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What's a good homeowner multimeter?

The Rusty Gear

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Edmonton, Canada
I've always used a cheapie multimeter around the house for checking batteries, wiring, power supplies etc. I was just wondering what you guys use around the house, or in the garage, or what you would recommend as an "upgrade" to my $10 chinese digital multimeter?
 
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Stuey

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I like Extech. Many Craftsman meters are rebadged Extechs, and can be found for far less than retail price during a 50% off sale.
 

NSXSOON

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Florida Space Coast
I have been using a Fluke 88 for many years. Fluke makes some of the best meters out there with a wide range of features. I'd take a look at what they have to offer that will fit your needs. They are not only accurate but are also very reliable and ruggid.
 
OP
T

The Rusty Gear

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I have been using a Fluke 88 for many years. Fluke makes some of the best meters out there with a wide range of features. I'd take a look at what they have to offer that will fit your needs. They are not only accurate but are also very reliable and ruggid.

I was thinking a fluke would be nice. Is an 88 the "standard"? When looking at used, alot of the ones i see are the 88.
 

jay50

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I have the Fluke 88 for my auto shop but it is way too much for the average homeowner.

Watch Sears for sales on their DMMs; they are great overall. I also have one of them in my shop.
 

speed bump

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Butte Montana
Does anyone use a clamp multimeter? I never figured out the use for those myself . . . . .

Whenever you want to check amperage with having to break the circuit and add in an ammeter then its the way to go. If you really want to spend the money you also get an inductive clamp to do DC as well but those are more expensive than a good meter.

For most homeowner stuff unless your really paranoid about true RMS whatever cheapie digital meter you can get will probably suffice.
 

tube_guy

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I really like my Extech meters. I bought them as part of an electrical test kit for about 75 dollars, and they are the best autoranging meters I've ever owned. They are made in China. It's the electrical test kit on the following page.

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?PMPAGE=1100&PARTPG=INLMK3&PMITEM=308-0178

Most cheap autoranging meters that I've used are just so slow that they are rather impractical. Until I bought the Extech meters, I've always preferred a manual ranging meter in the cheaper price ranges. The Flukes I've used do have a better feel than Extech, but they are also quite a bit more money. Also, I think the Flukes are not as good as they used to be before Danaher bought the company.

A clamp-on meter is nice for measuring current when you cannot remove connections to place the meter within the circuit. No cutting wires is necessary.
 
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alkemyst

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I picked up my craftsman for 50% off plus a coupon bringing it down to about $10.

I have used it alot, I had bought it to just troubleshoot an a/c system, but since I found many things I can do with it.
 

35mastr

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Another vote for fluke. I have a 88 in the shop. A 87 in the tool box at work and a T5.
 

goodfellow

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What kind of Multimeter? Digital or Analog? If you're mostly working on cars, or IC's you will need a good digital unit, since proper voltage, ohm and mA readings are mostly read within a specific "low-high" range. Good digital units usually include a temperature probe, and an audible continuity test function. Fluke has the best options, but costs more. I have found that Radio Shack and Sears have a very good selection of meters at very reasonable prices.

Traditional analog meters are better suited for general purpose home electrical and appliance repair. They require less overall maintenace and will pretty much last a lifetime. However, high quality meters will usually cost more than their digital counterparts. Although at best they give approximate readings, because everyone interprets meter readings slightly differently.
I'm of the opinion that vintage Analog VOM's (from the late 60's, 70's) were at their peak as far as development is concerned. Hence I tend to purchase name brand Analog VOM's on e-bay. The Simpson (especially the model 260), Triplett, Eico, HP, and Radio Shack Micronta meters were probably some of the most sought after VOM's of their time. They can be had at very reasonable prices on e-bay.

Also, on Analog meters, avoid the cheap 1000 ohm/volt meters and look only for 20,000 ohm/volt units; they are much more sensitive and accurate in testing delicate low voltage circuits.
 
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goodfellow

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Does anyone use a clamp multimeter? I never figured out the use for those myself . . . . .

The clamp easily measures amperage. Most VOM are only capable of mA measurements. Trying to measure amps above the mA range could damage the typical VOM. With the clamp-on meter you can easily measure line current into much higher amperage ranges.
 

Joe92GT

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Jan 2, 2009
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We used to sell fluke before ebay made it impractical. I will always recommend a fluke or Yokogawa meter over anything else. At home I have the model 179 kit, and it does everything a home owner would ever want to do, and more. At work I have 87 V, and a bunch of other fun toys like a scopemeter :). Buy the fluke once, and be done with it forever. DO NOT buy on ebay unless you are sure of the source. Stolen flukes are fine until you need to send them in for calibration or repair (mostly from user damage). Fluke tracks every single serial number, and where it was sold to. The model 88 is the automotive series meter, and a very nice model,but very expensive.

