by A multimeter is a handy digital device to have around the house. If you ever notice electrical problems with your car or some electronic component in your home, then a multimeter can help you figure out what is going on.
However, you can’t just purchase one multimeter and assume it will give you everything you want. There are several multimeter models available on the market. The difference between the cheaper multimeter models and the expensive multimeter models pertain to what they can measure.
The cheaper models can only measure things like resistance, inductance, continuity, conductance, and frequency. But if you go with a more expensive model, it can perform several advanced measurements.
Some of these measurements include microamps, graphs, rotations per minute, and decibels. They may even have water resistance properties too. This is perfect if you’re working outside on a construction project and need protection from the weather.
Types of Multimeters
Now let’s explore the different types of multimeters and what they can do. Below are the top 5 multimeters that you can purchase at any home improvement or hardware store. They are suitable for someone of any experience level, whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or a certified electrician.
1. Clamp Multimeter
The main function of a clamp multimeter is to conduct electrical flow measurements in your HVAC system, battery, or electronic machine. Since it is a “clamp” multimeter, you can use a clamp to attach the multimeter to the device you’re measuring. This makes it easier to conduct measurements because you can remain hands-free while the multimeter remains idle and secure. The clamp multimeter is a digital multimeter, so you’ll have a display screen to show the measurements.
2. Fluke Multimeter
A fluke multimeter has a variety of collaboration features. Its primary function is to measure the amount of voltage and electrical resistance in a diode. If you purchase a more advanced fluke multimeter, then it might also measure humidity, temperature, frequency, pressure, and duty circle. A lot of electricians and construction workers use fluke multimeters. The fluke multimeter is also a digital multimeter with a display screen as well.
3. Analog Multimeter
Analog multimeters are the original multimeters that were around before digital technology took over the marketplace. Instead of looking at a digital display screen to get the reading, you’re forced to look at a small physical needle that moves left or right. Most people have difficulty reading where the needle is pointed, especially people who are used to the digital version of the multimeter.
4. Autoranging Multimeter
If you’re new to using multimeters, then you’ll have the easiest time using the auto-ranging multimeter. Although it is an expensive digital multimeter, you don’t need to deal with as many positions with the knob, which is located in the center of the device. In other words, you don’t need to switch the dial to whatever it is you’re measuring. This might eliminate the confusion for some people who don’t have experience with multimeters.
Read also:
- Basic Functions and Use of a Multimeter
- How to Test Diode using an Analog Multimeter
- What Happens if a Diode is Reversed?
5. Digital Multimeters
Digital multimeters can be broken down into four categories. Let’s go over them now:
- Category I – A digital multimeter that can test electronic equipment and electronic devices.
- Category II – A digital multimeter that can test domestic loads and appliances.
- Category III – A digital multimeter that can test small to medium-sized industrial circuits.
- Category IV – A digital multimeter meant for testing heavy-duty components, such as residential feeds, electrical power lines, commercial electrical components, and so on.
When you shop for a digital multimeter at your local hardware store, the product boxes should indicate which category the multimeters fall under. If not, have a serviceperson tell you.
