Multimeter Recommendations

[RDB85]

I’ve had a cheap Multimeter that has been okay, but it’s decided to not work. Does anyone have any recommendations on one please?

 

[telectrix]

try the Mustool range at Bang Good. cheap and cheerful. even got one woith a scope built in. this is the one i gotlast year.

 

[DPG]

I'd personally buy a decent make, ideally something like a Fluke. The last thing you want is a meter that a) is inaccurate or b) explodes when you put mains voltage across it.

Not saying there aren't some good budget range ones available, but buyer beware.

 

[RDB85]

I'd personally buy a decent make, ideally something like a Fluke. The last thing you want is a meter that a) is inaccurate or b) explodes when you put mains voltage across it.

Not saying there aren't some good budget range ones available, but buyer beware.

What fluke ones would you recommend?

 

[Mikegh]

I dunno

I've got a fluke T6 was never that bothered with it

Useless for ohms readings and could never clamp anything with it

 

[Mikegh]

try the Mustool range at Bang Good. cheap and cheerful. even got one woith a scope built in. this is the one i gotlast year.

Edits to do list..

 

[DPG]

What fluke ones would you recommend?

Just pick an auto ranging one that has the features you need. Probably don't need things like frequency and capacitance - they will just push the price higher.

I've got 2 Flukes, my best one being an 85 III true RMS one.

See what's around on ebay.

 

[Mikegh]

Best bit of equipment I ever bought was some cheap no-name IR tester /continuity tester

Eagle brand

Comes out of the bag for every troubleshooting job

Fluke and an Avo never see the light of day

 

[RDB85]

I’ve found this one online, another engineer I work with has one:

ACT/6000 Alarm Engineers Autoranging Multimeter | ACT Meters

Exceptionally tough and compact, this digital autoranging multimeter, exclusive to ACT, offers great functionality and ease of use for the alarm engineer

www.actmeters.co.uk

 

[RDB85]

Fluke:

Fluke 117 electrician multimeter | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Fluke 117 electrician multimeter at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[DPG]

Fluke:

Fluke 117 electrician multimeter | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Fluke 117 electrician multimeter at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

Nice meter that. Depends if you want to go as pricey as that, but to be honest it will be very accurate and it will last you years.

True RMS as well.

See what other people reckon before committing, there will no doubt be other suggestions to consider.

 

[Mikegh]

Best bit of equipment I ever bought was some cheap no-name IR tester /continuity tester

Eagle brand

Comes out of the bag for every troubleshooting job

Fluke and an Avo never see the light of day

Op did say multimeter

Me shooting from the hip as usual

 

[RDB85]

Amazon Cheap ones:

Digital Multimeter Tilswall 6000 Counts Multimeters Manual Ranging High Safety Anti-Scald Double Fuse with NCV Function for Measures AC DC Voltage/Current,Resistance,Continuity,Tests Diodes,Batteries Digital Multimeter Tilswall 6000 Counts Multimeters Manual Ranging High Safety Anti-Scald Double Fuse with NCV Function for Measures AC DC Voltage/Current,Resistance,Continuity,Tests Diodes,Batteries : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08LMT77PG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_YP64XXH64DXBH1WNKWD8

AstroAI Digital Multimeter, TRMS 4000 Counts Volt Meter Manual and Auto Ranging; Measures Voltage Tester, Temperature, Current, Resistance, Continuity, Frequency; Tests Diodes https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07FDBW1PT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_TRYD6AMSAT1EBJR1ENJB

 

[DPG]

Amazon Cheap ones:

Digital Multimeter Tilswall 6000 Counts Multimeters Manual Ranging High Safety Anti-Scald Double Fuse with NCV Function for Measures AC DC Voltage/Current,Resistance,Continuity,Tests Diodes,Batteries Digital Multimeter Tilswall 6000 Counts Multimeters Manual Ranging High Safety Anti-Scald Double Fuse with NCV Function for Measures AC DC Voltage/Current,Resistance,Continuity,Tests Diodes,Batteries : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08LMT77PG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_YP64XXH64DXBH1WNKWD8

AstroAI Digital Multimeter, TRMS 4000 Counts Volt Meter Manual and Auto Ranging; Measures Voltage Tester, Temperature, Current, Resistance, Continuity, Frequency; Tests Diodes AstroAI Digital Multimeter, TRMS 4000 Counts Volt Meter Manual and Auto Ranging; Measures Voltage Tester, Temperature, Current, Resistance, Continuity, Frequency; Tests Diodes : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07FDBW1PT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_TRYD6AMSAT1EBJR1ENJB

I would honestly not recommend a £7 multimeter. False economy.

 

[Avo Mk8]

Megger AVO210 or the 410 at twice the price.
But I would say that wouldn't I ?

 

[7029 dave]

I like my megger 340 clamp meter, for that extra function.

 

[RDB85]

One feature I do need is to measure Milliamps for Intruder and Fire Alarms.

 

[DPG]

One feature I do need is to measure Milliamps for Intruder and Fire Alarms.

