What to Consider When Buying a Multimeter

The Definitive Guide To Using Multimeters

Choosing the right multimeter for your job is essential to get accurate and reliable measurements. You will need to consider several factors to make sure it fits your requirements and helps you throughout your work.

If you are planning on buying a multimeter, read this guide to make sure you make the right decisions.

the Definitive Guide to Using Multimeters

This is the 13th article in our series, The Definitive Guide to Using Multimeters.

This article delves into the considerations you should make before selecting a multimeter.

If you missed the start of the series: What Is a Multimeter: The Definitive Guide to Multimeters, check it out now! You will be able to work your way back to this article quite quickly.

The Definitive Guide to Multimeters

• What is a Multimeter?
• Why Are Multimeters Important?
• What Do Multimeters Measure?
• What is the History of the Multimeter?
• What are the Common Types of Multimeters?
• What are Common Multimeter Options?
• What are Some Multimeter Specifications?
• What are Common Uses of Multimeters?
• How Do I Choose the Best Multimeter For The Job?
• How Do I Use a Multimeter?
• How Do I Properly Maintain a Multimeter?
• How Do I Calibrate a Multimeter?
• What is the Future of Multimeters?
• Multimeter FAQs

How to Choose a Multimeter: The Multimeter Buyer's Guide

Choosing the right multimeter for your job is essential to get accurate and reliable measurements. Unfortunately, many people will go out and purchase either the cheapest multimeter they can find or not thing ahead to all the use cases it may have down the road.

You will want to consider several factors to make sure it fits your requirements and helps you throughout your work.

Types of Measurements

First, determine the types of measurements you need to perform. Nearly all multimeters will measure the common measurements of voltage, current, resistance. However, if you are also looking to measure things such as capacitance, frequency or temperature you will need a more advanced multimeter. Ensure that the multimeter you select can measure these parameters and offers the required measurement ranges and resolutions.

Measurement Ranges

It's important to select a multimeter that is capable of measuring within the ranges of the types of measurements you are about to inspect (i.e. voltage, current, resistance, etc.).  This ensures accuracy and prevents damage to the multimeter itself.

Accuracy & Resolution Requirements

Next, consider the accuracy requirements for your measurements. Determine the level of accuracy needed for your specific application and choose a multimeter that meets or exceeds those accuracy specifications.

Also, be sure to consider the resolution of the multimeter display. A higher resolution allows for more precise readings, enabling you to detect smaller changes in the measured values. If you require precise measurements for your work, choosing a multimeter with a higher resolution display is advisable. Additionally, if the application you are using the multimeter for requires detecting small variations in the measurement, a display with a higher resolution will be required.

Portability

Additionally, consider if you should be looking for a portable or benchtop multimeter.  Handheld multimeters will be preferred where portability is important and extreme accuracy is not a requirement. These are far more common. Benchtop multimeters should be your choice if high accuracy is the most important factor of the application or if advanced testing is required.

Anticipated Working Conditions

Don’t forget to consider the anticipated working conditions. If you expect to work in challenging environments, such as high humidity or hazardous areas, choose a multimeter with appropriate safety ratings, and robust construction to withstand such conditions.

Display

Evaluate the display and user interface. The type of display is going to matter most. These days, digital multimeters are going to be your most logical choice. However, there are a few small situations where an analog multimeter may be of interest to you.

Ensure that the multimeter has a clear and easy-to-read display, preferably with a backlight for low-light situations. Consider the usability of the interface, including the presence of dedicated buttons, rotary switches, or digital menu navigation.

Additional Features

Additionally, consider the additional features and functionalities that may be beneficial for your work. Probably the biggest features to consider are whether or not the multimeter has auto-ranging and True RMS capabilities. Additionally, some multimeters offer data logging capabilities, temperature measurement, continuity testing, diode testing, or built-in wireless connectivity for data transfer.

Construction

While not necessarily as important as some of the other criteria, paying attention to the construction of the multimeter should also be considered. The multimeter should be manufactured in a durable way and the unit should be ergonomic to use.  If the unit just looks like it will be awkward to use, think about how that will feel when you are 6 hours into using it.

Budget

Of course, you will want to also consider your budget. Multimeters vary in price, and while higher-end models may offer more advanced features and greater accuracy, they may not always be necessary for every application. Evaluate your needs and budget to strike a balance between functionality, accuracy, and affordability.

Probe Types

Consider the probe types that are compatible with the multimeter and whether they meet your specific measurement needs. Test leads will cover nearly every measurement you will need to complete, but don’t forget about the advantages that each of the other types of probes provide. For example, alligator clips will make it far easier for you if you need to sustain a connection for a long period of time. Additionally, ensure that the probes are of good quality, properly insulated, and suitable for the voltages and currents you will be measuring.

Data Capture Options

If you will be using the multimeter for a larger number of tests, you will likely want to consider how you will be recording the data from these measurements. This mostly pertains to digital multimeters, as analog multimeters will most likely leave you with good old-fashioned pen and paper. However, for digital multimeters, there are a plethora of options. The most common will be a USB or RS-232 connection.

Brand Reputation

Another important factor is the brand of multimeter you select. You will want to consider customer reviews and the overall reputation of the brand. Feedback from this will give you insights into the brand’s reliability, customer satisfaction, and overall product quality. Additionally, a more common brand is more likely to have a wide range of aftermarket support for the multimeter.

In the multimeter industry, its Fluke’s world and the rest of us are just living in it. As you can see in the chart below, about 75% of all multimeters that we see come from the Fluke brand.

Of course, it should be noted that this percentage is based only on the items we see through our calibration services. It is possible the overall market share of these companies are different than what is shown here, but chart likely represents a good approximation of the overall industry.

Model Reputation

Within those brands, the most common models are a bit more evenly distributed, although Fluke still dominates the industry. The Fluke 87 V is almost the ubiquitous handheld digital multimeter. When you picture a multimeter in your head, you are likely picturing the Fluke 87 V.

The same caveats as above should be considered, regarding the accuracy of this market share study.

Additionally, there are plenty of sites out there that will give you valuable, unbiased reviews of each multimeter make and model out there, such as this one. While this specific link provides reviews of multimeters mostly for general home use, it will give you good feedback on how to start looking at them.

ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited Multimeter Calibration

Fox Valley Metrology proudly offers accredited precision measuring instrument calibration services of Multimeters. We calibrate all types of Multimeters at our offices throughout the country, meaning we are sure to have local Multimeter calibration services near you.

• ✓ ISO 17025 accredited calibration vendor
• ✓ Broadest calibration scope in the industry
• ✓ 3-5 day turnaround time for laboratory calibrations
• ✓ Pickup and delivery service options available
• ✓ Onsite calibrating service options

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