Multimeter suggestions

[telectrix]

Bet it still works tel.

perfect. bought it from car boot. £2. clamped tail at home, switched on 2kW oven. read 8.5A. spot on.

 

[gazdkw82]

No just the usual amps, ohms, volts

 

[telectrix]

Why would you be pulling different meters out ?, are you measuring anything other than the usual Amps, Ohms & Volts ?.

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.

 

[Specialist]

No just the usual amps, ohms, volts

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.

 

[gazdkw82]

I think I need one that is over 1000v

 

[Specialist]

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.

 

[davesparks]

I think I need one that is over 1000v

If you're working on voltages greater than 1000V then your employer should really be providing the tools and training as you will no longer be working on low voltage.

 

[Specialist]

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.

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.

 

[PEG]

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

 

[Specialist]

Hi PEG: Not denying that the 410 is an excellent meter, but like the majority of meters it's only rated 750v AC.

 

[gazdkw82]

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

 

[Specialist]

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 ?

 

[gazdkw82]

cat 3 means I can use it as close to the supply as possible?

 

[telectrix]

cat 3 means it's OK for cats but not for dogs.

 

[Specialist]

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.