Meter: What is better to choose for home use

During wiring work often need to measure the electrical characteristics: current, resistance and voltage. Carry out measurements of these variables is useful when the tester, which should be present in the arsenal of a good host. The article will be considered by such a device as a multimeter: What is better to choose, so that it meets the stated requirements, was easy to use and has affordable price.

Meter: What is better to choose on the basis of technical specifications

Every owner should have in-house device that will measure various electrical parameters. It will help to detect broken wire, found in the battery voltage or AC outlet, check the integrity of PETN, lamps and other electrical components.

choosing multimeterShould be guided by the characteristics that are necessary to solve specific problems. Electrical simple enough tester for measuring voltage, resistance and proring test circuit. Electrician's job is to maintain electrical equipment will be useful The "current clamp", which measures the load during operation, without interfering scheme. This will prevent accidents.

Masters of instrumentation will need the following functions: voltmeter, ohmmeter, ammeter, frequency, capacitance and inductance meter.

The instrument must not only be equipped with the necessary functions, but also be easy to use. For permanent use, you can choose a pocket digital multimeter, which is the size of a little more than ordinary lighters. If the work is carried out in one place, then it is better to choose a larger device, which will also send a more accurate reading.

Choosing the meter is reduced to basic criteria:

• device type;
• functionality of the device;
• error operation;
• design features;
• protection against dust, moisture and other influences;
• Electrical device class;
• manufacturer.

Features of different types of devices

All multimeters irrespective of devices perform the same range of tasks. However, to determine which to choose a multimeter, you should know and take into account all the advantages and disadvantages of a particular model.

Testers divided into two types:

• digital (electronic);
• analog (arrow).

Electronic tester is ideal for household tasks. Work with it easy and convenient to read because reading is outputted on the display will not be difficult, as shown in the photo. Select a digital multimeter, the price of which varies depending on the functionality of the device can be in specialized stores, where various models. Accurately determine the reading on an analog multimeter is more difficult because it varies depending on the angle at which the arrow to watch.

With dial tester easier to work with a qualified electrician, who must follow the dynamics of the circuit performance changes. In a digital multimeter this feature is missing. However, it has many other features that are not equipped with a meter dial. Depending on this price is formed. Buy a digital multimeter can be ranging from 240 rubles.

To measure the performance on a digital instrument optionally correct polarity. If the phone number is shown in front of the sign "-", then the tester has been connected in reverse. The slip multimeter no polarity needle deviates beyond scale.

Electronic multimeter battery charge consumed during all measurements that are true before the battery is low. In analog, the energy stored in the voltage and current strength. However, the arrow begins to deviate from zero only in terms of the battery is low.

Useful advice! If you want to capture the dynamics of the measurement, but do not want to work with a difficult to read the results of the scale, you can buy a tester with display and arrow.

Features and important characteristics of the instrument

To determine what is best to buy a multimeter, reviews about which you can read on the Internet, should be guided by its functional features. After all, every new feature affects the cost of the tester.

All testers are equipped with a basic set of functions:

• DC measurement;
• change in the AC;
• check AC line voltage up to 700 V DC and in chains;
• proring chain and check the integrity of the state of the contacts;
• measurement of resistance conductors.

Some models of testers can be equipped with the following specific features (usually this refers to the digital devices):

• the ability to check semiconductor devices;
• measurement of frequency and temperature;
• capacitance measurement;

• function of generating a test signal;
• Power Off Timer;
• automatic display backlight;
• automatic determination of range measurements;
• Display Hold function.

One of the major characteristics of this device is the accuracy of measurement, which is determined in the unit of error. This figure should be in the range 0,025-3%. Multimeters for domestic purposes can be selected with an accuracy of 3%, and for professional purposes it is better to choose the most accurate instruments. This rate will affect how much it costs a multimeter. The price is more accurate device is not less than 800 rubles. And the easier will cost 240 rubles.

For more accurate results, devices can be equipped with automatic measuring range selection function. There are models where this can be done manually.

Another important indicator is the capacity of the display, which is characterized by the ability to display a certain number of decimal places. Depending on this apparatus may be a word length of 2.5 (0.01) 6.5 (0.000001).