Any decent multimeter will measure mA

 

[RDB85]

Very nice, it’s an awful lot of money.

Fluke 179 Kit Digital Multimeter Combo Kit with Carry Case | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Fluke 179 Kit Digital Multimeter Combo Kit with Carry Case at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Mikegh]

Someone shoot me down

Multimeters to me was always DIY

Current- you'd use a clamp

Ohms I'd use the IR tester/resistance tester

Voltage I'd use the 2 wire tester

 

[Mikegh]

Prob new stuff with the oscilloscope I dunno

 

[DPG]

Someone shoot me down

Multimeters to me was always DIY

Current- you'd use a clamp

Ohms I'd use the IR tester/resistance tester

Voltage I'd use the 2 wire tester

A multimeter is certainly not DIY only!!

 

[Mikegh]

A multimeter is certainly not DIY only!!

I'd be always testing low ohms and high ohms with the IR tester

Voltage with 2 wire probe

Current with a clamp

 

[DPG]

I'd be always testing low ohms and high ohms with the IR tester

Voltage with 2 wire probe

Current with a clamp

Depends what you're testing. Normal electrical wiring then all the MFT functions are fine. Electronic engineering stuff, alarms, etc. then the resolution and accuracy you get with a good multimeter will be more appropriate.

 

[RDB85]

This one seems okay for what I need:

ACT/6000 Alarm Engineers Autoranging Multimeter | ACT Meters

Exceptionally tough and compact, this digital autoranging multimeter, exclusive to ACT, offers great functionality and ease of use for the alarm engineer

www.actmeters.co.uk

 

[telectrix]

I'd be always testing low ohms and high ohms with the IR tester

Voltage with 2 wire probe

Current with a clamp

your problem there is the range/s on your MFT. on continuity >199 ohms is O/L. on IR ranges anything under 0.1 Meg reads approx. 0. this is where the multimeter comes in, e.g. fire alarm eOL can be 2.2.K up to 6.8K. MFT no chance.

 

[telectrix]

This one seems okay for what I need:

ACT/6000 Alarm Engineers Autoranging Multimeter | ACT Meters

Exceptionally tough and compact, this digital autoranging multimeter, exclusive to ACT, offers great functionality and ease of use for the alarm engineer

www.actmeters.co.uk

that's out of stock. see this Fluke.

Fluke 15B+ Auto Range Digital Multimeter Voltage Probe Meter With TL75 Test Lead | eBay

Fluke has always been to provide you with superior quality. 3 Specifications do not include error test lead capacitance and capacitor plates caused (when the range of 40 nF, errors of up to 1.5 nF). Diode test, data retention.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[RDB85]

that's out of stock. see this Fluke.

Fluke 15B+ Auto Range Digital Multimeter Voltage Probe Meter With TL75 Test Lead | eBay

Fluke has always been to provide you with superior quality. 3 Specifications do not include error test lead capacitance and capacitor plates caused (when the range of 40 nF, errors of up to 1.5 nF). Diode test, data retention.

www.ebay.co.uk

That Fluke looks spot on. It’s got everything I would need on it.

 

[telectrix]

he's got more than 10 available. I had a similar model. was brilliant. jus need to ensure the hold button isn't in play when taking a new reading.

 

[RDB85]

I did find an ACT one used for £40.. But I would be tempted to get new leads. This one has come up for sale. But the Fluke seems a better buy. I have a battery tester by ACT that is really great.

ACT/6000 Alarm Engineers Autoranging Multimeter | eBay

Fully Autoranging. High Resolution - 6000 count, with High Contrast Backlit LCD display and Bargraph. Simple in use with straight forward options to select from the large high contrast 6000 count backlit display with high speed analogue bargraph.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[PEG]

I'd recommend a Fluke 28ii - love mine to bits?

Also,anybody who could competently demonstrate ALL of it's ranges and features,could happily accuse me of being DIY ?

 

[pc1966]

First point I would make is always get one that is reputable and meets at least 300V CAT-III use.

Sooner or later you will put it on the mains on the wrong range. A blown fuse is an irritation, an exploding meter potentially leaves you with serious injuries or worse

A few folk have recommended the Testo 760 series of auto-ranging meters as less chance of errors, the -2 version seems to be the best combination of features and price, but for most folks even the -1 is fine.

I have a couple of meters to hand, an old Fluke that I don't use on mains as it has an unfused 10A range and I'm not using fused GS38 probes, and a Fluke 179 which is very accurate but expensive (also USA made, not China).

But you can get a decent enough meter with CAT-III rating for around £30-40 such as the Extech EX205T or similar (we also have some older versions of them and have lasted a good few years), or DiLog PL280N, etc.

 

[pc1966]

Someone shoot me down

Multimeters to me was always DIY

Electronics lab?

Current- you'd use a clamp

Typically for more than an amp or so, or if high PFC is possible, a clamp meter is your safest/best bet.

