Top 5 Best Multimeters of 2020
Published on January 18, 2020
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Multimeters are devices known by electricians as multitesters or VOMs. A multimeter is an electrician’s most important tool, as it helps them measure electricity. As a handyman, an FYI enthusiast or a person who has to deal with electricity in their daily work, measuring the voltage, current and resistance is essential. Also, having the proper tool that allows you to perform these measurements in an accurate way is extremely important. In this article, we are going to discuss about the pros and cons of the best multimeters that you can find on the market.
When looking to buy a multimeter that fulfils your requirements, you must forget about traditional models that have limited functions and outdated technology. The best multimeters on today’s market are digital and have a large number of features that help you get the job done in no time. Large displays, graphical bars, accurate measurements, compact designs: these are just a few of the characteristics of a good multimeter that you can use on a daily basis.
Multimeters are more than often used to measure the voltage. When you own the best tool out there, it becomes easy to do it flawlessly. Due to the fact that modern multimeters are extremely easy to use, most electricians and engineers don’t even have to read the product instructions. Most such devices have a central knob that allows you to select the desired measurement type.
Are you looking for the best tool to do these measurements for you, but you are not sure which one is best for your needs? We have analysed 5 of the best-selling multimeters on the market for you, highlighting their pros and cons. Take a look at the products below:
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1. Fluke 115 Compact True-RMS Digital Multimeter
Fluke 115 Compact True-RMS Digital Multimeter
This digital multimeter from Fluke is on top of the customers’ choices, thanks to its capabilities and ease of use. It is a device that fits in the palm of your hand, has digital functions, a compact design and plenty of options. It is highly versatile, capable of reading voltage, continuity and capacity. It has an ergonomic design, allowing workers, electricians and engineers to manoeuvre it easily. It is capable of making 10A ac/dc current measurements with 20 A overload for maximum 30 seconds. Its safety ratings are high, so there is nothing to worry about when using it.
This product features and LED display with backlight, a min/max recording function, as well as true RMS. It comes with a protection case that allows you to keep it away from dust and dirt. Thanks to the included case, you can also protect it and carry it safely in your tool box. This digital multimeter has a central knob that allows you to select the desired measurements, as well as four other intuitive buttons. Should you want to buy a high-quality product that encompasses all of the features that you need in one device, this could be the one to go for.
What’s to like?
It is nicely designed
It is small sized
It has a compact shape
It has intuitive functions
It has a central knob
It has an ergonomic design
It comes with a protection case
It is small-sized
It is durable
It measures 20 A in max 30 seconds
It is Cat III 600 V safety rated
It checks continuity
capacitance and frequency
What’s not to like?
It is a bit costly
It doesn’t have an ample viewing angle
2. Southwire Tools Digital Multimeter with 11 Functions
Southwire Tools Digital Multimeter with 11 Functions
If you are looking for a medium priced digital multimeter that is multifunctional and has a great design, this is the product that will help you work faster and more efficiently. The 14060S model has 11 functions, except for the maximum/minimum. Working with this device is easy, even in the darkest and most unfriendly places, as all of its controls are backlit and highly visible. Also, it has a backlit display that shows all of the enabled functions, as well as a 6000 count with a bar graph. It has a safety rating of 600V in Cat IV and 1000V in Cat III and meets all of the applicable safety standards.
If you work in challenging environments as an electrician or an engineer, you will be glad to know that this product is waterproof and dust resistant. However, the manufacturer does not recommend using it right away if entirely wet. This product’s box includes a hanging strap, a carrying case, a temperature probe and test leads, as well as 4 AAA batteries. It does not include a battery tester, yet by comparison to other similar devices, it offers more value for money. It is cheaper; it has a lot of functions and an impeccable design.
What’s to like?
It is nicely designed
It is small sized
It has a compact shape
It has intuitive functions
It has a central knob
It has an ergonomic design
It comes with a protection case
It is small-sized
It is durable
It measures 20 A in max 30 seconds
It is Cat III 600 V safety rated
It checks continuity
capacitance and frequency
What’s not to like?
It is a bit costly
It doesn’t have an ample viewing angle
3. Fluke 101 Basic Digital Multimeter Pocket Portable Meter
Fluke 101 Basic Digital Multimeter Pocket Portable Meter
If you are looking for an affordable multimeter that fits in your pocket and helps you with your daily tasks in the engineering or electrical field, than this basic device could be what you are looking for. This device is inexpensive and even though it does not have all the advanced functions of costly products, it offers good value for money. It has a simple design with a central knob and two other buttons above it. It is intuitive to use, comfortable to manoeuvre, lightweight and with an ergonomic shape. Its compact size of only 5.1 x 1.1 x 2.6 inches and its weight of no more than 160 grams make it easy to carry around in your tool box, without even noticing the difference.
