Help Picking a $100 multimeter

[WesM]

HI all, just wanted to say this is an awesome forum with lots of great info. Been reading through it for the last couple days trying to get up to speed on multimeters.

Anyhow I am currently looking at a few models and was wondering what you guys think of them? I will be using them to build and test machinery that uses DC and AC voltages in the 12-400v range. These machines run off VFDs and use AC as well as DC servos/drives. So I'm trying to figure out what multimeter to pick up out of the millions out there.

These are the ones I am currently looking at, if you think there is another one feel free to tell me. I am still a newbie when it comes to these devises, but I want something that will grow with me as I get more familiar with them. If there is some feature or spec you think I should stretch out of my budget for feel free to say so as well.

The Greenlee is my favorite so far, seems to have solid specs and a nice lifetime warranty.

Greenlee DM-810A
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TO5YUA/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza

Klein M700
https://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-MM700-Auto-Ranging-Multimeter/dp/B018CMKWSC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1512721737&sr=8-1&keywords=klein+mm700

Amprobe AM-530

[retiredcaps]

The Greenlee is my favorite so far, seems to have solid specs and a nice lifetime warranty.

Please ask Greenlee to show in writing or on their public website specifically what lifetime warranty means.  That is, if you own the meter for 15 years and suddenly it dies, do they fix it for free?  Is lifetime your lifetime or the meter's lifetime.   If the latter, what is the exact number of warranty years?

The answer, in the past, given here by others has not been satisfactory to me in terms of how many years.  No one, so far, can point to the Greenlee website to show how many exact years.

For example, Fluke also specifies lifetime warranty, but in the fine print it specifies a minimum of 10 years.  It is right inside the manual with its terms and conditions.

The Greenlee 810A is a rebadged Brymen meter.  Most Brymen meters have a 1 year warranty.

[Fungus]

... machinery that uses DC and AC voltages in the 12-400v range. These machines run off VFDs and use AC as well as DC servos/drives. So I'm trying to figure out what multimeter to pick up out of the millions out there.

Serious voltage/power demands a serious meter.

The Greenlee 810A is a rebadged Brymen meter.

In that price range and for that sort of work I'd be looking at either a Brymen or a Fluke, eg. a Fluke 115.

[rsjsouza]

Your application seems above the power levels of the plain hobbyist around here. Both the Greenlee and the Klein seem to be up to par with your application, with a slight edge to the Greenlee due to its input bandwidth of 20kHz for AC measurements (the Klein is only specified to 400Hz).

One other brand that has good reputation is Hioki. The model DT4255 is on sale at Tequipment.net, which can bring your price even lower with the discount for eevblog members.

It may be overwhelming, but there is an excellent spreadsheet that lists several brands and models at this link

[WesM]

OK so on warranty I kinda get that some lifetime warranties are better then others. However, Fluke is pretty much the only other multimeter brand (I know of) that offers them, and at very least its hopefully better then the 2-3 year warranties you see on most multimeters? Anyhow in this price range Fluke is offering a 3 year, but this is just quibbles. What I'm after is an American company that sells a product they will support.

The Fluke 115 is in the running for me, though it definitely stretches my budget a little. In your guys opinion how does it compare with the Greenlee DM-810A?

The specific application I will probably be using this most is designing and building 3-5 axis CNC equipment. Its not necessary that I have the most precise MM, since most of what I will be doing is mechanical design/assembly. I do want something that is safe though, which is kind of why I had zeroed in on the Greenlee/Brymen MM. Most of the flukes are well out of my budget, and I was not sure how the cheaper ones like the 115 would hold up. I will read up on the Hioki though, never heard of them.

Just curious, does anyone know what model the 810A is a re-badge of?

[Fungus]

The specific application I will probably be using this most is designing and building 3-5 axis CNC equipment. Its not necessary that I have the most precise MM, since most of what I will be doing is mechanical design/assembly. I do want something that is safe though, which is kind of why I had zeroed in on the Greenlee/Brymen MM. Most of the flukes are well out of my budget, and I was not sure how the cheaper ones like the 115 would hold up.