Current clamps are a must have for working on electrical power. Measuring current in series is great for small DC circuits, but the meters have a max current through put of 10amps. I use one of these http://www.yokogawa.com/us/mi/MetersandInstruments/us-ykgw-clampon.htm the model cl220. Does AC and DC current, all in one easy package. An AC only clamp on like that runs around 150 ish, maybe less. The AC/DC one I have is about double that. There are also current clamp attachments at less cost.

If you don't want to spend much, the craftsman DVM looks fine.
 
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Spookrider

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Bad thing about Sears Multi Meter is they don't make the fuse any more for the small cheap meter. I had a nice round about with these folks about still sale the thing and don't the fuses. There reply good luck on finding after market. Which I did but it was hard. Stay away from Sears. Find one that has easy to get fuses. Like a small Fluke but, their fuse made of moon dust cost a pretty penny also but, essayer to find in a Indust. Supply house.
 

Bustawrench

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South Jersey
I've always used a cheapie multimeter around the house for checking batteries, wiring, power supplies etc. I was just wondering what you guys use around the house, or in the garage, or what you would recommend as an "upgrade" to my $10 chinese digital multimeter?




Old school answer:

http://www.simpsonelectric.com/main/index.asp?p=Products&id=30&sid=31&s=1

New school answer:

http://us.fluke.com/usen/products/F...=FlukeUnitedStates&category=HMA(FlukeProducts)

Economy answer:

http://www.idealindustries.com/products/test_measurement/multimeters/resi-pro_310_series.jsp
 
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Kurn

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I have a Greenlee set from Lowes which has the multimeter,circuit tester,and plug tester.I think it is around 20 bucks.But my "good one" is an ancient Micronta from Radio shack.I've had it so long I don't remember buying it!
 

petty4243

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LuVerne Iowa
Bad thing about Sears Multi Meter is they don't make the fuse any more for the small cheap meter. I had a nice round about with these folks about still sale the thing and don't the fuses. There reply good luck on finding after market. Which I did but it was hard. Stay away from Sears. Find one that has easy to get fuses. Like a small Fluke but, their fuse made of moon dust cost a pretty penny also but, essayer to find in a Indust. Supply house.



if used properly, should never need to replace the fuse... everyone should (key word should) know that typical multimeters will only safely measure current up 10 amp MAX.... anything higher and you need a specialty amp meter.... keep in mind i am not saying thatis the only cause for blown fuses, but it would most likley cover 98% or more
 

Vulturej

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Illinois
Craftsman would be a good upgrade from a $10 Chinese to a $30 Chinese multimeter. Around the house you don't need a fancy multimeter unless you are working on cars or electronic repair. If you want to get very good meter Fluke, BK precision, HP, Extech, Tenma, Simpson are all excellent meters.
 

chevelle67

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Apr 7, 2009
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Campbellsport, WI
Without a doubt the best DMM out right now are Flukes, I have an 87, a 96b scopemeter, a 32 clamp on, a 52 themo, and a 27, I also have numerous other Flukes for microAmp, Megohms etc. I use my 87 and 96b the most. I use them at home and work so cost was not a concern. We have several apprentices at work that have started using UEI and have had good luck. Strictly home use a Fluke would be overkill (especially a Scopemeter) but that has never stopped anyone of us before. Extec, UEI, Greenlee will all do more than most need. The best way to ensure they last a long time is to remove the batteries when stored for an extended peiod of time.
 

jshillin

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PA
I have a decent Greenlee and have no issues with it. A fluke would be great, but it's overkill for me. I think I paid around $30 for mine from Lowes. I'd definitely recommend it.
 

MattPersman

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Apr 1, 2009
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Indiana
I have had a Fluke 73 for years and use it as a technician, if I have home stuff to check I just bring it home, even though I have a craftsman from 10-15 years ago. they do not make the 73 anymore but do make a 77, pretty good easy to use all around meter with lifetime warranty
 

Thedroid

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Feb 16, 2009
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New Mexico
this is what you want right here. Rugged, versatile, accurate, and safe. $83


T5New.jpg



http://www.transcat.com/Catalog/productdetail.aspx?itemnum=T5-600E&utm_source=google&utm_medium=base
 

autoace

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Oct 20, 2008
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Maine,USA
I have been using a Fluke 88 for many years. Fluke makes some of the best meters out there with a wide range of features. I'd take a look at what they have to offer that will fit your needs. They are not only accurate but are also very reliable and ruggid.

X2 Fluke is my choice!:thumbup:
 

usa#1

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Jul 30, 2008
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392
If you plan on working on your home ac unit or checking electric motors, I would suggest you make sure to get a meter that has a capacitor check built in. Fluke makes a pretty nice unit the HVAC guys like (model 116) that has a cap check and a temp probe.
 
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