It's important to know!Keep in mind that no matter what capacity did not have the device, the accuracy of the measurement will depend on the tester error.

Catering mostly testers by means of "crown" on the battery 9 V. Such charge variant suitable for intermittent use of the device. If it is applied for a permanent job, then you should give preference to li-ion battery.

Useful advice!If all measurements are carried out continuously in the same workplace, it is advisable to feed the appliance. This will require from 220 to 9 V. voltage converter

On feature of operation of the device affects its class electrical safety. Multimeters CAT I class designed for use in low voltage networks. Test CAT II are used in household electric systems. CAT III devices should be used in networks in buildings and structures. CAT IV A measuring device intended for external distribution works.

How to use a digital multimeter

To measure the voltage in your home outlet should set the switch to ACV, the black test lead set in the COM jack and the red - VΩmA. If the estimated value is unknown, begin measurement should be a maximum value of - 750 V. If a "0", then you should go to scale with lower voltage level. To measure DC voltage, for example, the wiring in the car, you should set the switch to DCV mode.

To measure the current pre need to know what kind of current present in the circuit and its approximate value. It is important to select the appropriate connector for the red test lead.

Useful advice!Not to bring the device out of whack, not knowing the value of the current, insert the red test lead into the socket 10 A. If after red probe is located in the socket 10A, the display shows a small value, then it is necessary to switch the plug socket VΩmA and set the desired range of measurements.

The most safe device is measuring voltage. It is enough to set the rotary switch to Ω and take measurements. It should be remembered that the power circuit must be switched off, otherwise the instrument will show an incorrect value. If the display reads "0" should be translated multimeter to a lower measurement range. If on the scoreboard display one of the values, «OL», «1» or «OVER», this indicates the device is overloaded. In this case, you must set the switch to a higher range.

Using a multimeter possible to ring circuit. To do this, turn the switch to the desired position and connect the red probe to VΩmA connector. In the case of a closed circuit, the tester will beep. It should be noted that the circuit path, which is scheduled to prozvanivat must be disconnected from the power supply.

Rating multimeters, most demanded by consumers

When the question is, how to choose a multimeter for home and car, the choice is obvious. One of the best budget is the instrument tester DT-830B China. Small in size multimeter has a range of features that need handyman.

It is suitable for measuring the voltage in the electrical network between two points, resistance, current values. It can be used to verify the integrity of the semiconductor diode by defining its voltage wiring diagram ping while resisting to 5 ohms, to test a semiconductor transistor, to measure inductance and capacitance. Best Multimeter DT-830B homes can be bought for 250 rubles. The device is protected against load and is powered by batteries "crown" at 9 V.

Many newcomers raises the question: how to use a multimeter DT 830B? All very simple, the main thing to strictly follow the instructions to the device, in which all actions are described in detail, needed to measure a specific physical quantity. For example, for electrical wiring in a flat or determining continuity of the network is necessary to measure the resistance. To this end, the rotary switch is set to the appropriate position. If the instrument beeps circuit is closed. If there is no signal, this indicates an open circuit or a resistance value greater than 50 ohms.

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Types and characteristics of the devices. Criteria for selecting instruments. stabilizer power calculation. The choice of a suitable model.

When measuring current is very important to know how to use a multimeter DT 830V at higher its value. In the event of incorrect placement of the red lead can deduce the internal device fuse fails. Also modes should switch carefully. When measuring the voltage selector is set incorrectly on the DCA, it can be in their own hands to create a short circuit.

The device can be damaged if not properly activated, or a loss of contacts. Repair multimeter DT 830B begins with checking the power supply to the unit. Then check the performance of the chip. It is OK if the voltage is 3 V, and between the common terminal and its power not rupture. Often fails fuse that must be replaced with a new one. Should not work with probes that have damaged insulation. For your own security, you should buy a silicone test leads to the meter, the price of which starts at 50 rubles.

Advanced models DT Series

Instructions for use multimeter DT 832 is identical as for the previous model. In this model, an additional signal generator is integrated. The design of the tester fuse is provided, which protects the device against overload.