If you don't need to measure amps then a Fluke 101 is probably plenty of meter for you. They go for $42, delivered. Don't be fooled by the price, they really deliver on safety/robustness.

(if you need to measure amps in an industrial setting then a separate clamp is almost always a better choice anyway so you'll still have $60 to get one...)

[WesM]

I will need to measure current, but usually only in the 1-7 amp range.

[mtdoc]

Greenlee DM-810A
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TO5YUA/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza

Wow, incredible value on that rebadged Brymen, selling for $81 with free shipping  - that’s 60% off a high quality, full featured meter.

[rsjsouza]

Greenlee DM-810A
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TO5YUA/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza

Wow, incredible value on that rebadged Brymen, selling for $81 with free shipping  - that’s 60% off a high quality, full featured meter.

Interesting; I can't pinpoint which Brymen this Greenlee corresponds to, so I could evaluate its relative price. Perhaps a special run based on the BM827/829 family?

Hioki is a long time Japanese manufacturer of test equipment.

BTW, if you live close to a Fry's Electronics, you can also check their clearance on Keysight U1231A/1232A/1233A meters - they are being sold at quite reasonable prices and are decent meters.

[savageautomate]

OK so on warranty I kinda get that some lifetime warranties are better then others. However, Fluke is pretty much the only other multimeter brand (I know of) that offers them, and at very least its hopefully better then the 2-3 year warranties you see on most multimeters? Anyhow in this price range Fluke is offering a 3 year, but this is just quibbles. What I'm after is an American company that sells a product they will support.

The Fluke 115 is in the running for me, though it definitely stretches my budget a little. In your guys opinion how does it compare with the Greenlee DM-810A?

The specific application I will probably be using this most is designing and building 3-5 axis CNC equipment. Its not necessary that I have the most precise MM, since most of what I will be doing is mechanical design/assembly. I do want something that is safe though, which is kind of why I had zeroed in on the Greenlee/Brymen MM. Most of the flukes are well out of my budget, and I was not sure how the cheaper ones like the 115 would hold up. I will read up on the Hioki though, never heard of them.

Just curious, does anyone know what model the 810A is a re-badge of?

I don't think anyone would argue that the Fluke meters are excellent daily workhorses and will give you many years of service with one of the best warranties in the business.
But the Fluke 115 is a fairly basic multimeter in terms of functionality.  I'm sure it would meet all your needs and be a great meter, but you also mentioned wanting to get into a meter that you could grow into -- so I interpret that as having a meter with a few more bells and whistles.   

This seems like a really good price on a new Greenlee DM-810A:  http://amzn.to/2BjGfi8
I could not find an exact matching Brymen product that matches the Greenlee DM-810A.  It almost seems like a Brymen 827s with a reduced set of features and the removal of the CREST (min/max) and REC buttons. 
I think that the Brymen 827s is the same as the Greenlee DM-820A. 

The Greenlee DM-810A is giving you a few more features over the Fluke 115 with dedicated milliamp and microamp current ranges, duty cycle, and a higher CAT rating for high voltages.  It's a large form factor so take that into consideration if you need to fit in into your toolbox or are looking for a compact meter.  The Fluke 115 is a 6000 count meter where the DM-810A is a 10000 count meter, so the DM-810A provides a bit more resolution however I think you said that was not a greatly important for your needs.  The DM-810A can also optionally be connected to a computer to log and graph data with an extra accessory USB cable.  I don't think the Fluke 115 can be connected to a computer for logging.

I really like Brymen/Greenlee meters I own several (I also own a few Flukes, but not the 115).  But I really don't like that the 810A is missing the CREST button that gives you MIN and MAX functionality.  There are times where this is very helpful for me.  So with that in mind, I might consider stretching up to the Greenlee DM-820A.  It includes the CREST min/max feature as well as a REC feature. (take a look at the manual to learn more about this feature, it's not full data logging.)  The 820A also includes the ability to measure temperature readings.  This can come in handy from time to time.     

