Best multimeter
Well, got what I paid for... I bought a Chinese $30 multi meter and a $45 clamp meter several years ago.the clamp meter worked 3 times! But I haven’t needed one til now. I dropped the multimeter yeste...
Forum Discussion
Start out with a free HF MultiMeter (DVOM). For the price of a pair of half decent pocket flashlights you get a DVOM tha handles 90% of what you need a meter for when RVing. The "Ideal List" goes more like this:
AC Voltage (best if "true RMS")
DC Voltage (remember for both AC and DC you sometimes need to read Low as well as High)
AC AMPS (should capture Peak Inrush as when A/C compressor starts)
DC AMPS (not quite as helpful unless you're one of our many Solar Folks)
Capacitance!!! (Test A/C Capacitors)
Frequency (check GenSet RPM by looking for 60 hZ)
If you camp On The Grid, you can get most of this with a HF AC Clamp Ammeter on sale about $15 (has Volts/Ohms too but not enough scales to always be helpful) plus a Free DVOM when you buy the Meter. HF's rules are tightening but you might get 20% discount even on a posted "sale."
I had an Amprobe that was my "pet" till I found out it was a mile out of calibration and my HF matched professional electrican's meter. Was fortunate to be gifted a salvaged Fluke that does Capacitance. I use it very carefully not wanting to blow it out on a Senior Moment.
I grieve the loss of any tool, though, so when you get one with a dial, MARK the Pointer in a contrasting color so you don't make a mistake like having it on Ohms when you want to check AC Volts 180* away on the dial. Meters run on Smoke that's sealed inside, and that kind of trick will let it out.
AC Voltage (best if "true RMS")
DC Voltage (remember for both AC and DC you sometimes need to read Low as well as High)
AC AMPS (should capture Peak Inrush as when A/C compressor starts)
DC AMPS (not quite as helpful unless you're one of our many Solar Folks)
Capacitance!!! (Test A/C Capacitors)
Frequency (check GenSet RPM by looking for 60 hZ)
If you camp On The Grid, you can get most of this with a HF AC Clamp Ammeter on sale about $15 (has Volts/Ohms too but not enough scales to always be helpful) plus a Free DVOM when you buy the Meter. HF's rules are tightening but you might get 20% discount even on a posted "sale."
I had an Amprobe that was my "pet" till I found out it was a mile out of calibration and my HF matched professional electrican's meter. Was fortunate to be gifted a salvaged Fluke that does Capacitance. I use it very carefully not wanting to blow it out on a Senior Moment.
I grieve the loss of any tool, though, so when you get one with a dial, MARK the Pointer in a contrasting color so you don't make a mistake like having it on Ohms when you want to check AC Volts 180* away on the dial. Meters run on Smoke that's sealed inside, and that kind of trick will let it out.
