Looking for a multimiter

[SarahSimm]

Im looking to purchase a good digital multimeter in the near future.

It will be for all around use. Mostly continuity and voltage drop testing in low voltage circuits like automotive or lawn equipment with 6v-12v systems.

However, I occassionally get into wiring up new fixtures or working on equipment like a welder or air compressor that would have me testing on 120v-240v circuits.

Also I have been looking at getting into building guitar amps.

With that said, Im looking for a good meter that will be accurate enough to do something as intricate as building/designing circuits like in a guitar amp, safe enough to trust on 120v-240v AC circuits, and robust enough its not gonna be obliterated the first time it slides/falls off the fender of a car.

I'd love to find one that includes an accurate thermometer for checking transmission fluid on my dodge or anywhere else it could be useful.

Im not rich and not looking to spend $200+ on a Fluke meter. Its not gonna be a professional daily use tool. I'd very much like to stay around $50 or less. But have considered some up to $100 (Fluke 116 on ebay can be found around that price). But I really dont want to spend that much if I dont have to. Fluke is great, but Im not sure I really need to invest that much into a meter that might be used a couple times a week(if that). I found this review, some models look nice, but I haven't experienced them so real feedback would be appreciated.

many thanks

[Digorion]

Hello!
Here you can find a comparison table of the multimeters and other useful info:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/multimeter-spreadsheet/

[bdunham7]

That review looks a bit superficial and I'm not sure I'd listen to anyone that recommends Kaiweets or Etekcity, but that's just my opinion.

I have the Fluke 116, as part of the 116/323 combo kit that was on sale recently.  It's a bit odd because it doesn't have any normal current ranges, but that does have the benefit of keeping the novice user out of trouble and eliminates blown fuses.  The meter is specifically designed for HVAC technicians so it has some features that are pretty specific--LowZ capacitance and uA--but it is also a very nice, accurate all-around DMM and certainly safe enough for most mains wiring work up to 480VAC (but not in the panel).  However, I think you are looking at $150 or so for a new one.

If you don't want to spend that amount of money right now, you might consider getting two cheap meters:

1) the AstroAI one listed in the review, available for $24 on Amazon.  You'll need a $10 Type-K stainless steel probe as well because the bead types are fragile and inconvenient in the field.
2) a Fluke 101 for your 120/240V mains testing.  This is strictly a safety issue as many people, including me, don't trust the safety ratings of off-brand meters. 

The AstroAI may be fine, as they don't appear to be wildly exaggerating their specs.  But having two meters is often very handy for something like building amps.

[bob91343]

I think we have here another case of overthinking.  I  have many multimeters, including a few analog and many digital.

Any of them would meet your requirements.  The digital ones are more accurate but there is something to say for the analog type as well.

Most of the inexpensive digital meters have 1 Megohm load on voltage ranges.  The analog ones have different loads on different ranges.  They are all safe enough for mains use.

The decision revolves around accuracy, burden, mechanical configuration, cost, and of course the most common parameter, emotion.  Buy what you like and use it safely.

[msat]

Generally, your best bet is to stick with reputable brands. There are a handful of meters from Amprobe in your $50 price range.

[nightfire]

OK, in that case the requirements are:

- CAT III 600V
- rugged case or molded on case
- TrueRMS is nice, but no MUST have
- if possible, K-type Thermocouples shall fit

Some used Fluke meters will fit that bill, sometimes some 11x or even 17x series can be obtained in good condition on ebay...
Brymen is quite reputable and has some nice gear (Brymen BM235 looks like it could fit the bill)

If Current measurement is no requirement, some multimeters exist that could also fit the bill, like the Fluke 101.
Another option could be a grey-import of some fluke gear intended for the asian market, like the 15b or 17b- Dave did a teardown some years ago.
On ebay there are sometime some Fluke 77-III, maybe they are in the right ballpark, save the thermocouple?