The instructions digital multimeter DT 832 is clearly shown the limits for each range of measurement, which can not be exceeded, and the accuracy of their determination. The device can be measured:

• constant current in the range of 200 mA to 20A;
• AC voltage of 200 V to 750 V;
• DC voltage of 200 mV to 1000;
• resistance of 200 ohms to 2 MOhm;
• gain transistor;
• a dial connections.

How to use a multimeter DT 832 for measuring the gain? For this transistor to be connected to the appropriate connector on the device by setting the switch to position hFE range. It is necessary to adhere strictly to the conductivity of the transistor and scraping.

According to Scheme multimeter DT 832, the device substrate is without body microcircuit chip is soldered directly to the PCB. Here is the source of stabilizing the voltage of 3 V. If it fails, the unit can not be repaired.

Another popular model is the multimeter Resanta DT 838. This device allows to measure AC and DC current, resistance, voltage, temperature and sound perform iterative runs wires. It can operate at a temperature of from 0 to 40 ° C. The tester measures the rate not once, but 3-4 times. From the results select the median, which is displayed on the screen.

To understand the operation of the device, it should study in detail the scheme multimeter DT 838, which is contained in the instruction manual. In addition to the basic parameters, the device using the external sensor can measure the temperature to 1300 ° C. To do this, you need to select the respective mode, and instead connect thermocouple probes that came in the kit. It is necessary directly to determine object temperature, if there is no tool displays its interior.

To repair multimeter DT 838 with their hands should be on the basis of the device circuit. About device malfunction indicated by the following indicators:

1. The discharge point is constantly blinking. It is necessary to check the location of the ball in the switch, which must fit tightly to him.
2. If during measurement of resistance blinking, the device is working properly in other modes, there is a fault or R18 resistor of the transistor Q1 (according to the scheme multimeter DT 838).
3. If the instrument displays false testimony, there was a break R33.
4. If, during the current measurement reading flashes, defective resistors R0 and R1.

Detailed repair process multimeter DT 838, the circuit which visually displays its operating principle, can be found on specialized sites on the Internet.

Other popular testers

Next in the ranking should compact digital multimeter RM 101, which is considered semi-professional instrument. It has a large LCD screen, which are clearly visible indications, even from a distance. The device automatically detects the measuring range. In addition to the standard features, the device can measure capacitance.

The meter has the function of auto power off and sound alerts. tester is powered by two AAA elements. Buy a digital multimeter can be 1,500 rubles.

In place of the simple multimeter DT 830 came digital tester DT 9208 A, which combines high functionality and an affordable price.

The meter is characterized by an extended measuring range and is used for the measurements:

• DC voltage in the range of 200 mV, 2 V, 200 V and 1000 V;
• AC voltage - 750 V, 200 V, 20 V;
• resistance and integrity of the chain;

• DC in the range of 20 mA, 200 mA, 20 A;
• alternating current - 200 mA, 20 A;
• frequencies in the range of 2 kHz - 200 kHz;
• temperature of from -40 to 1,000 ° C;
• parameters of transistors and diodes;
• capacitors.

The device is equipped with a shutdown timer that allows you to conserve battery capacity and service life of the switch.

The operation principle is the same as that of the previous analogues. If the display next to the socket of the device will be displayed the sign "!", This indicates that the input voltage and current exceeds the specified value. Such notification is intended to prevent damage to the unit circuit. Before any measurement is necessary with a switch to set the desired range. If the display shows the symbol "1", which indicates the device is overloaded, it is necessary to switch it to the upper limit. Price DT 9208 A is 700 rubles.

Multimeter Mastech MY68 allows measurements of DC and AC voltage, resistance, frequency sinusoidal signal, check capacitance and performance semiconductor networks, determine the gain of the bipolar transistors, prozvanivat Electric circuit. On the synoptic scale at the bottom of the display in a linear form displays the data.

The device is characterized by a high input impedance, which indicates a high accuracy of the device. Multimeter automatically detects the limit of measurement of physical quantities. «Hold» button allows you to record the last value received. The tester is equipped with an automatic device off when it is no action for 40 minutes. Select a digital multimeter, the price of which is about 1200 rubles., Stands for professional use.

Select Meter should be based on the area of ​​its further use. If the meter will be used solely for domestic purposes, then you should give preference to conventional models. For specialized measurements must purchase a multifunctional and high-precision instrument.