Multimeter suggestions

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gazdkw82

gazdkw82

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I'm after my first quality multi meter. I'm thinking preferably one with a clamp function on it.

I'm not bothered about brand as I have no real experience (although my fluke voltage tester failed just after 12 months)

Which one I choose will be based on price, functions, reliability and warranty offered.

What suggestions??
 
Thing is I don't want to be carrying loads of different tools around with me. I will most likely be starting a new role based around maintenance so I'll be carrying a backpack around. Space will be limited. What's the difference between a clamp meter and the meters with the cut out? Assume it does the same thing just different style?
 
Some fluke multimeters have a clamp accessory that you can buy as an addition, i get more use out of my multimeter than my clamp meter. Just leave it in the van if your hard on space.
 
Clamp meter measures high current as well as standard voltage / resistance etc.
Take a look at the Amprobe 220 EUR, excellent bit of kit & not heavy to carry. Best thing I've put in my service bag in a long while.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
my amprobe. (circa 1965):

amp.jpg
 
Specialist said:
Why would you be pulling different meters out ?, are you measuring anything other than the usual Amps, Ohms & Volts ?.
Click to expand...
it's a pain trying to measure Amps with a mutimeter. first isolate, disconnect conductors and connect to meter leads, then re-energise, measure current. then repeat procedure to reconnect.
 
gazdkw82 said:
No just the usual amps, ohms, volts
Click to expand...

That was why I suggested a clamp meter, the 220 for example is True RMS & will do 600v AC/DC, 6/60/600a AC/DC, 60K resistance & 2500uf capacitance.
Also has a non contact tester in the tip.

There are plenty of other makes / models that provide the same functions, the reason I prefer the 220 is that it's pretty compact.
 
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Why ? Standard multimeters max AC voltage is 750. If you gave some clue as to what you might be working on, it would help.
I can't remember the last time I wanted to measure voltages that high, in normal daily life. When I want to measure high voltages, I use a HV probe that will extend the voltage range of my DMM to 4Kv.
 
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telectrix said:
it's a pain trying to measure Amps with a mutimeter. first isolate, disconnect conductors and connect to meter leads, then re-energise, measure current. then repeat procedure to reconnect.
Click to expand...

That's why I carry a good quality clamp meter for front line testing.
Multimeter stays in the truck until I need to do a bit more in depth work, maybe 4 or 5 times a year.

@gazdkw82 : Whatever Clamp meter / Multimeter you decide to buy, make sure you get a good set of Fused test leads to go with it.
 
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The Megger clamp range,320,340 etc,are 600V rated,so you would be as well with another of their fine multimeters,an AVO410. I have found this an excellent item,and it is 1000V rated.

Get a set of suitable croc clips to supplement the standard probes,and sit back and relax,as you wonder what to spend the other half of your budget,on ;)
 
maybe iv got that info wrong then. Its working at a higher education organisation. initial 2 years will be to complete my NVQ.

The 1000v thing was what one of the electricians said. I did think it was strange at the time. Most systems here are 415. Although we do have some HV installations. However such systems would require permits to work and specialist equipment.

I think a regular meter would be fine
 
If that's the case a meter that reads 600v or 750v is more than adequate.

Buy a meter that's at least cat 3 600v rated.
Gets confusing when your looking for a proper meter doesn't it ? :)
 
Basically yes, suitable for all testing of fixed wiring within a building.
If you want to check out some quality clamp meters & multimeter's why not take a look at the test-meter.co.uk site ?
They give us a discount as well.
 
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My megger 310 is used everyday and is severely robust and easy to use. To be honest, I'm a little fond of it!
 
It's things like that where you keep an eye out for others being sold so the world doesn't run out! or is that hoarding?
 
Got a bit ahead of myself,biggin' up the 410...:) i concede,its limit on AC measurement.
There is a meter that they promised me would do all of this,and be rated accordingly,that being the AVO835.

It was meant to be released last month,and i put me name down to be contacted to purchase one first...had no call, as of today...:(
 
As your employed and still an apprentice I feel they should supply you with a DMM. I was always supplied test equipment when I was employed. Now I'm a subby it's up to me to afford such things. I went all out on my first DMM and bought a Fluke 28-ii and haven't looked back, it should outlast me.
 
Jeez Lanky you must have had good bosses, I've always had to provide my own kit. Except one firm that let you use their gear on a job by job basis, had to be signed for & returned at the end of the day though.
What used to happen a lot was that a firm would provide you basic kit & then take a bit out of your wages each week to pay for it.
 
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Specialist said:
Hi PEG: Sounds good, any specs on it anywhere ?
Click to expand...
Hi,yep,the detailed spec i have,is on a Megger Power On sales catalogue,given to me last year.
It describes the AVO800 series,which are two models,AVO830 and AVO835,the later being what caught my eye.

It was meant to be available in March,now i think it is June,but they seems a shroud of mystery around any further information. The spec,features and build look awesome (to a self-confessed tool------) and the rep assured me i would get one of the first sold,after offering to pay in advance,to prove my fervour...

If i find out someone has got one before me,i will be getting the catsuit,grapnel and glass-cutter,out of the sock drawer,and heading out in the early hours...;)
 
Yes mate they were bought out by fluke, always loved Robin test equipment nearly as much as Avo. Was always quality, reliable gear, first bench oscilloscope I ever owned was made by Robin & still works perfectly 30 years later.
 
I have a little Robin multimeter,with a mini DC fork current attachment,which must be 30 years old. I have seen an identical model,a few years ago,branded with another maker. It still works fine,and for fault finding on smaller plant/vehicles,is second to none,having paid for itself hundreds of times over :)

Seem to recall getting it from RS components as a gift,alongside a large order.
 
Lord, I had one of those for years. My mate needed a meter for doing appliances a few years back, so it ended up in his hands & he still has it.
Think nowadays they're branded Kyoritsu.
 
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