Here is a pre-owned Greenlee DM-820A for sale that's not a whole lot more in terms of cost:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Greenlee-DM-820A-True-RMS-Digital-Multimeter-1000-Volt/362115264156?epid=2255478102&hash=item544fc06e9c:g:Cj4AAOSwnTdaHutf

You can can read about some of the differences in the Greenlee 810A/820A/830A manual:
http://greenlee.ebizcdn.com/9b91d245c953f54a7f10aba72a4d0022

The Greenlee DM-210A is also a nice compact meter and may be more directly comparable to the Fluke 115.
http://amzn.to/2BjTsaH

For an everyday field meter, I think I would go with the Fluke 115 or the Greenlee DM-210A just because they are more compact and simple.  But if I wanted a tool that offered more features and I did not mind a slightly larger form factor, the Greenlee DM-810/820A would be the way I would go in this price range. 


See the photo below for a size comparison between the Greenlee DM-8xxA series and the Greenlee DM-2xx series (same as Brymen 2xx(s) series)

[HKJ]

You might want a look at my review table: http://www.lygte-info.dk/info/DMMReviews.html
It do not contain any of the meters you are interested in, but my comparison schema may give your some ideas what feature/functions to look for (There is a link at the bottom where the different feature/functions are described).

Here is a schema for a meter:

[WesM]

I decided to pull the plug on the Greenlee DM-810A. Will have to see how it works. I hear ya on the lack of min/max function, but I'm not sure if thats something I will be using with my setups. The electronics lab at work has a few Fluke 87, so I will try and do a little comparison when I get the 810A.

Thanks for all the advice! Hopefully I made the right choice 

[savageautomate]

I decided to pull the plug on the Greenlee DM-810A. Will have to see how it works. I hear ya on the lack of min/max function, but I'm not sure if thats something I will be using with my setups. The electronics lab at work has a few Fluke 87, so I will try and do a little comparison when I get the 810A.

Thanks for all the advice! Hopefully I made the right choice 

I don't think you will be unhappy.  The Brymen/Greenlee is a great meter.

In case you need spare fuses, these have worked great for me:

• 11 AMP (set of 5)  http://amzn.to/2B2T4gk
• 440 MILLIAMP (set of 5) - http://amzn.to/2kcTwhB

Or a single spare of each in a combo pack

• http://amzn.to/2nIJGsK

Also, when and if you want to feel like a multimeter elitist  ... get yourself a good set of silicone leads such as this Brymen set:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Brymen-Silicone-Gold-Plated-Test-Leads-Probes-for-Multimeters-CAT-IV-1000V/171162377470?epid=2063657290&hash=item27da129cfe:g:uSQAAOxyTjNShpch
... or Fluke silicone leads or any other premium brand of leads. 

After using a premium set .. its hard to go back :-)   
However, you will be really pissed if you short an arc across your premium leads and disfigure them 

[rsjsouza]

Congratulations on your purchase! I don't think you will regret.

[Russ]

I decided to pull the plug on the Greenlee DM-810A. Will have to see how it works. I hear ya on the lack of min/max function, but I'm not sure if thats something I will be using with my setups. The electronics lab at work has a few Fluke 87, so I will try and do a little comparison when I get the 810A.

Thanks for all the advice! Hopefully I made the right choice 

I don't think you will be unhappy.  The Brymen/Greenlee is a great meter.

In case you need spare fuses, these have worked great for me:

• 11 AMP (set of 5)  http://amzn.to/2B2T4gk
• 440 MILLIAMP (set of 5) - http://amzn.to/2kcTwhB

Or a single spare of each in a combo pack

• http://amzn.to/2nIJGsK

Also, when and if you want to feel like a multimeter elitist  ... get yourself a good set of silicone leads such as this Brymen set:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Brymen-Silicone-Gold-Plated-Test-Leads-Probes-for-Multimeters-CAT-IV-1000V/171162377470?epid=2063657290&hash=item27da129cfe:g:uSQAAOxyTjNShpch
... or Fluke silicone leads or any other premium brand of leads. 

After using a premium set .. its hard to go back :-)   
However, you will be really pissed if you short an arc across your premium leads and disfigure them 

 
   The fuses you linked above, will they fit the Eevblog/Brymen 235 too?