The Fluke 101 model has a data hold function, an auto power-saving mode and an auto-ranging function that helps perform tests easier and quicker than before. It is a practical product and it comes with an intelligent magnetic strap. The leads are included, too, as well as 2 AAA alkaline batteries. In spite of all the advantages of this product and its great price, you should be aware that this is not a professional voltmeter and will not be enough in case you have complex tasks.
What’s to like?
It is affordable
It is nicely designed
It has basic functions
It is compact
It is suitable for beginners and basis tasks
It is lightweight
It has an auto power saving mode
It is easy to operate
It has an ergonomic shape
It includes leads and batteries
It has a case and a magnetic strap
What’s not to like?
It is a basic model
not a professional one
4. Mastech MS8229 Multi-Functional Digital Multimeter
Mastech MS8229 Multi-Functional Digital Multimeter
Yet another affordable multimeter that has various functions and is suitable for basic tasks that involve electricity is this model brought by Mastech. It comes with a great design that has protected edges, a central knob and a few controls that allow you to change the settings according to your needs. It includes a lux meter, a humidity meter, a thermometer and a sound level meter. Whenever connecting the leads, an LED lights up and lets you know that the connection was done. Also, you will notice a sound warning every time you connect the leads, allowing you to understand if they are placed in the right plugs.
This device has a backlit display, smaller than other similar products’, yet extremely useful. Its angle allows you to see the desired settings from any position. Also, being backlit, it offers you the visibility you need even in the darkest places. It measures 7.7 x 3.6 x 2.2 inches and weighs 14.1 ounces and it is easy to manoeuvre thanks to its ergonomic shape. This multimeter is packed with plenty of functions and capabilities, being a 5 in 1 voltmeter.
What’s to like?
It is inexpensive
It is nicely designed
It has plenty of functions
It has included leads
It has a humidity meter included
It has a decibel meter
It include a lux meter
It has LED and sound notifications
It includes a thermos probe
It includes 3 AAA batteries
It measures the resistance
capacitance and frequency
It is suitable for both simple and complex tasks
What’s not to like?
It is larger than most similar devices
5. Fluke 116/323 KIT HVAC Multimeter and Clamp Meter Combo Kit
Fluke 116/323 KIT HVAC Multimeter and Clamp Meter Combo Kit
Fluke brings another digital multimeter that can help you do your electrical measurements on the jobs. This device has a built-in thermometer that is suitable for HVAC applications, as well as micro amps that help you test flame sensors. Fluke usually brings to the market devices that integrate complex functions for any task that you might need to do. This product is what you are looking for if you need a multimeter that is able to prevent false readings that might happen due to ghost voltage.
If you choose to go for the 323 model, you will also get true RMS functions that can measure 400 A AC current and 600 VAC and DC voltage. The same model has true RMS AC voltage measurement features that allow you to get accurate results. This product is lightweight, easy to use and comfortable to hold while concentrating on your tasks. It is made of durable plastic and has rounded edges, protected by a yellow, resistant frame. This combo kit includes a case, a strap, leads and a general purpose clamp meter. Also, it has an integrated DMM temperature probe, which excludes the need of a separate thermometer.
What’s to like?
It has an ergonomic design
It is suitable for professional use
It has a built-in thermometer
It can be used in HVAC applications
It can test flame sensors
It has low input impedance
It prevents false reading
It has a large LED display
It is backlit
It measures resistance frequency continuity and capacitance
It can be operated using one hand
It is Cat III 600V safety rated
It is easy to operate
It comes with a case
It has a temperature probe included
What’s not to like?
It has a 3 year warranty comparing to other models that have limited lifetime warranty
CONCLUSION
In the electrical engineering field, owning the best tools for current measurement is essential. Whether you are a handyman, a clerk or a professional with many years of experience, your job is to make sure that your measurements are accurate and that the errors are as few as possible. Owning a high-quality multimeter is one of the most important things when being engaged in such activities. If you are a beginner in this field, a product with basic functions will do, but if you are a professional that expects a lot from the devices that you use, you need a product with plenty of functions. Durability, ergonomics, versatility, are just a few of the things that you might expect in a good multimeter.
The five products in our list are some of the best-selling products on the market. Some might be out of your budget, while some might be too basic for your needs. Analysing a product thoroughly before buying it may prevent the frustration that most users deal with after buying a multimeter that they thought was better, more accurate or more efficient. In the age of technology, everything is based on electricity. A digital multimeter is way better than a traditional one, which is why we recommend these models over the conventional, mechanical ones. Choose wisely by analysing all the aspects that define a high-quality voltmeter.
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