Multimeter suggestions

[gazdkw82]

I'm after my first quality multi meter. I'm thinking preferably one with a clamp function on it.

I'm not bothered about brand as I have no real experience (although my fluke voltage tester failed just after 12 months)

Which one I choose will be based on price, functions, reliability and warranty offered.

What suggestions??

 

[LankyWill]

We need a rough budget, multimeters range from £10- £1000

 

[telectrix]

megger every time for me. as for a clamp meter, buy an earth leakage clamp meter separate.

 

[gazdkw82]

£250 max really

 

[telectrix]

here:

Megger AVO210 Digital Multimeter - https://www.tester.co.uk/megger-avo210-digital-multimeter?fee=3&fep=15725&gclid=CjwKEAjwgtTJBRDRmd6ZtLrGyxwSJAA7Fy-hF7qFtff1tV8VFMsAR055KNepnf-dGDsRyHxHhuYLchoCw4bw_wcB

 

[LankyWill]

Fluke CXT280 Extreme Hard Case for 280 Series - https://www.tester.co.uk/fluke-cxt280-rugged-pelican-hard-case

 

[LankyWill]

Im with Tel, buy a clamp meter separately as the ones with a multimeter function are a bit gimicky

 

[Octopus]

If you buy 2nd hand make sure its calibrated.. or thats another £55+ quid

 

[gazdkw82]

Thing is I don't want to be carrying loads of different tools around with me. I will most likely be starting a new role based around maintenance so I'll be carrying a backpack around. Space will be limited. What's the difference between a clamp meter and the meters with the cut out? Assume it does the same thing just different style?

 

[LankyWill]

Some fluke multimeters have a clamp accessory that you can buy as an addition, i get more use out of my multimeter than my clamp meter. Just leave it in the van if your hard on space.

 

[Specialist]

Clamp meter measures high current as well as standard voltage / resistance etc.
Take a look at the Amprobe 220 EUR, excellent bit of kit & not heavy to carry. Best thing I've put in my service bag in a long while.

 

[telectrix]

my amprobe. (circa 1965):

 

[Specialist]

Bet it still works tel.

 

[gazdkw82]

I just don't want to be pulling different meters out

 

[Specialist]

Why would you be pulling different meters out ?, are you measuring anything other than the usual Amps, Ohms & Volts ?.

 

[telectrix]

Bet it still works tel.

perfect. bought it from car boot. £2. clamped tail at home, switched on 2kW oven. read 8.5A. spot on.

 

[gazdkw82]

No just the usual amps, ohms, volts

 

[telectrix]

Why would you be pulling different meters out ?, are you measuring anything other than the usual Amps, Ohms & Volts ?.

it's a pain trying to measure Amps with a mutimeter. first isolate, disconnect conductors and connect to meter leads, then re-energise, measure current. then repeat procedure to reconnect.

 

[Specialist]

No just the usual amps, ohms, volts

That was why I suggested a clamp meter, the 220 for example is True RMS & will do 600v AC/DC, 6/60/600a AC/DC, 60K resistance & 2500uf capacitance.
Also has a non contact tester in the tip.

There are plenty of other makes / models that provide the same functions, the reason I prefer the 220 is that it's pretty compact.

 

[gazdkw82]

I think I need one that is over 1000v