Keep The Multimeter Clean and Dust-Free

Dust and dirt can accumulate on the surface and probes of your multimeter, affecting its accuracy and performance. Regular cleaning is necessary to prevent these particles from interfering with the electrical connections.

Fluke, the undisputed leader in multimeters, has a great breakdown of some important things to remember while cleaning a multimeter:

• Use clean cloths or alcohol-based swabs
• Use up to 70% isopropyl alcohol solution
• Use up to 3% hydrogen peroxide solution
• Dry your equipment after every cleaning
• Use soap and water for thorough cleaning of IP67 rated tools (such as the 87V Max)

They also remind us not to do the following:

• Use abrasives or industrial cleaners
• Immerse tools in liquid (e.g. soapy water)
• Use a Fluke Meter Cleaning Wipe for regular cleaning
• Use soap and water (except with IP67-rated tools)

Store The Multimeter Properly

Proper storage is essential to protect your multimeter from physical damage and environmental factors. Follow these guidelines to ensure safe storage:

Store Multimeters in a Cool, Dry Place

Keep your multimeter in a dry and cool place, away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures or excessive humidity. Be extra sure that no moisture or water can come into contact with the multimeter, to avoid any water damage or circuit shorting possibilities.

Store Multimeters in a Protective Case

Store your multimeter in a protective case or pouch to prevent scratches, impacts, and dust accumulation. The case should provide adequate cushioning and secure the multimeter in place to prevent any accidental movement or damage.

Be sure to use a case that is large enough to keep all the pertinent pieces together in one place. There is nothing worse than having to search around for an hour looking for your test leads right as you are about to start on a project.

Store Multimeters Away From Dangerous Conditions

Avoid storing it near moisture, chemicals, solvents, or magnetic fields that could potentially damage the internal components. Also, try to avoid an situation where electric or physical shock could occur. This means not storing it on the highest shelf or immediately next to a high voltage power panel.

Store Multimeters Where they Are Accessible

Storing the multimeter in a location where it is easily accessible and visible can help in locating it quickly when needed. This goes along with the above point of not storing on the highest shelf away from view.

Store Multimeters Carefully

Inside the case itself, you will want to make sure the multimeter and its components are stored carefully. Some things to pay attention to when doing so are:

• Remove the test leads.
• Wrap or bend the test leads carefully, making sure there's no stress on the fittings.
• Avoid wrapping the test leads around the meter and tossing it into a gang box or tool pouch. This can degrade the integrity of the leads.
• Remove the batteries if you're storing it for a long time. This will prevent corrosion from building up at the battery connections.

Handle The Multimeter with Care

Multimeters are delicate electronic devices that require gentle handling to avoid any accidental damage. Here are some important tips for handling your multimeter with care:

• Avoid dropping or subjecting the multimeter to excessive shock.
• Use the appropriate test leads and probes for the intended measurements.
• Do not pull or yank the test leads forcefully, as it can damage the internal wiring.
• Always grip the test leads by the insulated handles and not the exposed metal tips.

Check and Replace Batteries

Digital multimeters (DMMs) rely on batteries for their operation, and low battery levels can affect their performance and accuracy. Follow these steps to check and replace batteries effectively:

It bears noting that not every multimeter is going to have the exact same process for replacing batteries. This is why getting to know your multimeter and its manual is critical.

Avoid Overloading

As we have mentioned seemingly 100 times by now (it’s that important), not overloading your multimeter is crucial. Every multimeter has its maximum limits for voltage, current, and resistance measurements. Exceeding these limits can cause damage to the multimeter or pose a safety hazard. Follow these guidelines to avoid overloading your multimeter:

The good news is most modern DMMs come with excellent overload protection and can recover automatically.

Read The Multimeter's Manual

Fluke 87V Multimeter User Manual

As simple as this may seem, reading the user manual for your multimeter really is this important. We all know the guy who immediately throws out the instructions. While that may be cool when building a swing set, destroying your expensive multimeter due to pride doesn’t seem as fun.

The manual gives you a complete understanding of the device's features, functions, and how to use it. It has valuable info on setting up the multimeter correctly, choosing the right measurement range, and interpreting the readings accurately. It also has important safety instructions, especially for dealing with high-voltage circuits or specific measurement situations.

By familiarizing yourself with the manual, you can maximize the multimeter's capabilities, avoid potential hazards, and ensure precise measurements in a wide range of electrical and electronic applications.

Perform Regular Multimeter Calibration

For accurate measurements, make sure to calibrate your multimeter regularly. Calibration means comparing its readings with a known reference value or a certified standard.

Over time, multimeters can drift from their original calibration due to factors such as temperature variations, mechanical stress, and component aging.

By having your multimeters calibrated regularly, you can have confidence in the accuracy of your measurements, which is crucial for troubleshooting, maintenance, and quality control processes.

Calibration also helps identify and correct any systematic errors, ensuring consistent and precise readings. It is a proactive step that ensures the integrity of your measurements and helps maintain the overall efficiency and safety of your electrical work.

Here are some points to consider regarding calibration:

• Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for calibration intervals and procedures.
• If your multimeter is used frequently or subjected to harsh conditions, consider more frequent calibrations.
• Professional calibration services can provide accurate and traceable calibration results.

What's Next:  The Definitive Guide to Multimeters

Now that we know the best way to care for and maintain multimeters, let's expand on the most important part of that process: multimeter calibration.

In the next section, we will dive into everything you need to know about multimeter calibration, from how frequently to have your multimeter calibrated to the exact process of multimeter calibration (should you choose to perform the calibration yourself). Lets get started and head to Section 16: Multimeter Calibration.

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