Products > Test Equipment
Choosing a multimeter - decisions.... decisions....
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Fungus:

--- Quote from: BeBuLamar on November 14, 2022, 01:19:15 pm ---My clamp meter has the resolution of 0.1A so if I measure starter current I would use it. I only go thru the trouble of inserting the meter in the circuit where I need higher resolution and in which case the current can't be high.

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The same principle applies: Start with the clamp meter and use the multimeter only if the clamp meter shows it's safe to do so.  :)

kayasaman:

--- Quote from: AG6QR on November 14, 2022, 04:32:34 am ---
--- Quote from: kayasaman on November 14, 2022, 03:48:44 am ---I mean I do have a Greenlee voltage pen if that's what you are referring to?

Here's the link to it: https://www.greenlee.com/us/en/adjustable-voltage-detector-gt-16 

--- End quote ---

Yes, that's the kind of non-contact voltage detector I was referring to.

In addition, Fluke makes some testers that are basically like a low precision digital volt/ohm meter, capable of AC or DC voltage in the hundreds of volts, as well as resistance.  See the T+Pro, for example: https://www.fluke.com/en-us/product/electrical-testing/basic-testers/fluke-t-plus-pro#  It has a 3-digit LCD for displaying voltage. If you touch the probes to a voltage source, it will measure voltage, but if you touch them to an unpowered circuit, it will measure continuity or resistance, as appropriate.  It's designed to be "idiot proof" and fast, but neither full-featured nor precise.

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Having probes will make life a lot easier. The major problem with contactless is in crowded environments. For my distribution panel I separated AC to the front and put DC to the rear. I didn't have any more space to work with so adding more panels was not a possibility to separate things further and ease maintenance when needed. This is the time where having the benefit of a dedicated room or basement really helps ;)

You can see below just how tightly squeezed everything is:



The mentioned Fluke looks like their version of a pocket meter which is cool.

Additionally, I also have a Zircon wall tester which will also check for AC in a non-contact fashion. I actually bought this because we don't have any walls left in the house as they're filled with cables. It's the price you pay for letting a tech guy (me) run wild and attempt to gain centralized control over every parameter.  :P
ci11:
Although you are very graciously courteous, from your posted pictures it appears the environment the DMM will work in is not likely trivial, and separately, nor are you unfamiliar with potential pitfalls in built-to-a-price "test" equipment. The only answers I need when I buy test equipment are:

1. are you safe using this equipment in case of an unexpected fault, and
2. can you trust, rely on, or in some cases, publish the readings it gives

Buyers always want to pay less. Many profit-minded "businesses" seize on this to offer products at incredible "value" that are inadequately engineered and tested, or passed rigorous safety and reliability tests. Good components cost more money but they pale in comparison to the cost of thorough, competent and truthful assurance testing - components are generally getting better at the same price but the cost of competent engineers and thorough engineering is always increasing. The pages of this forum are full of doubts of brand x or y and attempts to do what "built-to-a-price" manufacturers should have done on their own.

I am now only the higher-end models from Gossen and Fluke as they best meet the 2 criteria mentioned above - they are likely safer to use, and I can trust the results they provide. Of course I have been tempted with lower-cost options and did yield to their allure a few times. But now, after eventually spending more in the end almost every time, my motto is "Buy once, cry once".
Fungus:

--- Quote from: ci11 on November 14, 2022, 04:07:22 pm ---I am now only the higher-end models from Gossen and Fluke as they best meet the 2 criteria mentioned above - they are likely safer to use, and I can trust the results they provide. Of course I have been tempted with lower-cost options and did yield to their allure a few times. But now, after eventually spending more in the end almost every time, my motto is "Buy once, cry once".

--- End quote ---

You'll struggle to find a forum member who believes that Brymen shouldn't be on that list.
Black Phoenix:

--- Quote from: Fungus on November 14, 2022, 04:16:48 pm ---
--- Quote from: ci11 on November 14, 2022, 04:07:22 pm ---I am now only the higher-end models from Gossen and Fluke as they best meet the 2 criteria mentioned above - they are likely safer to use, and I can trust the results they provide. Of course I have been tempted with lower-cost options and did yield to their allure a few times. But now, after eventually spending more in the end almost every time, my motto is "Buy once, cry once".

--- End quote ---

You'll struggle to find a forum member who believes that Brymen shouldn't be on that list.

--- End quote ---

What, we are going again into the "A brand instrument vs B brand" discussion?
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