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A multimeter is an essential tool for a professional electrician but also a great tool to have around the house and for DIY homeowners. It measures electricity and is sometimes called a volt-ohm meter or a multi-tester. The only way to measure current, called amps, voltage, called volts, and resistance, called ohms, is with a multimeter. These are things that even professionals can’t measure just by examining an electrical outlet.
Here are the 3 best multimeters for work:
Professionals in laboratories and workshops use multimeters to monitor the electrical properties of wiring and tools, circuits, power sources, and other things. You will also find devices with extra accessories such as special sensors, reading acidity, alkaline levels, relative humidity, and wind speed. The main functions of multimeters are:
• The temperature in Celsius/Fahrenheit
• Resistance in Ohms
• AC voltage and amperage
• DC voltage and amperage
• Conductance in Siemens
• Frequency in Hz
• Duty Cycle
• Decibels
• Capacity in Farads
• Inductance Henrys
There are two types of multimeters such as analog and digital, and you should choose the type that fits your purposes best. The analog type uses a moving coil meter and a pointer to indicate the reading on the scale; the digital uses an LED screen. Analog multimeters are larger than their digital counterparts.
Commonly called a voltmeter because measuring volts is the most common use for the tool. They are used to locate faults in live circuits. Professionals who troubleshoot solid-state relays and input/output terminals need a multimeter. Other industries where the device is needed are lumber mills, processing and distribution centers, industrial facilities, HVAC technicians, electronics, and commercial and residential electrical repair. A multimeter that measures DC is essential in the automotive industry as cars do not use AC. If you want a multimeter in your toolbox but think you will use it rarely, you can purchase a low-end model with a good rating. Professionals need durable, high-end devices that can withstand higher voltages.
To help put this list together, we worked with our community of metallurgists worldwide to find out which particulate models of multimeters are being used successfully by professionals every day. We also used data from consumers to know which multimeter had performed best across the market as a whole to be able to say: finally
1. Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter – Best Overall
The Fluke 117 is an ideal meter for places that require perfect accuracy such as hospitals, schools, and commercial buildings. It has integrated non-contact voltage detection, so you can move quickly if you have other jobs waiting. The LoZ helps avoid ghost voltage and false readings. It contains a true root-mean-square (RMS) for accurately measuring non-linear loads. You can count on the top safety rating and, if you choose, the optional magnetic hanger, ToolPak for hands-free operation.
Features:
• Designed for: Electricians
• DC millivolts – Range: 600V
• Battery life: 400 hours without backlight
• Weight: 550 grams
• Large white backlit LED for poorly-lit areas
What we love:
• It has a no-contact voltage selection
• It is great for troubleshooting motors run with capacitors and heat pumps
• It is a safe and reliable instrument for a professional and residential use
We don’t like this as much
• It has minimal automotive used only for low loads six and below
• Labeled as a tester, it may not give the same precision as an RMS device
- VoltAlert technology for non-contact voltage detection
- AutoVolt automatic AC/DC voltage selection. DC millivolts - Range : 600.0 mV, Resolution : 0.1 mV
- Low input impedance: helps prevent false readings due to ghost voltage
- Large white LED backlight to work in poorly lit areas
- True RMS for accurate measurements on non-linear loads.Operating temperature:-10°C to +50°C.Battery life:400 hours typical, without backlight
2. Fluke 117/323 Kit Multimeter and Clamp Meter Combo Kit
This device measures AC and DC voltage as well as amps. It’s RMS-accurate, noise-free, and prevents ghost voltage readings. It also has a Fluke 323 clamp meter for effective and productive troubleshooting at the same time. The clamp meters are designed for tight spaces and connections that are not easy to reach. It comes with a soft and durable carrying case. For hands-free operation, you can order the magnetic hanger. The kit also includes a durable carrying case that is soft and comfortable to carry.