[jdutky]

I've purchased two of these (used Tektronix DMM916) from this seller on eBay, and been very happy with them https://www.ebay.com/itm/Tektronix-Digital-Multimeter-DMM916-True-RMS/224220758472

They seem to be in good shape (except for the missing "kick stand") and near enough to calibrated for my purposes. They have a bar graph, and an auto-hold feature that is absolutely priceless when you are making measurements on something where you need to watch what you're doing rather than the meter.

UPDATE: a little more detail on the auto-hold feature, because I didn't know I needed it till I had it: you press the gold button then the HOLD button and an AH indicator appears on the screen. Now the meter will hold any value that you measure for more than about half a second, and it will beep when it holds a value. This allows you to take measurements without ever looking at the meter, which is a big help when you're elbow deep in a live piece of gear and don't want to accidentally short the high voltage rail to some sensitive IC or transistor.

I've also got the KaiWeets HT118A, which I have been very happy with, and is under your low price point (I paid $50 on Amazon for the "deluxe" package with a hard case). It's got a bar graph, but the hold feature needs to be pressed when the measurement is good, so it's not that useful when you've got a test lead in each hand. It has lights around the lead ports that show you where to plug in the leads for the selected measurement, and it will warn you if you measure a high (over 100V) voltage. It's a good overall meter, and will serve for the purposes that you are talking about.

-- Jeff Dutky

[nightfire]

Thinking of that- a colleague has an Amprobe 510, that is not bad at all ;-)

If TrueRMS is of no concern (playing in a band?), then this could also be an affordable option. But: Careful, according to the list of Multimeters with Fuses that are underrated, some Amprobe models were on that list, if I remember correctly...

[msat]

IIRC, the lower end Amprobes are designed/manufactured by some other OEM (UNI-T maybe?). Still, I'd trust those products over many random badge-engineered Amazon Chinese meters, because you have a better idea of what you're getting. That said, there's plenty of meters out there in your price range that are decent, including the aforementioned Chinese meters off Amazon, but that requires more due diligence on your part, not to mentioned the practically non-existent customer support.

[Digorion]

Perhaps this information may be useful to you: I often use the following algorithm when choosing and purchasing a tool and other such things:
1. Find out what you can actually buy within your price range (in a local or online store, in terms of payment and delivery options)
2. Find out which of the selected products meet your requirements (if any). You can use filters in online stores for this. If there are no suitable products, please change the requirements or price range.
3. For selected products, find reviews, tests, forum topics, and other information. The most useful reviews are usually 4/5 and below, they give an idea if the product has systematic problems, frequent defects, non-obvious features, etc. You can also search for videos or photos of the disassembly of the product, this will give a general idea of ​​the quality of the product.
4. Based on the information received, finally decide on the choice (based on the most significant criteria for the height). As a rule, from several equivalent products, it is preferable to choose the least problematic (for example, one that does not have typical faults, problems with the purchase of consumables, spare parts, etc., depending on the product)

If you can provide us a list of several specific models that you are considering buying, it will be easier to advise which one is better to purchase. Within about $100, you can look at the Fluke 15B+ (good DMM for general use, uA range, but no temp measurements, no TrueRMS), Testo 760-1 (may be). If you want TrueRMS, temperature measurements, autohold and other nice options within 100$ (but do you really need this?) - look at chineese brands like Uni-T, CEM, etc.

Also, it may be useful to read:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/a-list-of-recommended-multimeters/
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/a-list-of-multimeters-that-do-not-appear-to-meet-their-claimed-safety-specs/

[jeroen79]

How about getting two meters?
One cheap, simple and possibly second hand that you can afford to drop off a fender for the electrical work.
One more expensive and more capable but not too rugged for electronics.

[CJay]

FWIW, there are always things like Fluke 77, 87 etc. being surplused out somewhere, the military and all sorts of 'serious' companies use them because they're reliable, hard wearing, just work and keep on working, highly recommend considering one.

My own Fluke 77 must be getting on for 40 years old and still works just fine, I got it second hand 30 something years ago and it's been with me in all sorts of places, factories, workshops, up ladders, cranes, down big holes, in power plants, engine bays, it's been abused and dropped and subjected to all sorts of overvoltage, over current etc.

