Choosing a quality multimeter for home and work

Basic selection criteria

Not every master needs all of the above functions,several. For the builder-electrician it is quite enough to choose a simple multimeter that will measure the voltage, check the resistance, and call the chain. Therefore, to acquire an expensive tester does not make sense.

For an electrical technician who serves electrical equipment, it will be useful to select the "current clamp" function, which allows measuring the load on the operating equipment without interfering with the circuit. This in turn will help monitor and prevent accidents.

For instrumentation experts, the other functions related to radio components will be very useful: an ohmmeter, a voltmeter, an ammeter, a capacitance meter and an inductor, a frequency meter, and so on.

Below we will provide the most reliable models for each profession, and now I would like to briefly dwell on the main points to consider when choosing a multimeter in 2016:

1. Switch or digital. Of course, digital, becauseit has a lot of functions and high accuracy.
2. Functionality. This we have already said and will talk in more detail below, when we provide an overview of multimeters.
3. Presence of the backlight and the button for holding the readings, with them it is much more convenient to make measurements.
4. Error of operation, can vary from 0.025 to 3%.The smaller the error, the more accurate the tester.
5. Construction. You have to choose an easy to use multimer, focusing on its size, the execution of controls and other important things.
6. Degree of protection against moisture, dust and shock loads. The higher the degree, the better the tester and the longer its service life.
7. Electrical safety class. No less important criterion of choice, which should definitely pay attention. According to the standards there are 4 classes: CAT 1 - measurements can be made in low voltage networks, CAT 11 - power networks, CAT 111 - distribution circuits inside buildings, CAT 1V - distribution circuits outside buildings. Protection can be provided by means of fuses( electromechanical) or more reliable - electronic. We recommend choosing a digital multimeter with electronic protection.
8. Company. No less important indicator, which you need to pay attention to. Good manufacturers of digital testers in 2016 are Mastech and UNI-T.

Briefly about all this tells a specialist on video:

Let's consider in the article, in our opinion, popular and popular models of multimeters that can be chosen for home, work and auto diagnostics.

Review of the best models of the

DT-830B

DT-830B from it it is worth starting your acquaintance if you have never had a measuring device. Inexpensive device with a set of necessary parameters that may be needed for beginners and experienced electricians, as well as home masters.

Small-sized device, powered by a 9V crown battery. There is an LCD indicator, a function switch, two red and black test leads, three 20A, V A Ω, COM jacks for selecting the type of parameter measurement. As for the functions, the multimeter can measure:

• direct current with limits from 20 mA to 200 mA, and also through a separate socket within 10A;
• alternating voltage up to 200V and up to 500V;
• constant voltage within 200 mV to 500V;
• resistance up to 2000 kΩ;
• check of diodes;
• definition of the parameters of transistors.

The Achilles' heel of this device is the wrong choice of the measurement parameters. If you select the continuity or resistance measurement function and measure the mains voltage, the tester will fail. This model is very popular for the home and is widely represented in our market. There are modifications to the 830 model, differ both in appearance and in the presence of certain functions. More details about this you can find out on the video:

In summary, I would like to note that the choice of this inexpensive multimeter is reasonable if it is used in electrical work at home or at a construction site.

C266( DT-266)

Based on the previous model of the measuring unit, a no less remarkable C266 tester( DT-266) is assembled, which we also recommend that you select.

Its feature is a clamp meter and a measurement hold button. When the check occurs in such places of equipment that the digital indicator disappears from the field of vision or is physically inaccessible, there is a button on the right side of the device that is fixed during the measurement and the result does not disappear from the multimeter screen while the button is pressed.

Otherwise, it is not much different from the previous reviewer. He is often chosen for electricians. Structurally it is more massive than the 830 model. There is an LCD indicator and switch, three sockets for connecting test leads, a current clamp, a switch, and power from the crown battery. Depending on the manufacturer, the multimeter may differ in some functional differences, placement of controls and measurement ranges.

This instrument will help you measure:

• AC voltage up to 750V;
• constant 1000V;
• current constant 20A;
• alternating current 1000A, measured with "ticks";
• resistance of 20 MΩ;
• call the integrity of the electrical circuit 200 ohms;
• find out the temperature, using a remote thermocouple of 750 ℃.

There are also models equipped with a tester of transistors and diodes, so if you need these functions to work in the radio workshop, you can choose the appropriate multimeter.

M812

The next participant of our review is the M812.Mal so daring, it's about him. Swiss electric knife, with a small size and weight of 90 grams. Such a tester easily fits in your pocket, it does not take much space. This multimeter is deservedly popular with auto electronics for repair and diagnostics of automotive equipment, so if you need a tester for this, we recommend choosing M812.

