A multimeter is one of the most important tools in any serious electrician’s tools cabinet. In fact, without this testing tool, no meaningful troubleshooting task can be carried out. The difference between a properly done electrical job and an inefficient work can largely depend on the testing tool used. That’s why it’s important to select the most ideal tool. When choosing a multimeter for electrical troubleshooting, there are certain features you need to consider. Multimeters are designed to perform the same function, but some have more features and better qualities than others. So, what makes a multimeter different from the other and what features do the best multimeters have? The rest of this article is dedicated to providing information on the qualities to look for when selecting the most ideal multimeter.
Accuracy
This feature is one of the most important features to consider when selecting a multimeter. Troubleshooting tasks rely heavily on accuracy. Without getting the accurate measurements of your applications, you will be inefficient and it will take you a long time to figure out what is wrong with your device. This will be a big problem if you are a commercial electrician. When buying a multimeter, ensure that the meter has a high accurate ratio of 99-100%. As a professional electrician, getting a high accurate multimeter is mandatory if you really want to grow in your chosen career. You might be an expert in the field but a less accurate testing tool can drastically affect your troubleshooting tasks. Even if you are buying the multimeter for personal use, it is still important to select a meter that reads accurately. This will save you a lot of stress in the long run.
Measuring capabilities
Multimeters differ in what they can measure and what they cannot measure. Before buying a multimeter, you need to find out what you really need the multimeter for. Here, your needs for a meter will determine which meter you should select. For instance if you are going to use your device in an industrial setting or for heavy duty equipment, it will be better to select a multimeter with high voltage measuring capacity to prevent overload. Generally, the most basic features of all multimeters are capacity to measure AC/DC current, voltage, and resistance. Some multimeters have more features such as continuity, duty cycle, and capacitance. Although multimeters with more features are more expensive than those with lesser features, what matters is your need for the tool. If you’ll need a tool with more measuring capabilities, there is no need buying a tool with fewer features. But for DIY persons who want to make use of the multimeter for household electronics, a multimeter with the basic features should be enough.
Safety
When dealing with electricity, there is usually a risk of electrical hazard. There might be electrical shock or damage of appliances. This is why most high quality multimeters are designed with safety features that will help you stay safe when working on a device with the multimeter. The multimeter you select should pass the necessary safety standards. When buying a multimeter, do not look only at its measurement capabilities or accuracy. Find out if the banana probes are shrouded, whether the device has blast shields, and how the meter is actually designed. Always put safety in mind when buying a multimeter in order to keep you and your electrical appliance safe when using the multimeter.
Conclusion
These are the most important things to consider when buying a multimeter. There are other considerations like the cost, extra features like tilt stand and durability, as well as product warranty. But the above three features should be considered first before looking at other features that will help you make the right decision when selecting a multimeter.
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