What criteria should a multimeter meet and how to choose it correctly - such questions are asked by everyone who works with electricity and decided to purchase a device. The market offers a huge selection of models and modifications, and it is easy to get lost in them, even if you have previously had experience with the device.
A professional electrician, an auto mechanic, and a home craftsman need a multimeter - a modern device that replaces three devices at once. But not everyone knows the answer to the question of how to choose such a device correctly. It will be especially difficult for beginners in this area and for those who have decided to improve their professional skills, to provide services of higher quality.
What is a multimeter
A multimeter is a combined type measuring device that performs the functions of an ammeter, voltmeter and ohmmeter. It can be digital or analog. The rules for choosing a device depend on its type, for what purposes it is needed and how actively it will be used.
An analog multimeter is an outdated but popular model with a scale and an arrow on it. It is used, as a rule, to measure the voltage and current of a pulsed nature, diagnose electrical devices in a car and motors powered by a network, capacitors.
Digital multimeters are more advanced devices with a display and simple functionality that allows them to be used even without experience and skills in working with such devices. With its help, you can get more accurate data on the quality of the current pulse, the volume of the capacitor and much more, but only if its model is chosen correctly.
A good multimeter, used for its intended purpose, will allow you to perform repair and inspection operations much faster and better. Therefore, before buying a device, you need to familiarize yourself with the basic rules for choosing it.
How to choose a multimeter according to its technical characteristics
When choosing a multimeter, it is worth starting from those tasks that need to be solved with its help. The simplest device, both digital and analog, usually performs the following list of operations:
- determination of voltage or current indicators within several limits - from mV to hundreds of V,
- variable and constant values of current or voltage,
- resistance level in the network - indicators from Ohm to MOhm,
- estimation of the coefficient (gain level) of the transistor,
- continuity of the circuit with sound.
Professional multimeters and devices for use, for example, in auto repair shops, are able to assess the performance and integrity of diodes, their capacitance and inductance with a minimum error.
The error with which the multimeter works should not exceed 3%, and regardless of the purpose for which the device is purchased - for home or professional use. This parameter must be specified in the accompanying documents of the device.
The permissible range of electrical values that the multimeter can operate with is important. The lowest threshold should be at least 1 V, the highest - at least 500 V. If the circuit or its element is energized higher than the upper permissible limit of the device, it can not only burn out, but also cause harm to the one who uses it.
It is also necessary to evaluate how convenient it will be to use a multimeter:
- the brightness level of the display for the digital version, the clarity of the scale - for the analogue,
- the quality of fastening the mode switch of the device,
- the design of the inputs for fixing the probes must exclude injury to the user by electric shock,
- ergonomics of the case - the multimeter should be comfortable both for the hand and for placement on a plane,
- the electrodes of the probes cannot be thick and short - it will be so difficult to get to hard-to-reach nodes and parts,
- the wires of the probes must be strong, without traces of kinks and scuffs,
- the list of additional functions must be specified in the technical specification of the device.
When choosing a multimeter, professionals recommend giving preference to more expensive models. Such devices are capable of performing more tasks than their cheap counterparts, they last longer and are much safer than them. This is important if the user has little experience in operating the multimeter.
