Which Auto Ranging multi-meter should I use?

[wild nomad]

Hi there!

Was wondering if anyone could recommend a good auto ranging multi-meter? Not worried about spending some money, just don't want one that's going to blow up or electrocute me... or anyone else come to that.

Thanks in advace

Mike

 

[Masood]

I bought a Fluke 116 recently. Nice bit of kit - easy to use, particularly the full autorange setting which will measure AC and DC volts on the same setting. Does micro amps for flame rectification. Not cheap but seems well worth the money.

 

[bassmonster]

have a look here...

http://www.ukplumbersforums.co.uk/g...rum/66855-fluke-114-multimeter-boilers-4.html

Few of us ended buying this:

VC97 3 3/­4 Auto Range Digital Multimeter All Function Include Carry Bag | eBay

 

[AWheating]

ive got a kewtech which is good and a ryobi tek 4 which is really nice to use.

 

[wild nomad]

Hi Bassmonster,

So, in regards to the VC97, have you used it on 230v AC yet?

Mike

 

[armyash]

Plumb center one is simple to use and cheap.

Even the Baxi guys running the courses said they were excellent value for money.

 

[bassmonster]

Hi Bassmonster,

So, in regards to the VC97, have you used it on 230v AC yet?

Mike

not used it on 230v yet... just ran it under hot water to see if temperature reading is correct..lol

 

[Masood]

Plumb center one is simple to use and cheap.

Even the Baxi guys running the courses said they were excellent value for money.

It is. I keep one of those in the van for general use and it is simple, foolproof and robust.

Good enough for 95% of diagnostic work, just lacking a couple of more advanced features.

 

[Masood]

just ran it under hot water to see if temperature reading is correct..lol

Probably the least relevant function!

 

[kris]

I bought a Fluke 116 recently. Nice bit of kit - easy to use, particularly the full autorange setting which will measure AC and DC volts on the same setting. Does micro amps for flame rectification. Not cheap but seems well worth the money.

Im with masood ive the 116 its a good multimeter and was designed for the hvac industry .

 

[kris]

The 116 fluke is £120

 

[bassmonster]

Probably the least relevant function!

yes, but for something which cost absolute peanuts, it was worth checking

 

[Masood]

yes, but for something which cost absolute peanuts, it was worth checking

Well not really IMO. You've checked a function that you'll rarely, if ever, use in real life. It would be interesting to put your meter head-to-head against a Fluke checking NTC resistances, milliamp readings, low voltages etc.

It might be accurate in which case you've got a bargain. But until you've tested and proved the functionality you actually use you've not established whether it's worth carrying in your toolkit. Unless it comes with a calibration certificate in which case I'm buying one!

 

[bassmonster]

Masood, you're on buddy.....we'll do a test when i see you next time

 

[Chris F]

I have been using the vc97 day in and day out, and my mate who is a sparks borrowed it to put it through its paces for me,and although he initially laughed and dismissed it as cheap cack he couldn't fault the accuracy.
I'm well happy with it.

 

[tolly]

I use an Extech ex330, Anton sell it for a substantial sum more than you can get them online. Heres a link to some video comparisons of loads of cheap autoranging meters, the extech wins overall. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoeUgMFLyAw

 

[tolly]

From memory he slates the Vichy lol. Shame the extech looks a bit childish, green body with orange case

 

[gasmanrob]

The 116 fluke is £120

Where I've searched the internet but not found any that cheap

 

[lame plumber]

wickes £19.50 multi meter, all I have to do is turn the dial to the correct setting to make it work properly, its that simple , and I have a 2nd identical one to calibrate against