Thanks
Russ

[savageautomate]

   The fuses you linked above, will they fit the Eevblog/Brymen 235 too?

Thanks
Russ

No the 235 takes a smaller fuse for the low amperage fuse I'll take a look when I get home and send a link for that.

Dave also sells a set of fuses on the EEV blog site that work great with the 235

[Russ]

   The fuses you linked above, will they fit the Eevblog/Brymen 235 too?

Thanks
Russ

No the 235 takes a smaller fuse for the low amperage fuse I'll take a look when I get home and send a link for that.

Dave also sells a set of fuses on the EV blog site that work great with the 235

Thank you. I ordered a set from Dave. Just not sure how long they will take to arrive here in the States?

Thank you
Russ

[Lomax]

I have a Brymen 257s which I'm quite happy with; a compact and capable meter. My only criticism would be that the backlight turns off automatically after a frustratingly short period (what is it with this "feature"!?), and that the kick stand is pretty flimsy and unstable. Can't remember what I paid exactly, but it was around the $100 mark.

[Russ]

I timed the backlight on my Eevblog/Brymen 235. It goes off at exactly after 10 minutes.

Russ

[savageautomate]

I timed the backlight on my Eevblog/Brymen 235. It goes off at exactly after 10 minutes.

Russ

Sadly the Brymen 257s backlight is only lit for around 30 seconds.  I don't use the backlight often, but I would agree it would be annoying to turn off after only 30 seconds.   Despite this drawback, its a really nice compact meter.  This model also supports data logging via a specialized IR-USB cable which is the primary reason I purchased this model over the EEVBlog 235.  I did purchase one of the EEVBlog cases and accessories from Dave for my Brymen 257s -- perfect fit and a great addition for my 257s.

[Russ]

I timed the backlight on my Eevblog/Brymen 235. It goes off at exactly after 10 minutes.

Russ

Sadly the Brymen 257s backlight is only lit for around 30 seconds.  I don't use the backlight often, but I would agree it would be annoying to turn off after only 30 seconds.   Despite this drawback, its a really nice compact meter.  This model also supports data logging via a specialized IR-USB cable which is the primary reason I purchased this model over the EEVBlog 235.  I did purchase one of the EEVBlog cases and accessories from Dave for my Brymen 257s -- perfect fit and a great addition for my 257s.

    30 seconds is much to short to be of use. Can it be altered? I too ordered the Eevblog case and accessory items for my Brymen 235.

Russ

[Russ]

You guys are way more experienced and knowledgeable than I am. But I’m really liking my Eevblog/Brymen 235 Meter.

Russ

[savageautomate]

Thank you. I ordered a set from Dave. Just not sure how long they will take to arrive here in the States?
Thank you
Russ

I think these are the low current fuses I've used on the 2xx series Brymens.  I'd have to check the specs to be certain. 
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Schurter/70220570/?qs=%2fha2pyFaduiw1h1Y0BNZz9QVznkQ0rFH3U9hkqL%252bt2c%3d

[Russ]

Thank you. I ordered a set from Dave. Just not sure how long they will take to arrive here in the States?
Thank you
Russ

I think these are the low current fuses I've used on the 2xx series Brymens.  I'd have to check the specs to be certain. 
https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Schurter/70220570/?qs=%2fha2pyFaduiw1h1Y0BNZz9QVznkQ0rFH3U9hkqL%252bt2c%3d

They look to be the correct physical size. But Dave’s meter calls for 400mA fuses. Thank you for the effort.

Thanks
Russ

[savageautomate]

They look to be the correct physical size. But Dave’s meter calls for 400mA fuses. Thank you for the effort.
Thanks
Russ

Ah  ..  I don't actually have a 235.  The 257s manual calls for .63A 500V rated fuse.  I guess I just assumed they all used the same fuses.  The ones I got are only 500mA but I figured under rating them wouldn't hurt.

[Russ]

They look to be the correct physical size. But Dave’s meter calls for 400mA fuses. Thank you for the effort.
Thanks
Russ

Ah  ..  I don't actually have a 235.  The 257s manual calls for .63A 500V rated fuse.  I guess I just assumed they all used the same fuses.  The ones I got are only 500mA but I figured under rating them wouldn't hurt.

