Best Electronics Multimeter Reviews For Hobbyist 2018

Last updated on November 10th, 2018 at 04:13 am

Are you come here to buy the Best Electronics Multimeter in 2018 right? This is the most updated guideline to buy a top Electronics Multimeter. Read this guide and get it. As soon as you want to measure electrical quantities the multimeter is an indispensable tool, but what is a multimeter?

As its name suggests, a multimeter is a device capable of measuring different electrical quantities.

Its primary function is to protect you against the risk of electrification or worse electrocution because it ensures that we will work in the absence of voltage. Voltage is expressed in V (volts). All multimeters have this function, it is the voltmeter mode. This function also allows detecting faults, failures, or anomalies on an electric circuit.

Any multimeter also has a mode to test electrical continuity, it is the ohmmeter mode. It measures the resistance expressed in Ω (ohms) between two points. Often, it is linked to a small beeper that rings when the resistance is zero or very weak and so there is continuity. Many best budget multimeters offer many additional functions such as measuring current, impedance (winding resistance), capacitance (capacitor load) and even power (coupling a voltmeter and a clamp meter).

Even if all multimeters are similar, pay close attention to different measurement modes because they will greatly affect the possibilities of your device and its price. You can read best electronics books reviews.

Types of Multimeter

There are two types of multimeter:

Digital Multimeter

Built around a digital voltmeter and includes at least one current-voltage converter to operate it in ammeter and a constant current generator to operate in ohmmeter.

Analog Multimeter

Built around an ammeter generally of magnetoelectric type and includes a voltage-current converter. The major advantage is not to require a battery for voltage and current measurements. Moreover, at an equivalent price, their bandwidth is much wider, thus allowing AC measurements over several hundred kilohertz where a standard digital model is confined to a few hundred hertz. It is for this reason that they are still widely used in testing on Hi-Fi equipment.

Functions of a Multimeter

Our Top Multimeter

In case you are looking for the best multimeter for electronics hobbyist, there is certain criterion that you will need to pay close attention to. In addition, you will also need to decide the nature of the measurement device in question to be certain to have in your hands the measuring tool adapted to your needs. Thus, if you follow the following tips, it will be easy to find this product at the best value for money.

The extent of measurement of the device you are interested in is the first point to check because it will depend on the effectiveness of the craft. If you have small needs, then you will not need to buy a device with wide measurements. On the other hand, if you are a professional then, the best is to immediately choose a device of big caliber.
The accuracy of the device is also very important because it is to know certain measures that one acquires this kind of device. So for your sake, expect a precision of at least 0.5% and whether you are a simple handyman or a professional. Of course, there are very specific devices, but quite expensive.
Protection is essential, especially when it comes to electricity. Also, try to choose a specimen with a safety fuse to protect you first and then protect yourself. Moreover, opt for a device that meets European or French safety standards at the limit would be a good idea.
Above all, take your time to check the criteria recently revealed so as not to regret your future purchases. In addition, despite the fact that these criteria are reliable, remember that the right choice in this area also depends largely on your personal taste that should not be neglected.

Etekcity MSR-C600 Digital Multimeter Clamp Meter (Voltage DMM Tester AC / DC Voltmeter)

Take a quick look at the important information of this product to understand why it is the best multimeter for electronics technician in 2018. Let’s start with the technical information.

Specifications
Safety / Compliance: IEC61010 CAT. II 600 V, CAT. III 300 V plus voltage and double insulation

Included In the Box

Design
Its red protective cover protects it from small shocks (without going to throw it from the roof of a building either!), its crutch makes it possible to leave your hands free.
Etekcity MSR-C600 Digital Multimeter Clamp Meter is small, which allows you to take it everywhere, so it’s easier to grip and it is discreet.

Main Functions
The Etekcity MSR-C600 Digital Multimeter Clamp Meter is an outfit for technicians, experienced or casual handymen, students or the teacher in short all those who might need this type of product.
It is easy to use thanks to its rotating wheel and has features to measure the intensity of the current, the voltage, the perimeter of testing diodes and resistors, transistors and PCB continuity.