I reckon if I'd 'saved' money buying a cheaper meter I'd have probably spent an awful lot more than the Fluke would have cost me if I'd bought it new.

[wizard69]

Im looking to purchase a good digital multimeter in the near future.

It will be for all around use. Mostly continuity and voltage drop testing in low voltage circuits like automotive or lawn equipment with 6v-12v systems.

However, I occassionally get into wiring up new fixtures or working on equipment like a welder or air compressor that would have me testing on 120v-240v circuits.

If this is the case, get a CAT rated meter that is honestly rated.   You should always be concerned about safety when it comes to instrumentation.    By honestly rated I mean avoid the Chinese manufactures that haven't been reviewed by people that understand the CAT rating system.

Also I have been looking at getting into building guitar amps.

With that said, Im looking for a good meter that will be accurate enough to do something as intricate as building/designing circuits like in a guitar amp, safe enough to trust on 120v-240v AC circuits, and robust enough its not gonna be obliterated the first time it slides/falls off the fender of a car.

Rugged meters cost more, there really isn't away to get around that.    Good manufactures will support you.   For example years ago I had an old Fluke meter fall off a panel box damaging the LCD.     Unfortunately out of warranty but sent it back anyways and they fixed it.   No expenses for me which was good because that was real early in my professional life and $$$ where not easy to come by.

Now meters are far cheaper than in the past so maybe that isn't a big deal for you but I do consider support to be part of the deal buying instrumentation.

I'd love to find one that includes an accurate thermometer for checking transmission fluid on my dodge or anywhere else it could be useful.

That can be had as a built in function on some meters but you need to be careful about what sort of transducer they are supporting and the operating range of that transducer.    It might be better to buy a separate meter or a thermocouple adapter for your meter.   It is nice to have a meter that can do everything but it can also be constraining.

Im not rich and not looking to spend $200+ on a Fluke meter. Its not gonna be a professional daily use tool. I'd very much like to stay around $50 or less. But have considered some up to $100 (Fluke 116 on ebay can be found around that price). But I really dont want to spend that much if I dont have to. Fluke is great, but Im not sure I really need to invest that much into a meter that might be used a couple times a week(if that). I found this review, some models look nice, but I haven't experienced them so real feedback would be appreciated.

many thanks

I wouldn't look at the initial purchase prices so  much as how much it will cost you over the meters life.   A good meter ought to last 20 years with monthly usage, so per day it isn't a lot.   It would be better to get a safe meter that meets all of your requirements.   Over the years I've gone both ways buying machines and tools; the cheap route often leads to frustration.    However that doesn't mean buying a $500 meter.   What it does mean is buying a meter that meets your needs without so much of a focus on the cost.

Now there are other brands out there besides Fluke.    Your local hardware stores would hopefully carry some of the better ones.    Greenlee and I believe even Klein, have had models in the local hardware stores.   Also Extech and Flir are possibilities.    These might be in the good enough category.    Also you should have local suppliers to electrical contractors, these shops often carry Fluke or competitive meters.   

Then you have the big online suppliers.   Grainger, McMaster-Carr, DigiKey (429 coming up in search), Newark, Snap-On and many others.   

By the way don't laugh at the suggestion of Snap-On.   If you are doing a lot of automotive work it might be useful to have a meter with functions specific to that need.

In any event the most important warning  ----> do not put alkaline batteries in your meter.    They will leak and ruin your day.   If you have to use alkalines, remove them after usage.

[EEVblog]

Uni-T 61E maybe? (must be the E model)

[EEVblog]

If size isn't an issue, and old Fluke 27 is nice:
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Fluke-27-Multimeter/143819409391?hash=item217c4e07ef:g:7n0AAOSwahVfoEsY
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Fluke-27-FM-Digital-Multimeter-With-Testing-Leads-and-Case/114562255990?epid=3041442061&hash=item1aac714c76:g:IbwAAOSwbl9fzQqJ