Multimeter Recommendations

[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