Constructively it is executed in the classical case and has a three-digit indicator, a switch of modes, three sockets for connection of test leads, and also a socket for testing diodes and transistors.

M812 will help you to know such parameters:

• constant and alternating voltage within 500V;
• direct current from 10 mA to 10A, via an additional connector;
• chain integrity with audible indication;
• resistance of the measured area up to 2 megohms;
• will check electronic semiconductor components;
• the presence of a signal generator for testing amplifiers and other radio engineering.

If you want to select a multimeter for auto repair or motorcycle diagnostics, this option definitely deserves attention.

DT9208A

The next in our review is an assistant for the home wizard and electrician DT9208A tester. If you want to pick up a multimeter up to 1000 rubles, at a price and quality it will be one of the best.

This meter looks serious. Large indicator with adjustable slope. The reclining leg, thanks to which the device can be positioned as conveniently and informatively as possible with respect to the user. The case is closed with an additional bright case, which performs protective functions. Large function switch, two buttons: power and memory. This model is equipped with a turn-off timer. A useful feature that saves the crown capacity and the resource of the function switch.

Relative to the previously described testers, this device has an extended measuring range. The body has four connectors for connecting test leads. The measurement range of the DC voltage is divided by - 200mV, 2V, 200V, 1000V.For variable 750V, 200V, 20V.The current measurement range is divided into - 20 μA, 20 mA, 200 mA, 20A for DC and 200 mA, 20A AC.In addition, the multimeter allows to measure resistance and integrity of the circuit with sound notification, check the p-n junction of the diode or thyristor. The measuring range is divided into a buzzer, 200 Ohm, 2k, 20k, 200k, 2M, 20M, 200M.There is a function of measuring logical levels for checking digital devices. It is also possible to measure the frequency with a range of 2 kHz and 200 kHz.

To check all kinds of converters and generators, the input resistance in the frequency meter mode is 10MΩ, that is, the influence on the measured circuits is minimal. Another plus will be the measurement of capacitors from 2000 p, 20 n, 200 n, 2 mf and 20 mf. In addition, using the DT9208A you can find out the temperature, and also check the transistors. DT9208A better to choose a radio amateurs, becauseit has everything you need for electronics repair.

MC 8229

The latest in our review will be a harvester of all possible measurements MC 8229.

This unit is equipped with a three-line LCD indicator with backlight. In addition to the classical types of measurement, it will help to find out more such parameters:

• level of illumination;
• sound level;
• humidity;
• temperature.

Technical characteristics:

1. The multimeter is equipped with a light and sound warning about incorrect connection of test leads.
2. Manual or automatic range selection is possible.
3. Overload protection is provided on all measuring ranges.
4. The maximum permissible voltage between the input sockets and ground: variable( effective value) or constant 1000V.
5. Working height limit: 2000 m( 7000 ft).
6. Display: liquid crystal, allows displaying three readings simultaneously. The maximum displayed value is 3999.
7. Polarity indication: automatic, "-" indicates negative polarity.
8. Overload indication: "0L" or "-0L".
9. Sampling time: about 0.4 seconds.
10. Dimensional display: unit and measurement mode are displayed.
11. Auto-off time of the multimeter: 30 minutes.
12. Characteristics of self-healing fuse( F1): 500mA / 250V.
13. Fuse( F2): 10A / 250V( high-speed).
14. Power Source: three batteries for 1.5V, AAA.
15. Low battery indication: "» icon on the display.
16. Temperature coefficient: & lt;0,1 × error / ° C.
17. Operating temperature: 0 ° C to 40 ° C( 32 ° F to 104 ° F).
18. Storage temperature: -10 ° C to 50 ° C( 10 ° F to 122 ° F).
19. Overall dimensions: 195 x 92 x 55 mm.
20. Weight: about 400g( including battery).

This unit is recommended to choose professional masters of services for the repair of electronic devices( household appliances, laptops, etc.), as well as inspectors to measure such indicators as workplace illumination, noise level in the workshop and so on.

In addition, we recommend watching a video that compares popular models:

That's all I wanted to tell you about how to choose a multimeter and which is best for home, work and auto diagnostics. We hope that our advice on your choice was helpful to you. Remember that you are dealing with an electrical measuring instrument and during the measurement of network and other parameters, be aware that the tester elements can also be under the operating voltage, so they can be deadly. Keep your device clean, do not allow operation with probes with damaged insulation. Observe the safety precautions.

It will be interesting to read:

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• How to use the megaohmmeter