Features:
• Designed for: Residential and commercial electricians
• DC millivolts – Range: 600V
• Battery life: comes with one battery. Battery life not given
• Weight: 0.8 grams
• Optional tool hanger for hands-free operation
What we love:
• It automatically chooses AC or DC voltage
• It will sense AC voltage if it is within range without contact
• It gives reliable readings quickly and is suitable for a professional
We don’t like this as much
• It does not have a backlight
• There is no provision for adding a hanging strap
- The 117 multimeter measures AC and DC voltage as well as AC and DC amps. The 323 clamp meter measures AC and DC voltage as well as AC amps
- The 117 multimeter features true RMS for accurate measurements on non-linear loads
- The 117 multimeter features low input impedance which helps prevent false readings due to ghost voltage
- The 323 clamp meter provides a true RMS AC voltage and current for accurate measurements on non linear signals
- The 323 clamp meter measures 400 A AC current and 600 VAC and DC voltage
3. AstroAI Multimeter 2000 – Best Budget Multimeter
This versatile multimeter gives accurate measurements for industrial and household issues. It offers high-speed information with a sampling speed of two times per second. The safety features are excellent with a double ceramic fuse that is anti-burn and deters overloading. The continuity feature has a buzzer and the LCD monitor is backlit for easy reading in dimly-lit areas. The box contains one Astro AI AM33D digital multimeter, one 9V 6F22 battery, two test leads, and a user manual.
Features:
• Designed for: automotive and household uses
• DC millivolts – Range: N/A
• Battery life: one 9V lithium metal battery included, the device has a low-battery indicator
• Weight: 18 grams
• It will not measure AC when it is in DC mode. Make sure to select the correct setting.
What we love:
• The continuity testing is audible
• The kickstand in the back is very useful for ease of readability
• It works for automotive purposes
We don’t like this as much
• It is only for low energy use and will probably break for high-energy uses
• It is an average meter, not a true RMS
- VERSATILE DIGITAL MULTIMETER - Accurately measures AC/DC Voltage, DC Current, Resistance, and Diode. This Multimeter is a really useful tool for solving industrial and household electrical issues. Suitable for Household Outlets, Fuses, Batteries (including Vehicles), Automotive Circuit Troubleshooting, Charging System, Testing electronics in Cars etc.
- TROUBLESHOOTING WITH Accuracy - This Multimeter has a sampling speed of 2 times per second; Built-in a backlight LCD display with 3 ½ digits (1999 count) 0.6”, and high polarity including negative and positive readings.
- ENSURES SAFETY - Double ceramic fuse is anti-burn and protects from overloading.The silicone cover is able to protect the multimeter from failing damage and prevent electric shocks. And low battery indication will be displayed when battery power is low.
- EASE OF USE - Support Data Hold, low battery indicator and continuity buzzer. Includes Convenient feature like LCD Backlit Screen makes it easy to use in dimly light areas. Battery/Set of Test Leads/User Manual are Included.
- ADDITIONAL TIPS - This Multimeter is designed to troubleshoot a variety of automotive and household electrical problems safely and accurately. It’s a suitable tool if you want to do some household or commercial improvements whether DIYers or Hobbyists. (NOTE: This meter can not test AC Current; Ensure your multimeter is set to the correct setting before testing)
4. Klein Tools MM600
This medium-priced multimeter gives a whopping 1000V AC/DC and provides information for resistance, capacitance, temperature, duty cycle, frequency, continuity, and test diodes. It has a strong casing and will withstand falls from six feet, and it has a carrying pouch plus alligator clips and test leads. The reason this is a great option for professionals is that it has been designed by professionals who want the perfect device.
Features:
• Designed for: electromagnetic environments for home and industry
• DC millivolts – Range: 1,000V
• Battery life: 1 lithium polymer battery is included and the device has a low-battery detector
• Weight: 0.4 grams
What we love:
• It has every feature a professional would need plus a few extras
• For a lower price, it’s comparable with a much higher-cost brand
• It has a wide measurement range
We don’t like this as much
• It goes automatically to AC, so you have to make one more switch to have DC
• Users wish it used a 9-volt battery instead of two AAA
- Multimeter measures up to 1000V AC/DC voltage, 10A AC/DC current and 40MOhms resistance plus temperature, capacitance, frequency, duty-cycle, test diodes and continuity
- Digital Mulimeter has CAT IV 600V / CAT III 1000V safety rating
- Built to endure a 6.6-foot (2 m) drop and withstand daily wear and tear on the job site
- Low battery indicator and easily accessible battery and fuse replacement compartment
- For use in basic and controlled electromagnetic environments such as residential, business and light-industrial locations
5. Fluke 107
This small device fits in the palm of your hand, but still gives an impressive array of information. You can count on accurate information for voltage, continuity, resistance, and capacitance. It has a data hold feature and a backlit display to make your work easier. You will also find duty cycle measurements and frequency.
