Multimeter recommendation?
I'm looking to buy a multimeter, as my rig's refrigerator doesn't work on electric but still works on gas. There is power to its outlet (of course, that would be too easy of a fix..) and I know my ne...
Forum Discussion
Wow - hate to hear the comments, get the cheapest one you can afford. Remember, the only thing between you and the current you are measuring is the meter. If you buy cheap, you get cheap, which may cost you in the end. Also, it's like a calculator. If 1+1=3 then 4 then 6 then 2, is it reliable? No!!
Get a good meter, spend a few extra bucks. I like the ones that automatically detect AC or DC voltage, same setting, auto ranging. Just put it on voltage and you are good to go. I have both a clamp and DMM, but they both measure the same things, the clamp is just easier for clamping to a wire, like a battery cable.
Make sure it is rated to CAT IV 600 V minimum - this is to protect you from shock. If you plan to use it around the house also you might be measuring 120V AC to 240V AC.
As many have mentioned, Fluke is the gold standard and they are priced accordingly, but Amprobe (Fluke's cheap brand) FLIR, Klein, Ideal all are good quality manufacturers. They are all built in the same factories, but QC is different depending on who's name is on them. Stick to a manufacturer of electrical tools and you won't go wrong.
A non contact voltage tester is also good around 120v - not DC. I use it all the time around the house to make sure the power is off before changing a light fixture, switch, etc. A decent one is $20 or so, you can go cheap, but are you sure it works? I guess you can touch the wire and check.
Get a good meter, spend a few extra bucks. I like the ones that automatically detect AC or DC voltage, same setting, auto ranging. Just put it on voltage and you are good to go. I have both a clamp and DMM, but they both measure the same things, the clamp is just easier for clamping to a wire, like a battery cable.
Make sure it is rated to CAT IV 600 V minimum - this is to protect you from shock. If you plan to use it around the house also you might be measuring 120V AC to 240V AC.
As many have mentioned, Fluke is the gold standard and they are priced accordingly, but Amprobe (Fluke's cheap brand) FLIR, Klein, Ideal all are good quality manufacturers. They are all built in the same factories, but QC is different depending on who's name is on them. Stick to a manufacturer of electrical tools and you won't go wrong.
A non contact voltage tester is also good around 120v - not DC. I use it all the time around the house to make sure the power is off before changing a light fixture, switch, etc. A decent one is $20 or so, you can go cheap, but are you sure it works? I guess you can touch the wire and check.
