Highest Quality, Tiny Basic Multimeter?

[Mark in Indiana]

Please don't go cheap with electrical meters! They're a safety tool as well as a troubleshooting tool. I recommend the Amprobe ACDC-400. Takes care of all your needs including AC & DC clamp meter. I've been using mine for nearly 20 years.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0011DC008/?tag=atomicindus08-20

My experience: I would stay away from the HF Freebie meter! I was using one to troubleshoot a 440V welder. Although I had it properly set-up & connected, It blew up on me.

 

[todd_fuller]

For anyone interested, check out Joe Smith's multimeter robustness tests. He's just torture testing meters to see where they fail. In short, money typically buys you safety but there are some hidden gems out there.

The real danger the cheap meters have is that they can get internally damaged without failing in a way to indicate they're damaged. You don't want some internal short to rear it's head when you measure mains voltage and the thing blows up or the voltage reading to show 0V when it's really 120V.

 

[shteii01]

Please don't go cheap with electrical meters! They're a safety tool as well as a troubleshooting tool. I recommend the Amprobe ACDC-400. Takes care of all your needs including AC & DC clamp meter. I've been using mine for nearly 20 years.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0011DC008/?tag=atomicindus08-20

My experience: I would stay away from the HF Freebie meter! I was using one to troubleshoot a 440V welder. Although I had it properly set-up & connected, It blew up on me.

Um... another Indiana resident... ARE YOU INSANE? You don't use HF stuff for Real work.

I use my little HF meter for AA/AAA batteries and my 5 volt microcontroller stuff.

 

[bmwrd0]

I used a T5-600 when doing commercial AC, carrying that on the roofs and leaving my 179 in the truck (mainly for true RMS). It worked great as I could easily pull amp readings with the horsehoe. If you are not pulling amp readings, get a Fluke 101. I have never held one, but it is a Fluke so I would trust it.

By the way, Tripplett still makes the 310, great little meter. If you want analog, that is a fine choice. I think I have 4-5 of them.

 

[M6erfan]

Isn't the Fluke 101 meant for grey markets at a very low price point? I mean, $60 for a Fluke? Sounds like a fluke to me. Very cheap feeling from what I gathered and U.S. warranty might be an issue. Just sayin', check in to it before you buy...

 

[Ohmthis]

I know people have talked the fluke T5-600 up, but I'd look at something else. That is the company supplied meter for me at work (industrial electrician). I have on several occasions proven it wrong (mostly on resistance) compared to my personal fluke 77. I love fluke and that what all (I think I have around 11) of my meters are, but I'm not impressed with the T5-600. It is ok, for checking a fuse, looking for nominal voltages, and getting a quick AC amp draw. If I really need to troubleshoot into an electrical system the 77 comes out. Just my 2 cents. BTW, I have a 117 too and I love that meter, second only to my new 87.

 

[todd_fuller]

Isn't the Fluke 101 meant for grey markets at a very low price point?

You’re thinking of the 17B. The 101 is just stripped down. No current measurement so a lot of complexity and safety circuitry is not needed. Apparently it will survive 12kV on the inputs, so a pretty robust meter too.

 

[Dave455]

Well, this is probably the most unhelpful post to date, but I've been repairing domestic appliances today so thought I'd post a pic of the meter I've been using - an old British made Avo. Nothing digital, nothing Chinese, but probably at least 50 years old!

 

[shteii01]

"latest greatest" in pocket multimeters:

 

[Old Engineer]

Here is the PERFECT meter for what you are describing:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-Voltage-Continuity-Tester-ET250/301107517

Made by Klein Tools, not a cheap Harbor Freight. Highest safety rating you can get on a meter. Measures AC, DC, and continuity. Also has a button to test GFCI outlets, has a built-in flashlight, and a lighted display. Has built in lead holders spaced for an AC outlet, and has lead storage in the back. It is also fully automatic!! No need to select AC or DC, it does it automatically. It will also turn itself on by itself if you apply more than 12 Volts. Perfect meter for quick reliable tests. Only $36 at any local Home Depot.

 

[Chromdome35]

You do know that Radio Shack is out of business. Are you suggesting the OP look for a used meter that was cheap stuff to start with?

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Not all Radio Shacks are out of business. I was in our local store today.

The corporate owned stores all closed, but there are 400+ locally owned stores still in business.