Utilization

The Etekcity portable digital multimeter allows you to take the most diverse measurements with a small margin of error, which makes it an efficient product that you will use according to your different needs.

Other Top Rated Best Electronics Multimeter Reviews 2018

It is always said, and rightly so, that it is not easy to choose a measurement tool. However, thanks to our advice, you will be able to find the best multimeter for electronics repair and other purposes, that will be able to satisfy all your needs. In addition to a well-supplied shopping guide, we intend to deliver a well-updated comparison so that you can find the best multimeter as an electronics technician that suits your requirements best in 2018!

Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter Reviews

With its built-in contactless voltage sensing and the AutoV / LoZ feature to prevent erroneous measurements caused by phantom voltage, the Fluke 117 Electrician’s Meter is the ideal. In fact, users around the world have said that their 117 is an investment in accuracy. The Fluke 117 provides Min / Max / Average readings and frequency and capacity measurements. Its ease of use allows you to save time and move easily from one task to another. Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter is designed and tested for your safety at your workplace. It is safely tested in CAT III 600 V environments. This is one of the best fluke multimeters for electronics technician, for the following reasons:

Main Functions

Digital Clamp Meter AC/DC Auto-Ranging 600 Amp Measures Voltage

Main Functions

Note: Check out best logic analyzer buying guides

Specifications:

Read our best bench power supply buying guides to buy best one.

Extech EX330 Mini Multimeter with NCV and Type K Temperature

The Extech EX330 Mini Multimeter offers AC / DC voltage, AC / DC, resistance, diode, continuity, non-contact voltage sensing, capacitance, frequency, readiness, and temperature functions.

Main Functions

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Fluke 87-V Digital Multimeter Reviews

The Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is designed to help quickly identify complex signal problems. The 4.5-digit digital multimeter offers true RMS readings that give accurate, uncomplicated results. The 87V portable digital multimeter provides accuracy and resolution for troubleshooting in motor drives, factory automation, power distribution and electromechanical equipment in noisy, industrial and high-energy environments as well as in high altitude locations. The Fluke 87V digital multimeter also features a larger display with a brilliant two-level backlight for viewing analog bar graphs and measurements in a dark work environment.

Note : For calibrated items: accuracy is specified for 1 year after calibration, at operating temperatures of 18 to 28 ° C, with relative humidity of 0 to 90%.

Main Functions

Fluke 88 V / A Automotive KIT Multimeter Combo Kit

From the control room to the factory, the Fluke family of digital multimeters of the 80 series has earned its reputation as a reliable digital multimeter among industrial technicians.

When productivity is at stake, the Fluke 80 Series delivers the precision and advanced diagnostic features you need to solve problems quickly.

Use its low pass filtering function to accurately measure voltage and frequency on electrically noisy equipment, such as variable speed motor drivers. Use the peak capture function to detect intermittent problems and transient voltages up to 250 microseconds.

And work with confidence. The input alert function sounds an audible warning if the input jacks are misused. The Fluke 80 Series Multimeters are independently tested for use in 1000V CAT IV 600V / CAT III environments.

They can withstand pulses greater than 8000V and reduce the risks associated with power surges at the peaks of tension.

Modern cars are shipping more and more electrical systems. This number will continue to increase with the arrival of hybrid vehicles.

So, the most important tool that you will use for the diagnosis will probably be the multimeter.

The Fluke 88 V has enhanced measurement capabilities, diagnostic capabilities, and accuracy to solve more conventional problems with conventional and new hybrid vehicles.

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How to Choose a Best Multimeter for an Electrician 2018

Whether you are a simple handyman or a professional electrician, you will not have the same needs in terms of measurement, display and accuracy of your multimeter. Let’s get together an overview of the most useful modes according to your needs.

