While multimeters can be used for a variety of projects, they are most commonly bought and used for the purpose of checking the voltage in automotive parts and electrical devices. It is a tool used to diagnose parts that might be malfunctioning through concise and accurate voltage readings. The multimeter can be used to check a wide range of electrical values such as bolts, amps and ohms. Its main purpose is to measure the flow of electrical current across multiple terminals.
Depending on the type of multimeter that you choose, it may even be used to measure the flow of voltage that flows through a variety of different electrical components. These tools are very simple to use. Some people believe that using one will be difficult because you need to set the dial on the multimeter to the correct settings to get a proper diagnosis. Typically, all you have to do is attach the multimeter’s positive and negative testing wires to the electrical components that you wish to test. Below are our top ten choices in multimeters to help you find the right one to fit your own personal needs.
10 Best Multimeters – Reviews:
1. Fluke 115 Compact True-RMS Digital Multimeter
The Fluke 115 is a great choice and has many valuable features that many of the more cheaper multimeters just won’t have. While it may cost a bit more than other models, you will not be sorry with your purchase. It lets you check capacitance, diodes, frequency and continuity. No cheaper models will let you test so many electrical components with one single device. It also have a True-RMS feature which greatly increases the accuracy of the device’s readings of non-linear electrical loads. Additionally, it has safety features to eliminate the risk of accidental shock. It also comes with an LED screen to help you read the device in low-light areas.
2. Janisa PM18C Multi-Tester with Backlight LCD
This model has the ability to test both AC and DC voltages and currents. It can also test resistance, diods, triodes, live lines, frequency and capacitance. It offers durability and easy operation with its simple rotary switch and function buttons that you can easily find and use. It also boasts a safety feature which alerts you when the voltage is too high by sounding a buzzer alarm and an LED flashing indicator light on the screen. The Janisa PM18C is a great choice for in home use and for electricians.
3. Flexzion Digital Multimeter With LCD Screen
This is one of our top choices when you are looking for an affordable multimeter that is still very accurate and worth the cost. It comes with an auto-shutoff feature to help preserve battery life. It uses an automatic polarity indicator for easier reading through a continuity tester that is built into it making the difficult components simpler to read. It also has a large LCD screen and is perfect for home use and work use.
4. Klein Tools 69149 Multimeter Electrical Test Kit
This multimeter tool is perfect for testing the most common of wiring problems in standard receptacles. It can detect wiring configurations and will indicate correct wiring of open ground, open neutral, open hot and hot/ground reversed wiring. It has audible and visual continuity indicators of up to 25 omega. For safety concerns, this model has a green LED light that will change to red along with a warning sound when there is any voltage detected.
5. Innova 3320 Digital Multimeter With Auto-Range
Another great model to choose is the Innova 3320. It may cost a little more than other models. However, it makes up for that extra price difference with great features. It is a great tool for preventative car repair and maintenance and is UL certified. It is ideal when accuracy and safety are important with regards to diagnosing a large range of automotive and electrical issues. Because it comes with auto-ranging scales, there is no need to have to dial in the needed range while you are using it. It has color-coded LEDs and a big screen for easy reading. If you find yourself a clumsy worker, then this model is perfect for you because it comes with rubber guards on its corners for extra durability and protection.
6. Fluke 323 Clamp Meter With True-RMS
If convenience is important to you when it comes to multimeters, then the Fluke 323 is the one for you. It is capable of measuring up to 400 amps of AC currents and can measure up to 600v of DC voltage using its special clamp feature. It is also a great tool for measuring non-linear loads because it uses True-RMS sensing for accurate readings. The special clamp jaws are perfect for measuring the inside of a conductor without having to touch or interrupt a circuit. It can be used for a variety of electrical applications at home or on the job.
7. Crenova MS8233D Digital Multimeter With Auto-Range
This is an affordable multimeter tool that offers many great product features for all types of uses. It boasts an overload feature for safety which uses PTC protection circuit for frequency and resistance measurement. It has an easy-to-read LCD screen with a backlight for easy reading. It can easily measure and hold data from AC/DC voltage, resistance, currents, continuity, frequency and diodes. It also comes with an automatic shut-off feature if left unused for over 15 minutes.
8. Fluke 117 True-RMS Multimeter
This is another great multimeter tool from Fluke. While it doesn’t contain a holster, it has a lot of features that you need and want from a great multimeter. Like many others, it also uses True-RMS technology for easy reading of non-linear loads. It has a large LED backlit screen for easy readings. This tool is perfect for both home use and commercial use. It is a great model for electricians to use on the job site.
9. Mastech MS8268 Auto/Manual Range Multimeter
This Mastech MS8268 brand multimeter is perfect for those looking for an affordable option. You can choose between the model that has auto-ranging capabilities or manual capabilities. To preserve battery life, it has an automatic shut-off feature if left unused for a while and lets you reset certain ranges on it. While it may be a low cost, it definitely isn’t a cheap tool without features. It also has grips on it to help you hold it more comfortably while using it and helps prevents accidental drops.
10. Extech EX330 Multimeter Mini With Auto-Ranging
This is a top-notch multimeter option with a non-contact, built-in AC voltage detector for easy readings. It can measure DC and AC voltages, frequency, resistance and duty cycles up to 4000 count. A great feature that you won’t find often on multimeters is a thermometer that is built in. It uses a probe to measure the temperature of different components to help make troubleshooting problems even easier. The outside of the multimeter comes with a rubber holster to protect it from accidental droppings and damage. With the additional relative function, you can store and compare live measurements. The Extech EX330 multimeter is great for testing AC wall outlets in your home and is also perfect for testing the safety of your home’s appliances to help prevent electrical issues that could result in a fire.