But for smaller currents, or DC, then few clamp meters will work and a multimeter will do an excellent job down to tens of uA or less. Just take care you don't have surges/switch on big enough to blow the fuse!

You did get a fused meter, didn't you?!!!

Ohms I'd use the IR tester/resistance tester

Voltage I'd use the 2 wire tester

As @telectrix has pointed out, your typical MFT/Megger has a hole in the middle with poor/no resolution (from typically around 200R to 100K). Also some electronics might need a high R but only safe to a volt or so testing.

If all you are looking at is mains power cables then your MFT is the job, but folks might have other aspects they need to work on.

 

[RDB85]

Beha-Amprobe 35XP-A | ISSWWW.co.uk

Are you looking to purchase a Amprobe 35XP-A? Get free delivery from ISSWWW.co.uk on all UK mainland orders.

isswww.co.uk

 

[UNG]

Beha-Amprobe 35XP-A | ISSWWW.co.uk

Are you looking to purchase a Amprobe 35XP-A? Get free delivery from ISSWWW.co.uk on all UK mainland orders.

isswww.co.uk

Not bad meters from what I've seen and Beha-Amprobe is owned by Fluke

 

[DPG]

Not bad meters from what I've seen and Beha-Amprobe is owned by Fluke

Got a good selection of functions that one. Seems a decent buy.

 

[RDB85]

I am tempted by the Fluke one but the one I posted earlier was recommended by someone who works in water/gas as a spark. It does seem to have a lot of functions.

 

[DPG]

I am tempted by the Fluke one but the one I posted earlier was recommended by someone who works in water/gas as a spark. It does seem to have a lot of functions.

Looks like a decent buy to me. Don't think you'll go wrong with that.

 

[LukeD]

sold my lovely megger Multimeter last week .With brand new genuine leads /probes and clips . £80

 

[telectrix]

sold my lovely megger Multimeter last week .With brand new genuine leads /probes and clips . £80

don't cry for me, argimeter.

 

[rapparee]

Very nice, it’s an awful lot of money.

Fluke 179 Kit Digital Multimeter Combo Kit with Carry Case | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Fluke 179 Kit Digital Multimeter Combo Kit with Carry Case at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

This is my general meter to use.

I have better ones,but I think it is a good rugged all rounder. You might be able to save few quid by getting a 177 it's literally the same just with out the thermocouple

 

[rapparee]

That Fluke looks spot on. It’s got everything I would need on it.

The continuity buzzer on the 115/7 is a bit weak, but is decent enough. I used to have one,but I ended up giving it to the apprentice. He likes it

 

[rapparee]

fluke true rms 175 multimeter 95969095921 | eBay

<body><p>fluke true rms multimeter 175</p><br /><p>Rrp £250-265 online</p><br /><p>Brand new only taken out of the box to show contents </p><br /><p>Got as a free gift from fluke when buying 1664 multimeter and have no use for it. The money will be used to cover the costs of the tester </p><br...

www.ebay.co.uk

Buy this now.

It's a good bit better than the 115 and isn't much more expensive.

He's just giving it away at that money

 

[RDB85]

fluke true rms 175 multimeter 95969095921 | eBay

<body><p>fluke true rms multimeter 175</p><br /><p>Rrp £250-265 online</p><br /><p>Brand new only taken out of the box to show contents </p><br /><p>Got as a free gift from fluke when buying 1664 multimeter and have no use for it. The money will be used to cover the costs of the tester </p><br...

www.ebay.co.uk

Buy this now.

It's a good bit better than the 115 and isn't much more expensive.

He's just giving it away at that money

A little out of my price range unfortunately. It looks as though it’s sold straight away.

 

[LukeD]

ETHOS 5040 Auto Ranging Multi Meter | eBay - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284401105323?hash=item4237a079ab:g:e3AAAOSw6elg0zW5 ask if leads are included . This will probably go for peanuts

 

[Mikegh]

your problem there is the range/s on your MFT. on continuity >199 ohms is O/L. on IR ranges anything under 0.1 Meg reads approx. 0. this is where the multimeter comes in, e.g. fire alarm eOL can be 2.2.K up to 6.8K. MFT no chance.

Yes I've been looking at the mustool range

 

[MJPD29]

I have a fluke 117, didn't break the bank and does everything i need. Great meter

 

[ElectroChem]

I use a Fluke 117 as my daily meter, though it does not have the mA range you requested.
Not sure how widely available they are in the UK, but have you looked at the Kyoritsu range? I started my training with a 1009 that was under 100 quid, and have a 1012 now that I break out when I need mA measurements.

 

[RDB85]

So my ACT Meter has went a little faulty. So I’ve sent them an email to see if they can have a look at it and possibly calibrate it if it’s not knackered. Any recommendations? As I maybe able to get a bargain as ACT one of £60 to calibrate alone.

 

[timhoward]

I've got two of these, auto-ranging. Good meter

DI Log Digital Multimeter DL9206 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for DI Log Digital Multimeter DL9206 at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

One left - £25!