You think in a pinch, dropping a 500mA in the meter instead of the required 400mA would be alright?

Thanks
Russ

[savageautomate]

They look to be the correct physical size. But Dave’s meter calls for 400mA fuses. Thank you for the effort.
Thanks
Russ

Ah  ..  I don't actually have a 235.  The 257s manual calls for .63A 500V rated fuse.  I guess I just assumed they all used the same fuses.  The ones I got are only 500mA but I figured under rating them wouldn't hurt.

You think in a pinch, dropping a 500mA in the meter instead of the required 400mA would be alright?

Thanks
Russ

No ... dropping from 630mA to 500mA.  Again I was looking at the specs on the 250 series meters ... not  the 230 series.  My bad!  You are right the 230 series takes 400mA fuses and I would never put anything rated higher in it if I owned one

[WesM]

Consider Dave's BM235? Since you've mentioned you are going to work with VFDs, so a meter with LPF will definitely help. BM235 is one of a few low cost DMMs with built in VFD LPF mode.

https://www.amazon.com/EEVblog-BM235-Brymen-Multimeter/dp/B01JZ1ADCO

I did look at the BM235 meter. If I was going to jump to the $100-150 meters It would have been between that and the Fluke 115, and honestly the BM235 is a lot more feature rich for a quality meter then the 115. So I probably would have gone with the BM235.

[Lomax]

30 seconds is much to short to be of use. Can it be altered?

Sadly not, unless Brymen were to release a firmware update, along with instructions on how to flash it. Unlikely.

Edit: That said, it should be possible to power the backlight LEDs separately - perhaps wiring them up so that they're on whenever the meter is on. This would of course shorten battery life dramatically, but since I use rechargeable batteries and always have charged spares to hand this might not be too bad. Assuming a dozen or so mA draw, battery life should still be many hours. Alternatively, find a way to mount a physical switch for turning the backlight on/off.

I really cannot understand what the purpose of "auto off" on the backlight is; if I press the button to turn it on, that means I need the display to be lit - and I am perfectly capable of pressing it again when it is no longer needed.

Edit 2: In fact, this is one of the main reasons I'm thinking of getting the new EEVBlog 121GW meter...

[Russ]

   I dropped rechargeable Eneloops into my 235 and have two fully charged spare sets in my Eevblog case. 👍

Russ

[WesM]

Just a little update, I am very happy with my meter. Seems to be excellent quality and has all the features I was looking for (although the min/max would have been nice).

As a side note it comes with these

http://www.greenlee.com/products/50118684%2540cTEST--(TSG%2540d3).html?product_id=18015

They are a really nice set of silicone insulated gold tipped probes. Now I just need to find a good set of alligator clip probes, any recommendations on brands/models?

[Russ]

How about the alligator clips that come with Dave’s Eevblog Meter case? I like mine.

[Russ]

Just a little update, I am very happy with my meter. Seems to be excellent quality and has all the features I was looking for (although the min/max would have been nice).

As a side note it comes with these

http://www.greenlee.com/products/50118684%2540cTEST--(TSG%2540d3).html?product_id=18015

They are a really nice set of silicone insulated gold tipped probes. Now I just need to find a good set of alligator clip probes, any recommendations on brands/models?

   
   Which meter did you get?

Russ

[WesM]

Just a little update, I am very happy with my meter. Seems to be excellent quality and has all the features I was looking for (although the min/max would have been nice).

As a side note it comes with these

http://www.greenlee.com/products/50118684%2540cTEST--(TSG%2540d3).html?product_id=18015

They are a really nice set of silicone insulated gold tipped probes. Now I just need to find a good set of alligator clip probes, any recommendations on brands/models?

   
   Which meter did you get?

Russ

I got (well was given as a Christmas present by a special someone ) the Greenlee DM-810A

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003TO5YUA/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I2VM00LFSA148R&colid=KKXWLHZ7NKC9&psc=0

[Russ]

Cool. Have fun with it. Looks similar to mine.