1. Occasional Use and Small Crafts
From a simple change of bulb to the connection of an electrical outlet, or to the test of batteries/batteries to the detection of a simple failure on an electrical panel for example. In all these cases, a basic multimeter is more than enough. The voltmeter and ohmmeter functions will allow you to carry out your work while ensuring the presence or absence of electrical voltage. Opt for a device with a wide voltage measurement range (200 mV to 200V continuous and 0 to 600V AC), this will suit all situations. The ohmmeter function will cover resistances ranging from 0 (continuity test) to 2 MΩ. Orient your choice to a device offering a limited choice of calibres (analog or digital) to limit errors and simplify its use.

2. Frequent Use
You work regularly on electrical networks or installations, wire boards or switchgear, or even detect and look for simple faults. In all these cases, you will need a multimeter a little more powerful, reliable and with additional modes. In addition to conventional ohmmeters and voltmeters, go to a device that also measures currents, expressed in “A” (amperes). For simplicity a multimeter type “fork” or “clamp” ammeter is a good choice because it will allow you to make your measurement without dismantling the electrical son or anything on the installation. The basic templates (10A continuous, 200A AC) will cover all your needs. A digital multimeter will make your readings and measurements easier.

3. The Effective Value
The multimeter can be:
RMS (Root Mean Square = mean square or mean value of a nonlinear value), ideal for continuous currents;
Or TRMS (True RMS = true average value) for AC currents.

4. Protection
This is the type of input protection for measurements via cords (usually one or more fuses). Some higher-performance models also have polarity protection and / or anti-overload protection.

5. The Standard Is the Category
On the standard side, all multimeters must meet the IEC 601010 standard. This standard lists 4 device categories corresponding to the ranges of use and ratings:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s )

Question 1: What is the purpose of a multimeter?
Answer: Electrical devices operate with different voltages: 12 V, 24 V, 220 V, 380 V. Your multimeter, in voltmeter mode, will check the voltage of the electrical outlet before connecting your device. More generally, the voltmeter is used to measure the electrical current flowing in the circuit. In ammeter mode, you can check the electrical intensity of a device. This makes it possible to calibrate the circuit breakers of the electrical panel so that they are able to absorb all the intensity of the devices that are connected to it. In ohmmeter mode, your multimeter is used to measure the resistance of a circuit or component. This mode makes it possible to verify that there is no short circuit or that a device does not have an electrical leak to ground. The continuity test is done with a beep that indicates the flow of current.

Question 2: Voltmeter or multimeter – which is more useful?

Answer: An electrician usually uses a multimeter. More practical, this device includes several other devices, including the voltmeter. It measures as follows:

Question 3: Where to get one?
Answer: If you are more connoisseurs, you can search the Net to find your happiness. Otherwise, go to a hardware store where a vendor can tell you which model is best for you. He can explain how to use it, and give you all the information you need. To use your multimeter, you will be able to consult the tutorials on the Internet, either on Youtube or on the site of the DIY store.

Time to Choose
Here you are now to make your choice. But, there are criteria that you must take into account. The question no longer concerns the model or the mode of use; it focuses on the quality of the measuring device. Indeed, you must consider the reliability of the display. Your main criterion will be precision. And, you ask if the value indicated by the display is the true value. So, we must reason on the difference between the indicated value and the real value. In general, you think that using a high-value tester gives you accuracy. In contrast, when your meter has a low value, it gives you more precision. So, prefer the ohmmeter offering basic calibers.
Then the second question arises about the resolution of the measuring device. Then, the multimeter or the ohmmeter shows the smallest variation of the measured quantity. This variation is provided by the place of the decimal point and the digit with the smallest precise meaning. A low resolution thus indicates a correct value. To infer, in your choice, you will take into account the ability of the device as to accuracy and resolution.

Final Words
Electricity is dangerous, it stings, it burns and it kills! Just because you are going to acquire a powerful measuring device does not mean that you will be safe from an accident.
Be sure to use it in the right conditions and always check that you are in the right mode. Pay special attention to your test leads, the plugs must always be clean and dry, and the wires must not be stripped or nicked. We do not become an electrician because we have the electrician’s tool!
The current market has several models of multimeter be it analog or digital. Nevertheless the digital is taking the place on its competitor thanks to its performances. You now have all the information you need to make the right choice for this particular device.