Last updated on April 6th, 2024 at 10:11 am
When working with electricity, knowing what you’re dealing with is a good idea. For instance, is the battery producing the correct voltage? Is the current flowing correctly? Are the resistors working? Are the capacitors storing the right amount of energy?
An electrician needs a reliable multimeter to determine any electricity-related measurements. A multimeter is a tool that measures electrical values, such as current flow and voltage levels. Whether you’re fixing cars or simply checking batteries, a multimeter is helpful.
Join us as we look at five of the best multimeters available to electricians on the market today and see which one suits you best.
Fluke 117 Electrician’s multimeter
- VoltAlert technology for non-contact voltage detection
- AutoVolt automatic AC/DC voltage selection. DC millivolts – Range : 600.0 mV, Resolution : 0.1 mV
Fluke 117 should be your first choice if you are a professional electrician. Yes, it is designed specifically for electricians, hence the name. It is an auto-ranging multimeter with a unique ‘Autovolt feature‘, which automatically switches between AC and DC voltage based on the input voltage type. This is really helpful when you have to take quick measurements.
It also offers contactless live voltage detection, which you will not find in any ordinary multimeters. And no, this is not a clampmeter. It has a very ‘low impedance mode‘ that allows you to take accurate readings while ignoring ghost voltages. Other features of Fluke117 are listed below:
- Voltage rating (AC/DC) up to 600 V
- Current AC/DC up to 10 A
- Supports temperature measurement from – -40 °C to 204.4 °C
- Frequency measurement up to 50 KHz
- Can measure resistance between 0.1 Ω and 40 MΩ
- Capacitance up to 1000 uF
- Safety rating- CAT III 600 V
- Counts-
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Easy to use
- Non-contact live voltage detection for extra safety
- Unique ‘Autovolt’ feature
CONS
- Expensive
- The frequency limit is very low in comparison to other multimeters in this price range
- TL-75 test leads included in the kit are not durable
Amprobe AM-570 Industrial Multimeter
- Measures AC/DC Voltage up to 1000 V, AC/DC current, resistance, frequency, capacitance, temperature, and duty cycle
- True-rms technology improves accuracy in electrically noisy environments
- Low Z mode detects stray voltages
This AM-570 by Amprobe is a true-rms multimeter built for industrial applications that work perfectly in harsh environments. It has auto-ranging as well as manual ranging options. So you can use any one of the two for maximum flexibility. In terms of safety rating at this price point, no multimeter even comes close to it.
Just like the Fluke 117, it has a Low impedance mode and Non-contact voltage detection feature. However, it offers additional features, such as a dual reading backlit display with an analog bar graph that represents the intensity or magnitude of the measured quantity. Other important features of this multimeter are listed below:
- AC/DC voltage range up to 1000 V
- AC/DC current up to 10 A
- Resistance up to 60 MΩ
- Safety rating- CAT IV 600 V, CAT III 1000 V
- Frequency measurement up to 60 MHz
- The temperature measurement range is between -40 ⁰C to 1000 ⁰C
- Built-in flashlight for easy navigation in dark areas
PROS
- Extensive features at this price
- Includes a test probe holder
- Non-contact live voltage detection for extra safety
- Strap for hanging the meter
- Brighter LCD backlight than other multimeters of the higher price range
CONS
- Several users of this multimeter have reported difficulty in test lead insertion.
- Slightly longer response time
The AstroAI Multimeter Tester 2000
- VERSATILE DIGITAL MULTIMETER – Accurately measures AC/DC Voltage, DC Current, Resistance, and Diode….
- TROUBLESHOOTING WITH ACCURACY – This Multimeter has a sampling speed of 2 times per second; Built-in…
The AstroAI Multimeter Tester 2000 is light and versatile. It’s suited for various applications, such as electronics repair, electrical troubleshooting, and DIY projects. Some of its features are:
- Voltage measurement range of 200mV
- Resistance range from 200Ω – 200MΩ
- A current range of 200μA – 10A
- Frequency range of 2Hz – 2MHz
- A sampling rate of 2 times per second.
- It uses a single 9-volt battery, which isn’t included
- Features an accuracy rate of 0.5% for DC Voltage and 1.0% for frequency
This multimeter is also compact and lightweight, weighing less than 200g. This light form factor makes the Astro AI 2000 easy to carry and use; you can easily fit it in your pocket for easy access.
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Cost-efficient
- Easy to use
- Compact and lightweight
- Versatile
CONS
- Though accurate, it isn’t as precise as some higher-grade multimeters.
- Several users of this multimeter have reported the test leads are not that durable.