Features:
• Designed for: basic household multimeter
• DC millivolts – Range: 600V
• Battery life: 2 AAA batteries included
• Weight: 0.2 grams
What we love:
• The size and weight are good as it fits in a pocket and doesn’t weigh you down
• The included leads are of high quality
• The build quality is solid, which is evident when you turn the dial
We don’t like this as much
• It doesn’t come with a carrying case
• The continuity tone isn’t loud enough for a commercial worksite
- Voltage, resistance, continuity, capacitance
- Input terminal for AC and DC current measurements to 10 A and current
- Backlit display
- Data hold
- Diode test, plus frequency and duty cycle measurements
6. Fluke 116/323
This is the best model for HVAC applications. It has a built-in thermometer and microamps to test flame sensors. Low input is impeded to prevent ghost voltage reads, and you can count on the RMS clamp meter for true AC and DC voltage measures. This is a combo kit that includes a multimeter and a clamp meter. You will be able to determine signal fluctuations with the min/max/average readings with the elapsed time record signal. The kit is ergonomically designed to be easy for professionals to carry and use.
Features:
• Designed for: HVAC technicians
• DC millivolts – Range: 600V
• Battery life: 1 9-volt battery included
• Weight: 0.54 grams
What we love:
• This is an excellent multimeter specifically designed for HVAC technicians
• It is suitable for automotive work
• It comes with a durable and padded storage bag
We don’t like this as much
• The clamp meter doesn’t have a holder for one of the leads to free up your hands
• Users recommend extending the life of the magnet and wrapping it in electrical tape
- The fluke 116 digital multimeter features a built-in thermometer for HVAC applications
- Fluke 116 digital multimeter features micro amps to test flame sensors
- Fluke 116 digital multimeter low input impedance helps prevent false readings due to ghost voltage
- Fluke 323 true RMS clamp meter measures 400 A AC current and 600 VAC and DC voltage
- Fluke 323 true rms clamp meter features true RMS AC voltage and current for accurate measurements on non linear signals
7. KAIWEETS Digital Multimeter TRMS 6000
This multimeter provides an impressive range of applications even though it is recommended for automotive jobs. The dial is easy to operate. Just switch it to the function you want and the LED lights will automatically shine accordingly. You don’t have to know which range of value because the auto-ranging does it for you. The LED provides a 6,000-count resolution on a large 2.9-inch display. It also has a pen slot on the back and a low-battery prompt. You can count on data retention and auto power off.
Features:
• Designed for: automotive and auto racing
• DC millivolts – Range: 600V
• Battery life: 2 AA batteries included
• Weight: 0.55 grams
What we love:
• The leads are very good quality
• The semi-hard rubber sleeve is very good quality
• The kick-stand in the back is stable and very convenient for hands-free work
We don’t like this as much
• The voltage measurement display tends to jump one to three degrees
• The water temperature measurement is not accurate
- WIDE APPLICATIONS - KAIWEETS HT118A Multimeter measures up to 600V AC/DC voltage, 10A AC/DC current and 60 MOhms resistance, electrical tester also tests temperature, capacitance, frequency, duty-cycle, wire on-off, and test diodes and continuity.
- EASY OPERATION - Switch the dial to the function you need, and the LED lights on the jacks will shine accordingly. To plug in the leads is easy. Autoranging saves you the hassle of having to know which range of value. Large 2.9” LCD backlight display, easy-to-read digits offer a 6000-count resolution.
- MULTI-FUNCTION - Non-contact voltage testing and Live function with sound and light alarm. Flashlight on the back ensures easy use in dimly lit places. Min/Max/Average to record signal fluctuations. Stable kickstand, Pen slot on the back, Low battery prompt, Data retention, Auto power-off.
- SAFETY FIRST - IEC Rated CAT III 1000V, CAT IV 600V, CE, RoHS certified. Anti-Burn with double ceramic fuse and thermistor protection circuit. High Voltage Protection is active on all ranges. Double insulated unit. Silicone protective case prevents it from falling damage.
