All this talk of fuses is valid unless you happen to be testing current transformer circuits. Those familiar with current transformers are well aware of the danger of opening a current circuit...[snip]
True.
Though this particular situation isn't likely an issue for the OP, I never even thought about this particular case, as I was focused on the safety issues regarding the fuses used in inexpensive **** multimeters (or lack thereof on the absolute worst#.
Though we used lots of Flukes on the job, The Beckman meters were preferred for testing current circuits for the very reason that they did not include a fuse in the current circuit.
Off hand, I only recall this design in cheap meters I've seen lately.
Doesn't mean it doesn't exist, but I just can't think of one #Fluke, Agilent, Gossen's I recall the innards had HRC's for both mA and A ranges#.
From what I can tell, it seems Beckman is out of the meter business. But there's always eBay.
Good recommendation to check a used meter for a bridged fuse just in case #physical inspection, not just run a self-test on fuses#.
Only fluke makes good and RELIABLE multimeters. You can find a good 73 for like $50 or a great 87 for $100-150 in ebay. They have LIFETIME WARRANTY. I don't know the warranty on other brands.
I have to disagree here.
Yes, there's plenty of **** out there. But there are other brands besides Fluke that do make
reliable DMM's, such as Gossen #sold as Dranetz in the US#, Agilent, BK Precision, UEi, and a few others. And not all of them are as expensive as Fluke either. Though Fluke may win out on support if needed.
Another thing to consider, is that the Lifetime warranty has limits. 7 - 10 years to be exact #read the fine print on their site#. So if your meter dies say 20 years after you bought it, you're on your own. Either you're stuck paying for the repairs #assuming the parts exist), or you'd have to buy a new meter.
BTW, Gossen is one of the best brands out there, and some would even argue it's better than Fluke.