AstroAI Digital Multimeter and Analyzer TRMS 6000
- Versatile Digital Multimeter – Accurately measures AC/DC Current, AC/DC Voltage, Capacitance,…
- Thoughtful Design – Support Data Hold, Large LCD Backlit Screen, Auto Shut-off and Hanging Magnet,…
This is an advanced multimeter designed for use by both professional electricians and DIY users. Some of the technical features that the TRMS 6000 offers are:
- Voltage range of 0V to 1000V for DC voltage and 0V to 750V for AC voltage
- Current range of 0μA to 10A for DC current and 0μA to 10A for AC current
- Resistance range of 0Ω to 60MΩ
- Frequency range of 10Hz to 10MHz
- Capacitance range 10nF to 600μF
- Features a data hold function
Although good value for money, it’s on the pricier side of the multimeters.
PROS
- Though pricier than the Tester 2000 model from the same maker, the TRMS 6000 is still relatively affordable.
- This multimeter is accurate with a proper RMS measurement.
- Large LCD display.
- A wide variety of measurement options.
CONS
- Though more expensive, some users have reported that the test leads aren’t as durable as they should be.
- Professionally graded multimeters are more accurate than this model.
- It isn’t suited for high-voltage applications.
Fluke 101 Basic Digital Multimeter Pocket Portable Meter
The Fluke 101 Basic Digital Multimeter Pocket Portable Meter is a more durable and less affordable multimeter; however, it provides more accurate readings than others. It also has a non-backlit display and a lightweight shell. Some of the more technical things this multimeter can measure are:
- AC Voltage (40-500 Hz): 600.0 – 600.0 V
- DC Voltage: 6.000 V, 60.00 V, 600.0 V
- Accuracy: 3.0% ± 3 digits
- Accuracy: 0.1%
- Resolution: 0.01 Hz, – 0.1 kHz
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Reliable and accurate.
- Wide range of measurements.
- Rugged and durable for daily use.
- Versatile and lightweight design.
- Cat III 600W safety rating.
CONS
- This does not measure current.
- It does not feature a backlit display, so can be harder to read.
Crenova MS8233D Digital Multimeter
- 【More Versatile than Expected】The multimeter can measure DC/AC voltage, DC/AC current,…
- 【User and Device Protection】Two built-in fuses provide overload protection on all ranges to keep…
The Crenova MS8233D Digital Multimeter is an affordable multimeter with a wide range of functions. Its small and rugged design makes it a good multimeter for daily use with electricians. Some of the technical specifications for this multimeter include:
- AC Voltage: 600mV – 600V
- DC Voltage: 600mV, 6V – 600V
- Resistance range of 600Ω – 60MΩ
- AC Voltage accuracy of ±(1.0%+3 digits)
- DC Voltage accuracy of ±(0.5%+3 digits)
- Power Supply: 9V battery
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Affordably priced.
- Offers a wide range of measurements.
- Features a data hold function.
- Rugged and durable.
- Lightweight.
- Turns off automatically after a period of standby.
CONS
- Not as accurate as more expensive multimeters.
- Some users have complained that the probes can break easily.
Klein Tools MM400 Multimeter
- Multimeter measures up to 600V AC/DC voltage, 10A AC/DC current and 40 MOhms resistance
- Electrical tester measures temperature, capacitance, frequency, duty-cycle, and test diodes and continuity
The Klein Tools MM400 Multimeter is an affordable multimeter for more experienced electricians. Its rugged and durable design ensures it can withstand regular daily use and provides a wide range of measurements.
Some of the ranges that this multimeter measures are:
- AC Voltage: 600mV – 600V
- DC Voltage: 600mV, 6V, 60V, 600V
- AC Current: 600mA, 6A
- DC Current: 600mA, 6A
- Resistance: 600Ω – 60MΩ
- Capacitance: 6nF – 600μF
- Frequency: 10Hz-100kHz
PROS
- Cost-efficient.
- Wide range of features and measurements.
- Lightweight.
- Backlit display and auto power off.
- Cat 3 600V Safety rating.
- Turns off automatically after a period of standby.
CONS
- People have reported that some of the probes break easily.
- Cheaper multimeters may have the same features.
- Some users have reported the item as faulty upon receiving the multimeter.
Final Thoughts
When choosing a multimeter, it may take time to decide what you need, depending on your experience level when dealing with energy outputs. Your specific use case will also dictate the kind of multimeter you need. We’ve looked at a few here, and each one listed offers excellent performance based on their features and prices.
Even though some of the multimeters may not have as many extra features, and some may be more durable than others, you won’t be disappointed with any of the multimeters on this list. These multimeters may not be as expensive as other models, but it doesn’t mean they can’t do the job just as well.