- AFTERSALES - KAIWEETS provides a 36-Month after-sale service, lifetime technical support. Please feel free to contact us if you have any concerns. Package includes multimeter, test leads, thermocouple, batteries and user manual. ( Note: Please take off the cap before using the leads)
8. Klein Tools MM300
This multimeter is designed to be extra durable and withstand wear and tear as well as drops of one meter. Its main use is for small businesses, and residential and light industries. It comes with test leads as well as two AAA batteries. The battery compartment is easy to open when you need to change the batteries. It has a low-battery indicator. You can measure AC/DC voltage, diodes, and continuity. This is a good starter multimeter for anyone just learning how to use it, especially for household purposes. The leads fit snugly into the meter and will not fall out.
Features:
• Designed for: controlled residential, industrial, and business electromagnetic environments
• DC millivolts – Range: 600V
• Battery life: 2 AAA batteries included
• Weight: .23 grams
What we love:
• It is exceptionally sturdy for the price
• All the necessary safety codes function properly
• It has a long life
We don’t like this as much
• The continuity mode takes an unreasonably long time to respond
• It has a limited battery life because of the AAA batteries used
- Multimeter measures up to 600V AC/DC voltage, 10A DC current and 2MOhms resistance
- Voltage tester for batteries, diodes and continuity
- Built to withstand a 3.3-foot (1m) drop and withstand daily wear and tear on the job site
- For use in basic and controlled electromagnetic environments such as residential, business and light-industrial locations
- CAT III 600V safety rating
9. Klein Tools MM400
You will have a wide range of possibilities with this multimeter. It measures resistance, AC/DC voltage, temperature, frequency, capacitance, diodes, duty cycle, and continuity. It has a high safety rating and is built for durability to withstand a drop from one meter. The battery compartment is easy to access and it has a low-battery indicator. Along with the two AAA batteries, the kit contains a thermocouple with adapter and test leads.
Features:
• Designed for: automotive electricians and other industries
• DC millivolts – Range: 600V
• Battery life: 2 AAA batteries required
• Weight: .23 grams
What we love:
• It is suitable for a home gamer or as a backup to a professional multimeter
• The lead wires are supple and easy to connect
• It has a light and a beeper which is useful where hearing protection is required
We don’t like this as much
• It may not be suitable for professionals as it lacks true RMS functionality
• The HOLD function does not work properly
- Multimeter measures up to 600V AC/DC voltage, 10A AC/DC current and 40 MOhms resistance
- Electrical tester measures temperature, capacitance, frequency, duty-cycle, and test diodes and continuity
- CAT III 600V safety rating
- Built to withstand a 3.3-foot (1 m) drop and withstand daily wear and tear on the job site
- Low battery indicator and easily accessible battery compartment
10. Fluke 115
This multimeter is of professional quality. It gives true RMS measurements on non-linear loads. It has a high safety rating and can operate in any weather condition. You will check frequency, diodes, and continuity with ease. The large LED screen is backlit for night use and dark areas. This product is used all around the world for precision measurement of electrical issues in manufacturing, service industries, and residential uses. This multimeter is designed for a simple, intuitive operation that ensures accuracy. The kit comes with a nine-volt battery installed in the multimeter, a 4mm silicone test lead set, and a user manual.
Features:
• Designed for: Field service technicians including automotive
• DC millivolts – Range: 600V
• Battery life: 9-volt battery installed
• Weight: .55 grams
What we love:
• The LED display has a backlight for reading in dark places
• The readings are accurate
• There is no guesswork when the alternator is overcharging rhythmically and the device needs servicing
We don’t like this as much
• When the dial is between detents, there is no indication which could be a safety issue
• The LCD tends to be weak when you look at it from different angles
- True-rms for accurate measurements on non-linear loads
- safety rated
- Large white LED Backlight to work in poorly lit areas
- Operating Temperature -10 °C to + 50 °C Storage Temperature -40 °C to + 60 °C
- Check continuity, frequency, capacitance and diode test
What to Consider When Choosing a Multimeter?
If you are choosing a digital multimeter, you need to check the specifications it offers. Here are a few things to consider:
• It is recommended to select one that has a higher main voltage than you think you need. You shouldn’t use the device above the range it can withstand.
• It needs to give accurate information. The maximum permissible error limit determines this.
• Choose the resolution you need. This is the number of digits the signal strength can be measured. You may want a multimeter with a high input impedance for sensitive electronics.
• Check the energy capacity to know the maximum transient voltage your device can tolerate without damage.
• If you need to measure temperature frequently, you may need a device that can measure two temperatures simultaneously.
• Frequency measurement monitors current and voltage in a frequency range. A device with a steady AV voltage should also maintain the correct frequency.
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