
First of all, you should decide whether you want to get a basic model for technicians, an automotive model, designed for car mechanics, or HVAC model, designed for plumbers and HVAC technicians.
Once you make a decision that fits your field of expertise, you can start to pinpoint the exact type of multimeter that you require. If you need high precision, you should get the RMS or True RMS multimeter. Although multimeters with the True RMS feature are somewhat pricier, the gain in accuracy overpowers the adverse effects of the price.
If you don’t like calibrating your multimeter, you can always get a factory calibrated model. Such multimeters appear in the mid to high price ranges.
If you plan on working with high voltages, safety is imperative. Look for fused multimeters, if possible, with two or more fuses.
Multimeters that cost lower than one hundred dollars don’t always come with high-quality ceramic fuses, so it can pay off to replace them and save no money when choosing better fuses. Safety certificates are also essential when it comes to buying a multimeter that will serve you for a very long time.
If you are looking for a multimeter with a legitimate CAT III or CAT IV certificates, don’t look at multimeters that cost lower than fifty dollars. When it comes to safe multimeters, Fluke’s models are the best.
The last feature when it comes to safety is the rubber shell that envelopes the multimeter. This feature is primarily designed to protect your multimeter if it falls, but when I am buying multimeters, I always try to pick out the models that have thick shells, because it will stop the shrapnel in case that the multimeter overloads and it will protect you from electric charge.
Why are digital multimeters more accurate than analog multimeters?
A digital multimeter has a screen that displays values up to a certain decimal point, while analog multimeters show results that move the pin overwritten values, similar to the way in which a car tachometer works. On a more profound level, digital multimeters have certain enhancements that enable them to calculate results with more precision. Some of these enhancements are based on technology that can be found in the handheld calculator, but more refined, to suit the needs of the technicians.
Multimeters are usually not accurate when first bought and require calibration, but you can find more on that in an answer to the following question. If precision is an important quality to the buyer of the multimeter, some higher grade multimeters come with a function called the RMS function.
The CAT III or CAT IV certificates
This is a statistical function that follows and remembers all the results in a set and divides them to get the arithmetic mean. The arithmetic mean is then displayed as a result that is most likely to be accurate. For example, if you have an oscillating value and you can’t find a specific, precise result because it the displayed result keeps changing from second to second, the RMS function takes the mean value and display it as a result.
Some RMS multimeters calculate previous RMS values of the same set to improve the accuracy of the result further. If you require even higher accuracy, you should get the multimeter with the True RMS function. Such a multimeter can measure even more precisely because it is capable of further improving the RMS results by utilizing the sinusoidal and nonsinusoidal wave in the final result.
True RMS is preferred due to this because sinusoidal and nonsinusoidal waves are often necessary to accurately describe electrical appearances.
Why does a multimeter need to be calibrated?
A multimeter needs to be calibrated because it will otherwise not display accurate results. Calibrating a multimeter is usually straightforward, and you can pay a technician to do it for you in a store where you bought the multimeter if you don’t like doing it yourself.
Multimeters that cost more are also more accurate and can, therefore, be calibrated to greater precision. Some manufacturers, like Fluke, sell models of the multimeters that are factory calibrated. Such multimeters don’t need to be calibrated, but the downside of that is that these models usually cost a lot more than the models that an average buyer needs.
Factory calibrated multimeters are usually multimeters designed for industrial usage or multimeters with basic functions.
To calibrate a multimeter, you need an accurate power source that displays values of the type of property you are calibrating, or a power source that doesn’t have that feature, but you will need to have an accurate, already calibrated multimeter instead.
It is also highly recommended to use battery powered energy sources since accidents can happen if you power your energy source on the city grid. Besides, you don’t need much energy for successful calibration of your multimeter. You should then turn the power source on and put the probes of your multimeter on the power source.
All that’s left for you to do then is to compare the output on the screen of the power source with that displayed on the screen of your multimeter.
If you don’t have a display on the power source, put the probes of the already calibrated multimeter on the energy source alongside the uncalibrated multimeter.
Be careful that you don’t short circuit your multimeters and compare the results from the calibrated multimeter to the results displayed on the uncalibrated multimeter’s screen.
When you detect a difference in the results, turn the calibration screw that is usually located on the inside of the multimeter carefully until the values align.