Multi-Meter advice...
I need a new multi-meter. Anyone have this one: Innova 3320 Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter? LINK Thanks.
Forum Discussion
BFL13 wrote:
I mostly use the meter to take Voc and Isc from a solar panel where the clamp on wouldn't work AFAIK. Then I forget to swap the wire over between V and A and blow a fuse. Fuses are a spaz's best friend. A clamp on will measure AC/DC voltage and AC/DC current including 3 legs of a Y. AC/DC amp measurement is non invasive. AC/DC voltage requires access to the wires.
OTOH, at school in Lab, they told us it is a basic fact that you can't measure anything without changing it, so you can't ever get a proper measurement. Like sticking a thermometer in the water, the temp of the thermometer changes the temp of the water. The lab failed in terms of practical solar or RV measurements. A clampon is non invasive and a DVM draws micro amps for voltage measurements so the draw is insufficient. While one could suggest that calibration and accuracy are important even the $5/free HF meters are good for RV voltage as is the $60 clampon for amps.
